Among the new movies that were released Wednesday, Dec. 25 are a sports comedy that pairs Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone, Ben Stiller’s directorial debut and Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest collaboration with Martin Scorsese.
Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone play a pair of aging boxing rivals who are coaxed out of retirement to fight one final bout – 30 years after their last match. (PG-13 – 113 minutes)
“Grudge Match” is just the latest in a long list of movies made for aging audiences whose mere appreciation of seeing actors like stars Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone refuse to act their age is enough to earn their admiration. Granted, it is impressive to see De Niro jump rope and Stallone flip a tractor tire but those achievements in and of themselves do not a good movie make. You also need a strong story and this one is more or less a retread of “Grumpy Old Men.” The grand finale is fun and ends on an emotionally resonant note but the road there is repetitive, routine and anything but original. (Thumbs Down!)
Liev Schreiber plays one of several astronauts who, on the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, succumb one by one to a mysterious and terrifying force. (R – 91 minutes)
When all is said and done, “The Last Days on Mars” can be whittled down to a three-word synopsis: Zombies on Mars. That along with the knowledge that the new science-fiction thriller is inspired by a short story written by Sydney J. Bounds may give you some idea of what a simple, straightforward and stretched-out film it is. Granted, scientific mutterings may make naive viewers to believe that there is more to the movie than meets the eye but most will merely be annoyed. And almost everyone is certain to become bored with the by-the-books trajectory of the tale. (Thumbs Down!)
‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’
Idris Elba portrays South African President Nelson Mandela who spends 27 years in prison before becoming president and working to rebuild the country’s once segregated society. (PG-13 – 152 minutes)
Sadly, as good-intentioned as it is, “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” will feel like precisely that to most moviegoers – a long walk to freedom… from what is essentially a dry and dutiful history lesson. Director Justin Chadwick’s new biopic about the recently deceased instigator of change features some very strong speeches that command your attention and represents the against-all-odds forgiveness and love that South African President Nelson Mandela believed comes more naturally than hate to the human heart, but it does not make that trek particularly entertaining. Nor is its educational value very effective as viewers who do not already know the ins and outs of the story may find themselves lost along the trail. (Thumbs Down!)
‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’
Ben Stiller plays a day-dreaming man who, when his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. (PG – 125 minutes)
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” is an interesting and inspirational motion picture. On the one hand, there is so much whimsy about the new dramedic adventure, with which star Ben Stiller makes his directorial debut, that you cannot help but get swept away by its spectacular sense of imagination. On the other hand, it demonstrates that, while everyday Average Joes represent everything beautiful in this world, one is not truly living unless they are embarking on all of the adventures that the world has to offer. If this does not make you want to run out and grab life by the horns, then nothing will. (Thumbs Up!)
Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Jordan Belfort, a man who rose to become a wealthy stockbroker living the high life before eventually falling as a result of his involvement with crime and corruption. (R – 165 minutes)
“The Wolf of Wall Street” is epic in every conceivable way, coming across as some sort of crazy party during which revelers go through every experience imaginable. Granted, the new biographical crime comedy’s runtime may be a bit daunting but by golly does director Martin Scorsese use each and every minute of it to entertain viewers. In fact, it is easily and without a doubt the director’s best work to date. The film features a performance that runs the gamut by star Leonardo DiCaprio but supporting actor Jonah Hill steals the show – as does Matthew McConaughey in somewhat of a cameo. (Breakthrough!)
Voice actor John DiMaggio recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about the new documentary “I Know That Voice.”
“I Know That Voice,” which opens Friday, Dec. 27, exposes the word to the fascinating and all too often unrecognized world of voice over acting – from the talent that does the acting to the people behind the “animation cells” that make this work into an art form.
DiMaggio served as executive producer of the new documentary. His voice acting credits include Bender Bending Rodriguez on “Futurama” as well as Rico the penguin in the “Madagascar” movies, Jake on “Adventure Time” and Dr. Drakken on “Kim Possible” among many others.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with DiMaggio by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the voice actor discusses what he hopes that audiences will take away from watching “I Know That Voice.”
“The more interviews we did, the more people wanted to be involved in it. We have got over 150 interviews and 160 hours of stuff which we then edited down to 95 minutes. So we still have got plenty of footage. If we wanted to do a ‘I Know That Voice 2,’ we probably could. It took us a while but I think that the end-result is really fantastic and shows just how much work [goes into making cartoons], how much respect I have for my peers and how much I want them to be seen. It is a Valentine to my peers.
