Author(s): Pat
Location: NY
"Bat Out Of Hell"
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
Written by Robert Rodriguez and Andrea Berloff
Based upon the songs of Meat Loaf
Produced by Robert Rodriguez, Lawrence Bender
Main Cast
Jared Leto (Darius, The Bat)
Brittany Murphy (Marianne)
Jennifer Hudson (The Siren)
Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (Eamonn)
Rosario Dawson (Simone)
Matthew Macfayden (Markus)
John Hurt (Satan)
Danny Trejo (Machete)
Tagline: "Love can’t stop a bat out of Hell"
Synopsis: From director Robert Rodriguez comes a new rock opera “Bat Out Of Hell”, which uses the music from Meat Loaf’s acclaimed trilogy. The film follows one demon and his journey in love and death. Darius (Jared Leto) is a tasked by Satan (John Hurt) to find a mortal to spawn with in order to bring destruction on the decaying human race. He arrives on Earth with his flaming motorcycle and searches for a suitable mate. But on his quest he encounters the Siren (Jennifer Hudson), a goddess from Heaven, who offers Darius a chance at salvation in exchange for the assassination of a fallen angel named Markus (Matthew Macfayden) and Darius must not impregnate a human. While weighing his possibilities, Satan learns of the deal and sends several of his henchmen to keep Darius on the right path. First is Simone (Rosario Dawson), a beautiful demon who seduces Darius into a disaterous sexual relationship that results in her banishment from Hell. Satan then sends Machete (Danny Trejo), a rival demon biker, but he fails to stop Darius. And then Darius meets Marianne (Brittany Murphy), a waitress with a fetish for motorcycles. Darius immediately falls in love with but is reluctant to get close for fear she will be killed in the spiritual war. Things get worse for Darius when a vampire called Eamonn (Johnathan Rhys-Meyers) shares his attraction for Marianne and goes to gruesome measures to get her. Darius saves Marianne and ends up getting her pregnant, which cause the Siren to send Darius back to Hell. But his love is too strong. Darius breaks out and battles with Markus, who wants to spawn with Marianne. The final showdown between Heaven and Hell begins and only tragedy ensues. “Bat Out Of Hell” is a heartbreaking tale about one demon’s wish for paradise that is blocked by his love for another.
Song List
“Bat Out Of Hell”- Darius, The Siren
“Paradise By The Dashboard Light”-Darius, Simone
“You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth”-Darius, Marianne
“I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)-Darius, Marianne
“All Revved Up With No Place To Go”-Eamonn, Marianne
“Heaven Can Wait”-Darius
“For Crying Out Loud”-Darius, Marianne
“Back Into Hell”-Darius, The Siren, Markus, Satan
“The Monster Is Loose”-Darius, Markus, Satan
“Seize The Night”-Darius, Marianne, Markus, The Siren
“Monstro/Alive”-Darius
“You Took The Words Right Out Of Mouth (Reprise)-Marianne
“Cry To Heaven”-Darius
“The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be”-Darius, The Siren
What the Press would say:
The director of “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Desperado” brings to life the imfamous music of Marvin “Meat Loaf” Aday in the new rock opera “Bat Out Of Hell”, which follows a demon’s battle with both Heaven and Hell because of his love for a beautiful human. This film is quite different from Rodriguez’s previous work in that it is more emotional and serious, thanks to the help of “World Trade Center” scribe Andrea Berloff. In the beginning the film seems to be a pseudo-superhero flick but it quickly transforms into an epic romance full of deception and tragedy. Jared Leto stars as the Darius, the title character, and his performance could be hailed as one of the best musical performances ever. His sadness can be felt in every song he sings and every look that he gives. If you don’t believe him by the finale of the film, when he faces the choice of saving his love or stopping Satan from taking over, then something is definitely wrong with you. Brittany Murphy is the other lead character and excells in every way imaginable. She is at times a sex kitten with a ferocious attitude and then a feeble, love-struck human. It is her best career performance. Matthew Macfayaden and Rosario Dawson and also good in roles as people Hell-bent on stopping Darius from seeking salvation and Jennifer Hudson stuns again as the Siren, a Heaven-sent being who wants to see Darius get what he wants but can’t help but push her boss’s agenda. “Bat Out Of Hell” is one of the best movie musicals ever and amazes in every frame with its brutal power and emotional strengths.
FYC
Best Picture
Best Director-Robert Rodriguez
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Actor-Jared Leto
Best Actress-Brittany Murphy
Best Supporting Actor-Matthew Macfayden
Best Supporting Actress-Rosario Dawson
Best Supporting Actress-Jennifer Hudson
Saturday, June 21, 2008
"Bee-Bee's Funhouse"
Author(s): Brian
Location: Arizona
"Bee-Bee's Funhouse"
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Written by Aaron Sorkin
Produced by Jonathan Demme and James Keach
Music by Terence Blanchard
Main Cast
Jeff Bridges (Maurice Verdun)
Amy Adams (Sally Bridges)
Mandy Patinkin (Michael Ward)
Gerard Butler (Lester Hartford)
Shareeka Epps (Melinda Solomon)
Laurence Fishburne (Jeffrey Solomon)
Frances McDormand (Amy Ward)
Tagline: "Racism. Controversy. Children"
Synopsis: The year is 1963, and the name on everybody’s lips is Maurice Verdun. Maurice is the creator, head writer, director and executive producer of the extremely popular children’s show “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse.” The show airs live at 1:00 every week day, and consists of a man dressed in a bear suit, teaching kids age 3-7 things like counting, reading and other wholesome lessons. While on the surface it seems odd that the man behind a juvenile television show would be a celebrity among adults, one must understand how charming Maurice is. He is a true ladies’ man, and his attempts at more “adult” projects, most notably his film “Natural Talent”, have been nothing but successful. The press has dubbed him as the man who had his big break at age 50. However, there is one thing that makes Maurice appear less lovable to some: he is, put lightly, a hardcore racist. Maurice refuses even being in the same room as a black person. But that was a fact that most were able to tiptoe around. That is, until the next year, when the Civil Rights Act was signed. The thought of desegregation infuriates Maurice. However, he soon realizes that he has an audience that no one else has: children. He knows that propaganda works best on the young, and so, he incorporates slightly racist suggestions. And over the next two years, those suggestions would cause a national uproar, and force everyone involved to examine their thoughts on race.
Sally Bridges is a young, drop-dead gorgeous young civil rights activist. She leads protests and rallies, and is known to hate anyone who disagrees with her. Ms. Bridges leads the protests against the show. However, when she starts to fall for Maurice, she is unsure what to do. She doesn’t want to have to give up on her goal of eliminating discrimination, but she also does not want to lose Maurice’s love.
Michael Ward is the actor that portrays Bee-Bee. He and his wife, Amy, are activists in the civil rights movement. In any other circumstance, he would not stand for Maurice’s brainwashing techniques. However, this is his first acting job in years, which he only got because he is friends with Maurice. Michael must choose between his beliefs and his paycheck.
Lester Hartford is the head of NBC, the network that airs “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse.” He is young and optimistic, but has no idea how to run a TV station. He gets hate mail, and praise, for letting the show remain on the air. He is unsure of what he should do about it, as his stance on black rights is undecided.
Melinda Solomon is a just-out-of-high school African-American girl who has been raised by Sally for the past few years, since her mother’s death. Melinda has grown up with the protestors, and she has never had any other friends. Thus, she is extremely shy. When her father, Jeffrey, is released from prison, he wants his daughter back. However, she wants to stay with Sally, and makes the excuse that she needs to protest the show. Because of this, Melinda secretly does not want the show to go off the air, as it would mean living with her father.
All of these characters get caught up in a web, based on a children’s television show. Sally discovers that Maurice has been lying about his feelings towards her; Melinda frames Jeffrey so that he will go back to prison; Lester is murdered; Amy leaves Michael and stirs him into depression; Maurice loses his reputation as a good guy and countless other things. And, after every few scenes, we see a clip of the show, which seems to mimic what his happening in reality. All of these things lead up to a shocking conclusion, in which the show is taken off the air, and it is the last episode. It seems normal, and incorporates no racial slurs, until the very end, where Maurice, dressed in black face, kills Bee-Bee. Audiences across America are stunned. “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” becomes a pivotal movement in the civil rights movement, and in the future’s mindset.
What the Press would say:
Wow. Just…wow. I have just seen the most beautifully crafted, original, relevant films of the 21st century. Directed impeccably by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme and starring some of the finest talent of our time, “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” is more than just the best movie of the year. In fact, it’s more than just a movie. The film elevates above the title of “movie”, and instead becomes a work of art that speaks an under-examined message about modern times, but never fails to be entertaining. While it would seem obvious to call a script penned by “West Wing” creator and head scribe Aaron Sorkin compelling, there is simply no better word to describe the film. There is not a second where the film does not entertain the viewer, but there is also not a second where the film does not make the viewer think. “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” truly is a modern masterpiece.
One of the key things in making this film a masterpiece is the brilliant acting. Jeff Bridges plays Maurice Verdun, the protagonist, who runs the preschool-aimed show “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” (hence the title). Bridges goes from ruthless to heroic, and everywhere in between, in one of the most challenging and fascinating roles this year. Bridges manages to win over our sympathy and hatred, and should also manage to win Best Actor at this year’s Oscars. The Oscar winning co-star of “Wackos” and “Junebug”, Amy Adams, also turns in fantastic work as Sally Bridges, the lead protester against the show. Like her co-star, she portrays a wide range of emotions; however Adams takes a different, but equally successful approach from that of her co-star, in that she never shows anger, just disappointment. Hopefully this exceptional and refreshingly different approach to a great character will be enough to carve Ms. Adams’ name on an Oscar. But, the real show-stealer here is Mandy Patinkin. Patinkin’s role is the most vital of the supporting cast. He plays Michael Ward, the lead actor on the show. However, he really plays two characters. The first is, as previously mentioned, Michael Ward. Michael is a struggling actor who is fiercely against discrimination. But, he has to continue starring in a blatantly racist show because he cannot find work elsewhere. The second is Bee-Bee, the “lovable” bear on the fictional children’s show. We see a clip of the increasingly appalling show every once in a while, and we entirely forget that it is Patinkin underneath the costume. The characters he plays are total opposites, and he plays each one as convincingly as possible. Giving the Best Supporting Actor statuette to anyone else would be a joke.
“Bee-Bee’s Funhosue” is, without question, the best film of the year. It is a life-changing, thoroughly engrossing experience that is bound to pick up lots of attention at this year’s Oscars, with a strong campaign in the following categories…
Best Picture
Best Director (Jonathan Demme)
Best Actor (Jeff Bridges)
Best Actress (Amy Adams)
Best Supporting Actor (Mandy Patinkin)
Best Original Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score (Terence Blanchard)
Location: Arizona
"Bee-Bee's Funhouse"
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Written by Aaron Sorkin
Produced by Jonathan Demme and James Keach
Music by Terence Blanchard
Main Cast
Jeff Bridges (Maurice Verdun)
Amy Adams (Sally Bridges)
Mandy Patinkin (Michael Ward)
Gerard Butler (Lester Hartford)
Shareeka Epps (Melinda Solomon)
Laurence Fishburne (Jeffrey Solomon)
Frances McDormand (Amy Ward)
Tagline: "Racism. Controversy. Children"
Synopsis: The year is 1963, and the name on everybody’s lips is Maurice Verdun. Maurice is the creator, head writer, director and executive producer of the extremely popular children’s show “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse.” The show airs live at 1:00 every week day, and consists of a man dressed in a bear suit, teaching kids age 3-7 things like counting, reading and other wholesome lessons. While on the surface it seems odd that the man behind a juvenile television show would be a celebrity among adults, one must understand how charming Maurice is. He is a true ladies’ man, and his attempts at more “adult” projects, most notably his film “Natural Talent”, have been nothing but successful. The press has dubbed him as the man who had his big break at age 50. However, there is one thing that makes Maurice appear less lovable to some: he is, put lightly, a hardcore racist. Maurice refuses even being in the same room as a black person. But that was a fact that most were able to tiptoe around. That is, until the next year, when the Civil Rights Act was signed. The thought of desegregation infuriates Maurice. However, he soon realizes that he has an audience that no one else has: children. He knows that propaganda works best on the young, and so, he incorporates slightly racist suggestions. And over the next two years, those suggestions would cause a national uproar, and force everyone involved to examine their thoughts on race.