“I just really wanted it to be like I am the Wizard of Oz and I am pulling the curtain back to give a peek at what we do. People always ask, ‘What’s it like? How does your job work?’ I want people come away [from this movie saying], ‘Wow! Now I get it! Now I understand! Now all of those questions I had about the industry are answered!’ And I want people to see just how much work goes into ‘Futurama’ or ‘Adventure Time’ or ‘Pinky and the Brain’ or ‘Batman: The Brave and the Bold’ or ‘Ren and Stimpy’ or ‘Phineas and Ferb’ or any other cartoon.
“And I want people to come away from it with a sense of joy. Cartoons touch people’s lives from day one. I think that this film appeals to people from 1 to 92 – or at least anyone who is old enough to be conscious of, ‘Wow! This is how they make cartoons!’ I mean, if you don’t like cartoons, there is something that is kind of wrong with you. Cartoons are usually our first form of entertainment so they stick with us. And now with the proliferation of adult-themed cartoons, anything goes. The world of animation is open to so many and I think that that really says something about the genre. So I am just really excited to have people watch [this film].” – John DiMaggio
Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 20 are a 70’s set crime drama, the return of Ron Burgundy and a behind-the-scenes dramatization of Walt Disney’s dealings with “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers.
Christian Bale plays a con man who, along with his seductive British partner (Amy Adams), is forced to work for a wild FBI agent (Bradley Cooper), who pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia. (R – 129 minutes)
“American Hustle” boasts a spectacular cast of actors, each of whom give a top-notch performance, as well as some stunning production and costume design. However, writer/director David O. Russell’s new 70’s-set crime drama suffers from a few too many cooks standing in front of the science oven, giving too many characters a narrative voice thereby making it a very verbose motion picture whose story is nearly impossible to follow from beginning to end. Moreover, star Christian Bale’s pot-belly and combover feel like farce that goes on for far too long. Having said that, the music and mood are magnificent, as is actress Jennifer Lawrence in a supporting role. (Thumbs Down!)
‘Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues’
Will Ferrell reprises his role as newsman Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) who this time takes the nations first 24-hour news channel by storm. Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner also reprise their roles. (PG-13 – 119 minutes)
When the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder plagued motion picture “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” calms down long enough to set its sights on a specific aspect of the television news industry, it does so in a razor-sharp way that yields a lot of laughs. Unfortunately, you can count those instances – which include the onslaught of on-screen graphics and the exaggerated-for-entertainment-value coverage of car chases – on one hand whereas the rest of the new way-too-long sequel to screenwriter/star Will Ferrell’s 2004 comedy plays out like sporadic series of skits. Worst of all, it seems completely ignorant of the real-life implications of its actions – akin to a Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote cartoon. (Thumbs Down!)
Oscar Isaac plays a young folk singer who navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Guitar in tow, huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician against seemingly insurmountable obstacles – some of them of his own making. (R – 105 minutes)
Is there anything that Joel and Ethan Coen cannot do? Among countless other things, they have made us laugh till it hurt by “A Serious Man,” thrilled to the edge of our seats by “No Country for Old Men” and now genuinely moved through melancholy by “Inside Llewyn Davis.” What is essentially the story of a man whose struggle to barely get by parallels that of a stray cat works on several levels. It is not only a poetic observation of how struggle inspires art but also an extremely entertaining satire of folk music history, filled with wry laughs and a soundtrack that you will want to own the moment that you leave the movie theater. (Breakthrough!)
Emma Thompson portrays author P. L. Travers who reflects on her difficult childhood while meeting with filmmaker Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) during production for the adaptation of her novel “Mary Poppins.” (PG-13 – 125 minutes)
Fortunately, “Saving Mr. Banks” is not nearly the disaster that was 2004’s “Finding Neverland.” However, at more than just a few times during its long and drawn-out runtime, Disney’s new behind-the-scenes dramatization of Walt Disney’s dealings with “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers comes awfully close. There are moments that will bring a smile to your face while warming your heart but there are others that are too impassive and slow-paced. Having said that, Emma Thompson is terrific and it is an overwhelmingly pleasant motion picture. And you know what they say about spoonfuls of sugar… (Thumbs Down!)
Actor Bren Foster recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his role in the new action-packed crime thriller “Force of Execution.”
In “Force of Execution,” which will be available beginning Dec. 17 on Blu-ray and DVD, Foster plays a mob enforcer who botches a job and is banished by his boss (Steven Seagal). With the help of an ex-con restaurant owner (Danny Trejo), he rediscovers his will to survive a coming conflict and wreak vengeance on those who have wronged him.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Foster by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actor discusses the fight sequences in “Force of Execution” as well as what he believes viewers will take away from watching the film.