Sally Bridges is a young, drop-dead gorgeous young civil rights activist. She leads protests and rallies, and is known to hate anyone who disagrees with her. Ms. Bridges leads the protests against the show. However, when she starts to fall for Maurice, she is unsure what to do. She doesn’t want to have to give up on her goal of eliminating discrimination, but she also does not want to lose Maurice’s love.
Michael Ward is the actor that portrays Bee-Bee. He and his wife, Amy, are activists in the civil rights movement. In any other circumstance, he would not stand for Maurice’s brainwashing techniques. However, this is his first acting job in years, which he only got because he is friends with Maurice. Michael must choose between his beliefs and his paycheck.
Lester Hartford is the head of NBC, the network that airs “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse.” He is young and optimistic, but has no idea how to run a TV station. He gets hate mail, and praise, for letting the show remain on the air. He is unsure of what he should do about it, as his stance on black rights is undecided.
Melinda Solomon is a just-out-of-high school African-American girl who has been raised by Sally for the past few years, since her mother’s death. Melinda has grown up with the protestors, and she has never had any other friends. Thus, she is extremely shy. When her father, Jeffrey, is released from prison, he wants his daughter back. However, she wants to stay with Sally, and makes the excuse that she needs to protest the show. Because of this, Melinda secretly does not want the show to go off the air, as it would mean living with her father.
All of these characters get caught up in a web, based on a children’s television show. Sally discovers that Maurice has been lying about his feelings towards her; Melinda frames Jeffrey so that he will go back to prison; Lester is murdered; Amy leaves Michael and stirs him into depression; Maurice loses his reputation as a good guy and countless other things. And, after every few scenes, we see a clip of the show, which seems to mimic what his happening in reality. All of these things lead up to a shocking conclusion, in which the show is taken off the air, and it is the last episode. It seems normal, and incorporates no racial slurs, until the very end, where Maurice, dressed in black face, kills Bee-Bee. Audiences across America are stunned. “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” becomes a pivotal movement in the civil rights movement, and in the future’s mindset.
What the Press would say:
Wow. Just…wow. I have just seen the most beautifully crafted, original, relevant films of the 21st century. Directed impeccably by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme and starring some of the finest talent of our time, “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” is more than just the best movie of the year. In fact, it’s more than just a movie. The film elevates above the title of “movie”, and instead becomes a work of art that speaks an under-examined message about modern times, but never fails to be entertaining. While it would seem obvious to call a script penned by “West Wing” creator and head scribe Aaron Sorkin compelling, there is simply no better word to describe the film. There is not a second where the film does not entertain the viewer, but there is also not a second where the film does not make the viewer think. “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” truly is a modern masterpiece.
One of the key things in making this film a masterpiece is the brilliant acting. Jeff Bridges plays Maurice Verdun, the protagonist, who runs the preschool-aimed show “Bee-Bee’s Funhouse” (hence the title). Bridges goes from ruthless to heroic, and everywhere in between, in one of the most challenging and fascinating roles this year. Bridges manages to win over our sympathy and hatred, and should also manage to win Best Actor at this year’s Oscars. The Oscar winning co-star of “Wackos” and “Junebug”, Amy Adams, also turns in fantastic work as Sally Bridges, the lead protester against the show. Like her co-star, she portrays a wide range of emotions; however Adams takes a different, but equally successful approach from that of her co-star, in that she never shows anger, just disappointment. Hopefully this exceptional and refreshingly different approach to a great character will be enough to carve Ms. Adams’ name on an Oscar. But, the real show-stealer here is Mandy Patinkin. Patinkin’s role is the most vital of the supporting cast. He plays Michael Ward, the lead actor on the show. However, he really plays two characters. The first is, as previously mentioned, Michael Ward. Michael is a struggling actor who is fiercely against discrimination. But, he has to continue starring in a blatantly racist show because he cannot find work elsewhere. The second is Bee-Bee, the “lovable” bear on the fictional children’s show. We see a clip of the increasingly appalling show every once in a while, and we entirely forget that it is Patinkin underneath the costume. The characters he plays are total opposites, and he plays each one as convincingly as possible. Giving the Best Supporting Actor statuette to anyone else would be a joke.
“Bee-Bee’s Funhosue” is, without question, the best film of the year. It is a life-changing, thoroughly engrossing experience that is bound to pick up lots of attention at this year’s Oscars, with a strong campaign in the following categories…
Best Picture
Best Director (Jonathan Demme)
Best Actor (Jeff Bridges)
Best Actress (Amy Adams)
Best Supporting Actor (Mandy Patinkin)
Best Original Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin)
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score (Terence Blanchard)
"Blackwater Park"
Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh
"Blackwater Park"
Directed by David Fincher
Written by Alejandro Amenábar
Produced by Marshall Herskovitz
Cinematography by Roger Deakins
Score by John Cale
Editing by Alex Rodríguez
Main Cast
Clive Owen as Daniel Etim
Robin Wright Penn as Holly Etim
Julian McMahon as Samuel Hallman
Debra Messing as Melinda Hallman
Ryan Kelly as Joey Hallman
Jeremy Renner as vick
Chris O'Neil as Young Daniel Etim
Tagline: "The poison of the park will run through his veins forever"
Synopsis: The flickering lights coming from the ceiling of cell #21 caused Daniel Etim an emotional distress as he would be sentenced to death in a matter of minutes, but Daniel was far beyond death at this point. The constant memories of the park, the fear and yet severe addiction makes his veins bulge and his fingers twitch when at that moment he remembered when it all began.