“I think the element that people forget with action movies is that sometimes there is a little bit of contact in there. A lot of the time we were really hitting each other pretty hard. [Most of what] you see was actually choreographed there on the set and a lot of it was actually full contact – particularly with the body shots.
“A lot of the guys that I am fighting are about 250 pounds plus. They have got like hard, armadillo, plastic protective padding on their fronts and backs and a lot of the body rips – the punches, the body kicks and the leg kicks – were actually full contact. I was actually really hitting these guys.
“No matter how far you think that you have fallen in life or in anything in general, there is always a way back. You just have to want to come back. My character [thinks] that he has lost everything. He has physically lost the mobility of his hands. His hands were taken from him in terms of usage. But with the help of Danny Trejo’s character, he finds his way back. And he comes back better and badder than ever.
“Anytime you commit to a role, you find personalizations that parallel yourself to your character. I think it just gives you a sense of clarity about that aspect of yourself. Everyone has their downtimes in life. But they push through them. I think knowing what my downtime was, bringing that to this character and then finding my way through his downtimes clarified a lot of things in my life. You realize when you are down and when you bring yourself out of that the difference is like night and day. Those parallels are what I injected into this character to make him come alive.” – Bren Foster
Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 13 are a drama in which the late Paul Walker gives the performance of his life, Tyler Perry’s Christmas card to his fans and a return-to-form from filmmaker Neil LaBute.
‘Hours’
Paul Walker plays a man who arrives at a New Orleans hospital with his pregnant wife (Genesis Rodriguez), who has gone into early labor, when the birth goes tragically wrong and Hurricane Katrina ravages the city, forcing an evacuation. (PG-13 – 97 minutes)
If losing an actor who was capable of making our hearts race in the “Fast and Furious” film franchise was not tragic enough, the new drama “Hours” reveals that we have also lost an actor who was capable of breaking said hearts before putting them back together again. Filmmaker Eric Heisserer’s directorial debut is slow-moving and often outlandish but it certainly keeps a firm grip on the audience’s attention as Walker, giving the richest and most multifaceted performance of his all-too-brief life, demonstrates with this character the great lengths to which a father will go for a child who he really does not even know… yet. (Thumbs Up!)
Tyler Perry reprises his role as Madea who, this time around, dispenses her unique form of holiday spirit on a rural town when she is coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise visit in the country for Christmas. (PG-13 – 105 minutes)
“A Madea Christmas” is harmless enough, features an admirable message about accepting one another despite our differences and has more of the Madea that we have inexplicably come to love. However, its underuse of its Christmas themes is just disappointing enough to tip the scales out of the new holiday dramedy’s favor. The laughs are nearly nonexistent and the production values are lower than low but the thing that stands out the most is that what was supposed to be the closest thing to a Christmas movie we got this year turns out to be a bust. (Thumbs Down!)
Filmmaker Sini Anderson takes a look at the life of activist, musician and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the “riot grrrl” movement of the 1990s. (NR – 80 minutes)
Like it or not, documentaries about musicians are a tough sell to anyone other than those who are already fans of – or at least familiar with – the particular artist. In order to break out beyond a specific audience, a movie must be about something larger. “The Punk Singer” gets that – to an extent – as filmmaker Sini Anderson tells Kathleen Hanna’s story through a filter of the fight for gender equality (a.k.a. feminism) but it ultimately comes across as a very well-done behind-the-music special. Although the conversations are extremely candid and therefore fascinating, non-fans will undoubtedly be a bit bored before all is said and done. (Thumbs Down!)
Stanley Tucci plays a married man who arrives at the doorstep of his mistress (Alice Eve) after 4 years apart, claiming to have finally left his wife. But when she rejects his attempts to rekindle their romance, his persistence evolves into obsession – and a dark history between the former lovers comes into focus. (NR – 83 minutes)
The dialogue-heavy, two-person drama “Some Velvet Morning” is more of a roller-coaster ride than most movies that spend millions of dollars on special effects. And it has got one spectacular kick-in-the-teeth of an ending that will leave your mouth agape. Its greatest asset is writer/director Neil LaBute’s script, which digs its razor-sharp fangs deep into what little love and romance is left in the modern world. Cynical as it sounds, the film is also very emotionally resonant, revealing the complexity of its characters’ feelings – if only fleetingly. Needless to say, the experience is a little unsettling on a very identifiable level. (Thumbs Up!)
Writer/director Eric Heisserer recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new drama “Hours.”