At a young age Daniel was a walking illness, a sickly individual, sleepwalker as well. Near his country side home was a dark and mysterious area that the locals called Blackwater Park. Some said you could see ruby eyes through the constant fog that surrounds it. It was the night that Daniel unwillingly ventured into the park that changed his mental state forever. Daniel woke up freezing from his breath as his body forced him to travel to the park. Once Daniel got his composure it was too late where it was only 20 yards from him he could see a shadowy figure with a shovel, a coffin like box, and a tied up woman next to him. Shocked to stillness, Daniel witnessed this man bury the young woman alive. The man vanished into the darkness while a frightened Daniel would run quickly back home. The day later Daniel pondered if what he saw was real or not, was a woman buried? Is a killer on the loose? Is the woman still alive? A frightened boy could never be brave enough to find out.
Now, years later a distraught Daniel lives with the same questions he never answered. His solutions to his mental illness include being a masochist and working as a file clerk at a hospital where he can see death all around him. His peers include an imprudent doctor (McMahon), a jaw flapping co-worker (Renner), and an insecure housewife (Penn). He lived in the same house as a child, and the park still remained. His countless nocturnal hours made visions in his haunted sleep about the park. The woman could still be buried there, he always thought. To the day Daniel never went back until his sanity finally reached an end. He knew his life was amounting to nothing and the only thing left was the park. Now Daniel is perilous and has a destiny, and it began with the kidnapping of Vick. He bounded the defenseless man and strolled into the park for the first time since and buried him alive in a wooden crate in the park, this action was the only time Daniel felt fearless, outside the park he was broken down. Next was the Hallman family. After an unsudden firing from Dr. Hallman, Daniel would decide to kidnap the Hallman family where he made Samuel witness the burying of his wife (Messing) and son (Kelly) alive. He followed by drowning Sam in the flowing black stream in the park. Daniel continued to be mortal outside the park, weeping about his evil doings, but at the same time he craved to do it again. His final doing was his wife, her fingernails bled from the struggle as Daniels halo of death hung above him, but she managed to escape from the fight of her life. Only one thing was left to do for Daniel, find the woman. Daniel went to the spot and nothing was found. Now turned in by Holly, Daniel confessed to everything, but was soon tormented and cursed by the police telling him they found more graves, ones he didn't take credit for. Daniel will never know what officially happened, but the sun sets forever over Blackwater Park.
What the Press would say:
David Finchers latest haunting thriller entitled "Blackwater Park" is a gothic, shocking, suspenseful, and disturbing piece of film that burrows deep under your skin and sores. Its quality puts it far beyond most of the "psychotic deranged killer" films today. What is it is art captured on film. The films mood is already set right from the beginning on, chilling, intense, and mysterious. Finchers sets are once again outstanding. His visual of the park itself is cold and dark without falling into some obvious cliches, it's not something you'd see out of an episode of "Goosebumps". The effect it makes is astounding and truly works. As far as his vision for his characters, well, as we've seen from Nicholas Van Orton, William Somerset, and the Narrator, Fincher has created a character that we can't take our eyes off of, a character full of negative emotions but deep down isn't as gritty as he may seem. Playing the "character" in this film is Clive Owen. Owen takes this role further than any other of Finchers leads, a good soul that is traumatized forever leading him to killing and death being his only reliever, thus making him more sorrowful, an uncontrollable force caused by the park. Owens masochistic scenes are at times rigid to watch but it only inhances the mood of the film, and Owens character in general. Supporting Daniel Etim is his wife, Holly, played by Robin Wright Penn. A very suited role for Penn, the down on herself housewife who feels she's letting her deeply agitated husband down which ultimately has her estranged more and more throughout the film, a performance that shouldn't be ignored. In conclusion, the ending of "Blackwater Park" may throw some viewers off, but in a good sense of being poetic. The numerous corpses found in the park can be an indication of many things, and it's our job as the viewers to contemplate what happened. Opinions differ, some say that the things Daniel saw at the beginning and end of the movie were only things he wanted to see. Were there more killings of this unusual torture method when Daniel was a child, or was it Daniel all along? What really happened in Blackwater Park? Don't miss out people, this film is as atmospheric and painfully compelling than any film you'll see this year.
FYC:
Best Picture - David Fincher, Alejandro Amenábar, and Marshall Herskovitz
Best Director - David Fincher
Best Actor - Clive Owen
Best Supporting Actress - Robin Wright Penn
Best Original Screenplay - Alejandro Amenábar
Best Cinematography - Roger Deakins
Best Original Score - John Cale
Best Editing - Alex Rodríguez
Best Art Direction
"Cartoon Wars!"
Author(s): Conrado Falco
Location: Peru
"Cartoon Wars!"
Directed by Bennet Miller (Capote)
Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing)
Cinematography by Adam Kimmel (Capote)
Music by Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Ratatouille)
Main Cast
Alec Baldwin...... Donald Fooley
Alan Alda......... Marvin Bray
TR Knight......... Noah Bloom
Scarlet Johanson.. Mary Bray
Steve Buscemi..... Frank Connelly
Jeff Daniels...... Michael
Gwen Stefani...... Betty/Lucy Loop's voice
Malcolm McDowell.. Mr. Rogers
David Strathairn.. Walt Disney (Cameo)
Tagline: "Whoever said cartoons were for children?"
Synopsis: "Cartoon Wars!" is a movie loosely based on the story of the Fleischer Animation studios, Disney's biggest competition back in the 1930s. The story begins when Donald Fooley, the president of Fooley Studio, is feeling victorious after managing to successfully make sound cartoons. One of his employees, Noah Bloom, creates a character named Lucy Loop (parody of Betty Boop) and becomes his right hand, Lucy a sexy woman who dances and sings to Swing music, but Donald is not happy with the voice they're giving her.
As he finally finds the voice in a young girl named Betty during a party, and Lucy Loop becomes the biggest animated star, Just in that moment appears a little character called Mickey Mouse. Donald enters into a crisis, as he starts having a relationship with Marvin's daughter, Mary. He's desperate to find a character as charming to shadow Disney's Mickey Mouse.
Donald has to face the members of the board of censor who think Lucy is inappropriate for the audience. Donald is doing anything he can to keep Lucy as the star of the studio but Marvin Bray, chief of Polopeak studios (the studios that finance Donald's cartoons) decides to cancel the Lucy series after so much controversy. That puts Donald in a much more stressful situation, for he has no other cartoon character. Then Noah saves the day again creating a character called Bernie the Beaver. Even if Bernie is popular enough, Donald infiltrates spies on Disney's studios to steal his ideas. And it's then when he finds out of Disney's big plan, a feature-length animated movie.
At first he doesn't care, thinking a feature-length animated film wouldn't work for the audience. He even tells this to Disney when they meet at the Academy Awards, where Disney beats Donald again for the animated short trophy, Disney also confesses to Donald that he was kind of an inspiration for Donald Duck.
But after Disney premieres "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", Donald learns that if he wants to stay in the business he must make a feature film too. There begins the production of "The Three Musketeers" which is only accepted by Marvin after a long talk with Donald to convince him of making future-length films. When "The Three Musketeers" opens, it doesn't become the hit everyone was expecting and Marvin decides to only produce animated shorts from ther on. But Donald won't surrender to Walt Disney and decides to make a new film, "Tom Sawyer".
Donald decides to make "Tom Sawyer" the best animated film ever, creating new techniques and a better quality for animation. But he soon runs out of money and starts begging Marvin to keep financing his film, Marvin is starting to get sick of Donald and his animated film that need more and more money every single day. But he starts to believe "Tom Sawyer" could really be a hit when he sees the first cut of the film. But right after Marvin has seen the film, Donald's animators go on strike just as Marvin discovers he is dating his daughter.
Marvin is angry at Donald, but Donald's art of conversation make him decide to finish the film before taking any decision and giving him even more money for the animators on strike.
"Tom Sawyer" is finally released, but the day after the release, a float of Japanese combat plains attacks Pearl Harbor, making Donald's ambitious project a complete flop and putting him in bankrupt.
What the Press would say:
"Cartoon Wars!" is Bennet Miller's latest work, and even if we thought it was going to be a long epic film like The Aviator, Bennet gives us a quick, smart written, movie that is so fresh it feels just like fun even when the lead character is dealing with an endless list of stressful problems. Aaron Sorkin's script is as smart as any of the great episodes of The West Wing, and Alec Baldwin's lead performance is flawless.
Of course you could not deny Alan Alda's supporting role as the responsible of Baldwin's constant dilemmas, and the great cameo of David Strathairn as Walt Disney.
With a delightful jazz and swing score, "Cartoon Wars!" will take you right to the time were cartoons were only shown on theatres and the competitive world of, in Donald Fooley's words, show Disney's who's the real big child.
Possible Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Bennet Miller
Best Lead Actor: Alec Baldwin
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Alda
Best Original Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin
Best Cinematography: Adam Kimmel
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Deisgn
Location: Peru
"Cartoon Wars!"
Directed by Bennet Miller (Capote)
Written by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing)
Cinematography by Adam Kimmel (Capote)
Music by Michael Giacchino (The Incredibles, Ratatouille)
Main Cast
Alec Baldwin...... Donald Fooley
Alan Alda......... Marvin Bray
TR Knight......... Noah Bloom
Scarlet Johanson.. Mary Bray
Steve Buscemi..... Frank Connelly
Jeff Daniels...... Michael
Gwen Stefani...... Betty/Lucy Loop's voice
Malcolm McDowell.. Mr. Rogers
David Strathairn.. Walt Disney (Cameo)
Tagline: "Whoever said cartoons were for children?"
Synopsis: "Cartoon Wars!" is a movie loosely based on the story of the Fleischer Animation studios, Disney's biggest competition back in the 1930s. The story begins when Donald Fooley, the president of Fooley Studio, is feeling victorious after managing to successfully make sound cartoons. One of his employees, Noah Bloom, creates a character named Lucy Loop (parody of Betty Boop) and becomes his right hand, Lucy a sexy woman who dances and sings to Swing music, but Donald is not happy with the voice they're giving her.
As he finally finds the voice in a young girl named Betty during a party, and Lucy Loop becomes the biggest animated star, Just in that moment appears a little character called Mickey Mouse. Donald enters into a crisis, as he starts having a relationship with Marvin's daughter, Mary. He's desperate to find a character as charming to shadow Disney's Mickey Mouse.
Donald has to face the members of the board of censor who think Lucy is inappropriate for the audience. Donald is doing anything he can to keep Lucy as the star of the studio but Marvin Bray, chief of Polopeak studios (the studios that finance Donald's cartoons) decides to cancel the Lucy series after so much controversy. That puts Donald in a much more stressful situation, for he has no other cartoon character. Then Noah saves the day again creating a character called Bernie the Beaver. Even if Bernie is popular enough, Donald infiltrates spies on Disney's studios to steal his ideas. And it's then when he finds out of Disney's big plan, a feature-length animated movie.
At first he doesn't care, thinking a feature-length animated film wouldn't work for the audience. He even tells this to Disney when they meet at the Academy Awards, where Disney beats Donald again for the animated short trophy, Disney also confesses to Donald that he was kind of an inspiration for Donald Duck.
But after Disney premieres "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", Donald learns that if he wants to stay in the business he must make a feature film too. There begins the production of "The Three Musketeers" which is only accepted by Marvin after a long talk with Donald to convince him of making future-length films. When "The Three Musketeers" opens, it doesn't become the hit everyone was expecting and Marvin decides to only produce animated shorts from ther on. But Donald won't surrender to Walt Disney and decides to make a new film, "Tom Sawyer".
Donald decides to make "Tom Sawyer" the best animated film ever, creating new techniques and a better quality for animation. But he soon runs out of money and starts begging Marvin to keep financing his film, Marvin is starting to get sick of Donald and his animated film that need more and more money every single day. But he starts to believe "Tom Sawyer" could really be a hit when he sees the first cut of the film. But right after Marvin has seen the film, Donald's animators go on strike just as Marvin discovers he is dating his daughter.
Marvin is angry at Donald, but Donald's art of conversation make him decide to finish the film before taking any decision and giving him even more money for the animators on strike.
"Tom Sawyer" is finally released, but the day after the release, a float of Japanese combat plains attacks Pearl Harbor, making Donald's ambitious project a complete flop and putting him in bankrupt.
What the Press would say:
"Cartoon Wars!" is Bennet Miller's latest work, and even if we thought it was going to be a long epic film like The Aviator, Bennet gives us a quick, smart written, movie that is so fresh it feels just like fun even when the lead character is dealing with an endless list of stressful problems. Aaron Sorkin's script is as smart as any of the great episodes of The West Wing, and Alec Baldwin's lead performance is flawless.
Of course you could not deny Alan Alda's supporting role as the responsible of Baldwin's constant dilemmas, and the great cameo of David Strathairn as Walt Disney.
With a delightful jazz and swing score, "Cartoon Wars!" will take you right to the time were cartoons were only shown on theatres and the competitive world of, in Donald Fooley's words, show Disney's who's the real big child.
Possible Oscar Nominations:
Best Picture
Best Director: Bennet Miller
Best Lead Actor: Alec Baldwin
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Alda
Best Original Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin
Best Cinematography: Adam Kimmel
Best Original Score: Michael Giacchino
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Deisgn
"Cocker Spanchovy"
Author(s): Kwame
Location: Florida
"Cocker Spanchovy"
Directed by Todd Solondz
Written by Todd Solondz
Music by Nathan Larson
Produced by: Ted Hope and Christine Vachon
Main Cast
Grace Zabriskie as Eileen Kwiasniewski
Eric Schweig as Elias "Bearclaw" Kwiasniewski
Dylan Baker as Steven Kwiasniewski
Tonya Pinkins as Sharona Tucker-Kwiasniewski
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: OEileen Kwiasniewski is a 65 year-old recently retired children's book illustrator who lives with her adopted son Elias in a small townhouse in the small town of Fernandina Beach,Florida. Elias, who is 40 years old, and Native American, is sort of an Internet celebrity,(under the name of "Bearclaw"), with a series of videos in which he imitates a diverse array of animals having sex with each other. Eileen is proud of her otherwise unemployed son for having something to do. When she is not busy praising Elias, she devotes a lot of time fuming over how she was denied acceptance to the prestigious Nation Children's Book Illustrators Association of America, otherwise known as the "NCBIAA".
One day,after having been invited by her biological son Steven, also a children's book illustrator and local politician and his wife Sharona, Eileen and Elias take a roadtrip down to Jupiter, Florida to visit. Steven and Sharona are currently working hard for Steven's mayoral campaign, with the elections being held the day after Eileen and Elias arrive. To nobody's surprise, Steven wins, and his mother is ecstatic. That night, at his election celebration, Steven gets to talk to Elias, who he hadn't seen in a long while. Being very drunk, the new mayor tells his brother mid-conversation that it was he who denied his mother acceptance to the NCBIAA.Elias, being quite surprised, tells Eileen of this. Feeling completely betrayed, she and Elias try to come up with the ultimate revenge, and they do: They anonymously inform town officials of a "sex scandal" involving the new mayor.But would they buy it,and would it be enough to get him out of office?
What the Press would say:
"Cocker Spanchovy" is everything that one would expect from the mind of Todd Solondz-and more. It's hilarious,witty,sharp, original, and well-crafted. Solondz is a master at working with actors, and this movie proves this. As Eileen, Grace Zabriskie finally has her first leading role, and she is exceptional! Says Peter Travers "Never would I ever imagine that it would take a Todd Solondz comedy to give this extraordinary character actress her first leading role; what she does with her character is outstanding.She makes this character unique, and convincing." Eric Schweig has also generated raves, in his first major role.David Ansen of Newsweek cries "Eric Schweig is a riot! This guy has comedic ability to rival that of Steve Carrel, Will Ferrell, or any big comedian working today". Dylan Baker and Tonya Pinkins have also gotten notices for their brave and inspired supporting roles in Solondz's latest which is "already destined to become a classic!"
Location: Florida
"Cocker Spanchovy"
Directed by Todd Solondz
Written by Todd Solondz
Music by Nathan Larson
Produced by: Ted Hope and Christine Vachon
Main Cast
Grace Zabriskie as Eileen Kwiasniewski
Eric Schweig as Elias "Bearclaw" Kwiasniewski
Dylan Baker as Steven Kwiasniewski
Tonya Pinkins as Sharona Tucker-Kwiasniewski
Tagline: "N/A"
Synopsis: OEileen Kwiasniewski is a 65 year-old recently retired children's book illustrator who lives with her adopted son Elias in a small townhouse in the small town of Fernandina Beach,Florida. Elias, who is 40 years old, and Native American, is sort of an Internet celebrity,(under the name of "Bearclaw"), with a series of videos in which he imitates a diverse array of animals having sex with each other. Eileen is proud of her otherwise unemployed son for having something to do. When she is not busy praising Elias, she devotes a lot of time fuming over how she was denied acceptance to the prestigious Nation Children's Book Illustrators Association of America, otherwise known as the "NCBIAA".
One day,after having been invited by her biological son Steven, also a children's book illustrator and local politician and his wife Sharona, Eileen and Elias take a roadtrip down to Jupiter, Florida to visit. Steven and Sharona are currently working hard for Steven's mayoral campaign, with the elections being held the day after Eileen and Elias arrive. To nobody's surprise, Steven wins, and his mother is ecstatic. That night, at his election celebration, Steven gets to talk to Elias, who he hadn't seen in a long while. Being very drunk, the new mayor tells his brother mid-conversation that it was he who denied his mother acceptance to the NCBIAA.Elias, being quite surprised, tells Eileen of this. Feeling completely betrayed, she and Elias try to come up with the ultimate revenge, and they do: They anonymously inform town officials of a "sex scandal" involving the new mayor.But would they buy it,and would it be enough to get him out of office?
What the Press would say:
"Cocker Spanchovy" is everything that one would expect from the mind of Todd Solondz-and more. It's hilarious,witty,sharp, original, and well-crafted. Solondz is a master at working with actors, and this movie proves this. As Eileen, Grace Zabriskie finally has her first leading role, and she is exceptional! Says Peter Travers "Never would I ever imagine that it would take a Todd Solondz comedy to give this extraordinary character actress her first leading role; what she does with her character is outstanding.She makes this character unique, and convincing." Eric Schweig has also generated raves, in his first major role.David Ansen of Newsweek cries "Eric Schweig is a riot! This guy has comedic ability to rival that of Steve Carrel, Will Ferrell, or any big comedian working today". Dylan Baker and Tonya Pinkins have also gotten notices for their brave and inspired supporting roles in Solondz's latest which is "already destined to become a classic!"
"The Courtroom"
Author(s): Bryce Marrero
Location: LA, CA
"The Courtroom"
Directed by: Ron Howard
Writer: Eric Roth and Grant Heslov
Producer: Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Tim Bevan
Drama
Main Cast
David Strathairn as Tom Jane
Will Smith as Marcus Miller
Tom Wilkinson as Judge Carter Wilson
Patricia Arquette as Sarah Tona
Eddie Jemison as Phil Tona
Tagline: "The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence"
Synopsis: On, November 1, 2007 Sarah Tona was found dead at her house. Her husband, Phil Tona was found at the scene of the crime with blood on his hands. On November 14, 2007 the trial to determine whether Phil is innocent or guilty will take place.
Phil has acquired charismatic defense attorney Marcus Miller to defend him. Marcus is the type of guy to take his job very serious. Marcus has always defended guilty men, but he is ready for a change as he morally can't take the guilt anymore of defending guilty men. Marcus is convinced that Phil is innocent, and actually worth defending.
On the prosecution is famous attorney Tom Jane. Tom is no stranger to violence and the ugly side of what could happen in a household. Both his mother and father were killed when he was little. That is why Tom takes much pleasure in sending guilty men to jail, and he is certain Phil Tona is as guilty as they come.
In the courtroom of arrogant judge Carter Wilson, Marcus and Tom go neck to neck to fight for what they believe is right. With many surprise evidence, and on the feet revelations, the trial easily becomes one of the most challenging trial in the two lawyer's careers.
What the Press would say:
"The Courtroom" is one of the best thought driven, intelligent, engaging, and entertaining court drama to come out in years. The film challenges audiences to dive into the trial, as the lawyers do, and make decisions for themselves. This film will definitely have audiences talking after seeing it. There is a verdict at the end, however the ending could be seen as ambiguous and leaves room for the final verdict to be incorrect. It's the type of film to leave it up to the audience to make a final verdict of their own. This is accomplished with the strong use of evidence throughout the film. Some evidence is found, others are not even picked up, and will have audiences speculating and coming up with their own theories.
Will Smith and David Strathairn give career defining, and Oscar caliber performances. Both lawyers go through much stress and anxiety throughout the movie as they both thrive to win the case. It is a transforming and demanding performance, as audiences witness how the case is physically draining the life out of these two lawyers. Another great feature of these remarkable characters is how different there methods are in the courtroom scenes. Audiences will have to get into the minds of two very different people to try and guess what the lawyers may be thinking. Will Smith's character is more of a people's lawyer. He uses charm, humor, and persuasion to try and manipulate the jury (and audiences) to think what he wants them to think. While David Strathairn is the cobra of the courtroom. Silent but when he has something, it makes a huge impact on the trial and can easily turn the trial in a new direction. Another great performance come from Eddie Jemison, the person on trial who always has an ambiguous, and emotionless face on him. This is used to throw off audiences from reading his thoughts or making judgments based on how he is reacting. Tom Wilkinson also gives a grand performance as the smart mouth judge who can see through all the lawyers tricks, and eventually becomes the root of the lawyers stress.
Ron Howard does something very special with the film. He combines three different atmospheres to create something unique. He uses an "epic" atmosphere in some scenes to convey the impact of new evidence. He uses a "real" atmosphere in some scenes to show the pressure and tension that goes on in court. And he also uses a noir sense in some of the scenario and detective style scenes. These aspects combined creates an identity for the film that make it one of a kind.
"The Courtroom" is the most engaging film to come out in awhile, with many twist, suspense, and thrills to entertain audiences. It is a true cinematic achievement in film history, and an official frontrunner for the upcoming Oscars.
Best Picture
Best Director- Ron Howard
Best Actor- Will Smith
Best Actor- David Strathairn
Best Supporting Actor- Eddie Jemison
Best Supporting Actor- Tom Wilkinson
Best Original Screenplay- Eric Roth and Grant Heslov
"Deep Secret"
Author(s): Matt
Location: Illinois
"Deep Secret"
Directed By: Anthony Minghella
Written By: Anthony Minghella
Main Cast
Brian Cox as Mark Felt
Chloe Sevigny as Joan Felt
Ian Holm as Carl Bernstein
Robert Duvall as Bob Woodward
Ewan McGregor as Younger Mark Felt
Jason Schwartzman as Younger Carl Bernstein
Brendan Fehr as Younger Bob Woodward
Dakota Fanning as Younger Joan Felt
Robert Downey Jr. as Benjamin C. Bradley
Dermot Mulroney as John D. O’Connor
Tagline: "America’s greatest secret identity is about to be hidden to even the man himself"
Synopsis: The most infamous and secretive informant waits for two reporters in a darkened parking garage. The only light is coming from his cigarette. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward approach and ask about the robbery of the Democratic Headquarters. The man in the shadows gives an alias, Deep Throat, as well as loads of information linking the President to the scandal.
For years after the incident, the American population and media have speculated and questioned the identity of Deep Throat. His actions went unknown by his co-workers in the FBI, and three decades after the Watergate break-in, the man’s family remained in the dark.
A couple of years ago, however, as Mark Felt’s memory began to deteriorate, he thought that it was his duty to come out and announce that he was not only a member of the FBI, but also the ominous character, Deep Throat. His daughter was unsure if she could trust her father, who had recently been diagnosed and overcome by Alzheimer’s. Deciding to be safe rather than sorry, she gets into contact with another investigator, John D. O’Connor and dives into her father’s past. O’Connor and the young woman meet with the famed reporters who brought the Watergate scandal to light. Joan Felt is extremely surprised at what she uncovers. Her father, Mark, had a reputation for speaking with reporters and a known friendship with Bob Woodward. He had leaked federal information more than once, but never to the extent of the Watergate. Joan, later, has to deal with being proud that her father had helped solve one of the most well-known Presidential controversies, while also being ashamed that her father had betrayed his fellow members of the FBI and his president. Joan must also overcome the backlash and the media storm on her own, as her father has continued to fall deeper into blankness. While coping with his disease, Mark has to manage the anxiety of never having been completely honest with his daughter, the rest of his family, and his country.
What the Press would say:
This film is unlike any historical or political film ever made. Anthony Minghella took a great news story and created a screenplay so focused on the characters, rather than the events, that the movie is less of a history lesson than a character study. Only Minghella could then translate his dialogue onto the screen with superb direction that tops earlier work, like The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film does show some of the necessary scenes, such as the parking garage, but these scenes are done in a stylized and exciting way. Such scenes contain terrific, yet small, appearances by Jason Schwatrzman and the little known Brendan Fehr. Ewan McGregor does a fantastic job in his scenes with the brilliant Dakota Fanning. Their relationship is all the more touching after watching the older versions of their characters relate on screen. Brian Cox, who plays the older Mark Felt, finally needs some recognition. After years of underrated performances, he deserves to be rewarded for this magnificent performance. Cox is fantastic at playing the Alzheimer’s patient, but he still has the edge to allow the audience to believe he was at one time a member of the FBI and Deep Throat. Chloe Sevigny as Felt’s daughter is just a tour de force. She expands her talent and shines in this lead role. Without her amazing portrayal of the confused, worried, loving daughter the film would not have been as memorable. However, other legendary actors also give respectable performances. Ian Holm, Robert Duvall, and Robert Downey Jr. are all amazing. Dermot Mulroney gives his first great performance as an investigator doing all that he can to figure out if Mark Felt truly is what he admitted to being. His interviews with two of the legendary actors mentioned above really make for interesting and profound scenes. All in all, the cast and Minghella really pull through, and make this a film that everyone can get invested in.
Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Picture
Best Director – Anthony Minghella
Best Original Screenplay – Anthony Minghella
Best Actor – Brian Cox
Best Actress – Chloe Sevigny
Best Supporting Actor – Ewan McGregor
Best Supporting Actor – Robert Duvall
Best Supporting Actor – Ian Holm
Location: Illinois
"Deep Secret"
Directed By: Anthony Minghella
Written By: Anthony Minghella
Main Cast
Brian Cox as Mark Felt
Chloe Sevigny as Joan Felt
Ian Holm as Carl Bernstein
Robert Duvall as Bob Woodward
Ewan McGregor as Younger Mark Felt
Jason Schwartzman as Younger Carl Bernstein
Brendan Fehr as Younger Bob Woodward
Dakota Fanning as Younger Joan Felt
Robert Downey Jr. as Benjamin C. Bradley
Dermot Mulroney as John D. O’Connor
Tagline: "America’s greatest secret identity is about to be hidden to even the man himself"
Synopsis: The most infamous and secretive informant waits for two reporters in a darkened parking garage. The only light is coming from his cigarette. Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward approach and ask about the robbery of the Democratic Headquarters. The man in the shadows gives an alias, Deep Throat, as well as loads of information linking the President to the scandal.
For years after the incident, the American population and media have speculated and questioned the identity of Deep Throat. His actions went unknown by his co-workers in the FBI, and three decades after the Watergate break-in, the man’s family remained in the dark.
A couple of years ago, however, as Mark Felt’s memory began to deteriorate, he thought that it was his duty to come out and announce that he was not only a member of the FBI, but also the ominous character, Deep Throat. His daughter was unsure if she could trust her father, who had recently been diagnosed and overcome by Alzheimer’s. Deciding to be safe rather than sorry, she gets into contact with another investigator, John D. O’Connor and dives into her father’s past. O’Connor and the young woman meet with the famed reporters who brought the Watergate scandal to light. Joan Felt is extremely surprised at what she uncovers. Her father, Mark, had a reputation for speaking with reporters and a known friendship with Bob Woodward. He had leaked federal information more than once, but never to the extent of the Watergate. Joan, later, has to deal with being proud that her father had helped solve one of the most well-known Presidential controversies, while also being ashamed that her father had betrayed his fellow members of the FBI and his president. Joan must also overcome the backlash and the media storm on her own, as her father has continued to fall deeper into blankness. While coping with his disease, Mark has to manage the anxiety of never having been completely honest with his daughter, the rest of his family, and his country.
What the Press would say:
This film is unlike any historical or political film ever made. Anthony Minghella took a great news story and created a screenplay so focused on the characters, rather than the events, that the movie is less of a history lesson than a character study. Only Minghella could then translate his dialogue onto the screen with superb direction that tops earlier work, like The Talented Mr. Ripley. The film does show some of the necessary scenes, such as the parking garage, but these scenes are done in a stylized and exciting way. Such scenes contain terrific, yet small, appearances by Jason Schwatrzman and the little known Brendan Fehr. Ewan McGregor does a fantastic job in his scenes with the brilliant Dakota Fanning. Their relationship is all the more touching after watching the older versions of their characters relate on screen. Brian Cox, who plays the older Mark Felt, finally needs some recognition. After years of underrated performances, he deserves to be rewarded for this magnificent performance. Cox is fantastic at playing the Alzheimer’s patient, but he still has the edge to allow the audience to believe he was at one time a member of the FBI and Deep Throat. Chloe Sevigny as Felt’s daughter is just a tour de force. She expands her talent and shines in this lead role. Without her amazing portrayal of the confused, worried, loving daughter the film would not have been as memorable. However, other legendary actors also give respectable performances. Ian Holm, Robert Duvall, and Robert Downey Jr. are all amazing. Dermot Mulroney gives his first great performance as an investigator doing all that he can to figure out if Mark Felt truly is what he admitted to being. His interviews with two of the legendary actors mentioned above really make for interesting and profound scenes. All in all, the cast and Minghella really pull through, and make this a film that everyone can get invested in.
Possible Oscar Nominations
Best Picture
Best Director – Anthony Minghella
Best Original Screenplay – Anthony Minghella
Best Actor – Brian Cox
Best Actress – Chloe Sevigny
Best Supporting Actor – Ewan McGregor
Best Supporting Actor – Robert Duvall
Best Supporting Actor – Ian Holm
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