In “Hours,” which opens Friday, Dec. 13, Paul Walker plays a man who arrives at a New Orleans hospital with his pregnant wife (Genesis Rodriguez), who has gone into early labor, when the birth goes tragically wrong and Hurricane Katrina ravages the city, forcing an evacuation.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Heisserer by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the writer/director discusses the performance of “Hours” star Paul Walker, who was killed in a Nov. 30 car crash.
“I am angry because [Paul Walker] worked so hard at this performance and he was eager for the world to see it. He had already had several studios here in LA take a look at the movie privately in a screening and he was starting to get offers for roles that he thought that he would never get and movies that he had been wanting to do for several years. As I told him at the press junket a week before his death, I really just warmed him up for bigger and better things and this movie was to be a springboard for sort of a turning point in his career. And it just makes me angry that he is not around to benefit from all of that hard work.
“He approached this role by thinking more about how he would behave in certain situations. It was sort of a peeling back and exposing a raw and emotionally vulnerable version of Paul Walker. Whereas some actors approach [their performances] as chameleons where they put something on, his was sort of a stripping down – metaphorically speaking. I tried to help him narrow the gap between the character of Nolan and who Paul was in real life because the more that we shortened that distance the more authentic his performance became.
“He would come to me now and then and ask about his character’s father. That would lead us to discussions about Paul’s relationship with his own father and that informed some of the content in the movie itself. There is a moment when he is there alone in the room with his daughter and is placing artifacts from his wallet on the incubator and telling stories to her about them. One of them is a U.S. Cavalry card that Nolan got from his father. On the back of it is a quote that said, ‘There is no quit.’ All of that was Paul’s invention. All of that came from Paul. He contributed to the story in that way.” – Eric Heisserer
Writer/director Neil LaBute recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new drama “Some Velvet Morning.”
In “Some Velvet Morning,” which opens Friday, Dec. 13, Stanley Tucci plays a married man who arrives at the doorstep of his mistress (Alice Eve) after 4 years apart, claiming to have finally left his wife. But when she rejects his attempts to rekindle their romance, his persistence evolves into obsession – and a dark history between the former lovers comes into focus.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with LaBute by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the writer/director discusses what he hopes audiences take away from watching “Some Velvet Morning” as well as what he took away from making it.
“One of the things that I have explored in a lot of different ways in a lot of different films [is the idea that] love is a funny thing. I have tried to explore how far [love] can stretch and how far it goes in both directions and can still be called love.
“I tend to not be a writer who writes about theme but I certainly think that that is one [theme] that is there. What is love? How far do we go to get it? What will we do when we have it? What will we do to hold onto it? Those are themes that are certainly interesting to me.
“The best experiences that I have had [making movies] have probably been the ones that have been relatively quick and inexpensive; when I sort of follow my own instincts and not get caught up in trying too many things or directing other people’s work.
“[This film] reminded me of how much I liked what happened when I first started out as a filmmaker – how little time and money I had a little time. Some of my best work is when I keep things controlled and I have the time and people to do something that really speaks from the heart. That is probably true for just about anybody.” – Neil LaBute
Filmmaker Sini Anderson recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about her new documentary “The Punk Singer.”
In “The Punk Singer,” which opens Friday, Dec. 13, Anderson takes a look at the life of activist, musician and cultural icon Kathleen Hanna, who formed the punk band Bikini Kill and pioneered the “riot grrrl” movement of the 1990s.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Anderson by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the filmmaker discusses what she hopes viewers take away from watching “The Punk Singer.”
“There is a scene where [Kathleen] says, ‘I have no idea what my life is about.’ And that was shocking to all of us who love Kathleen and are very inspired by her work. To hear her genuinely say that was super surprising. And she was also super humble about it. She is a very humble person. She was kind of figuring it out as she was talking about it. It was kind of perfect that that was actually our last day of filming and we were asking those questions and coming to those conclusions.
“I just hope that [‘The Punk Singer’] inspires people to action. I think that there is a lot of isolation that we all experience and I think that that isolation can become a little bit paralyzing. If we are brave enough to open up and share with our peers and people that we can trust what is really going on with us, we have an opportunity to actually make something great about that and be of service to other people.
“That is super important that is the kind of art that moves me the most – when people are being really honest. I feel like people are walking away after seeing ‘The Punk Singer’ feeling a little more willing to be open about where they are actually at or what their struggles have actually been. To feel like you are in a good place with that is actually empowering. I feel like there is a lot of power in vulnerability. So I hope that people feel empowered to just be a little more honest and feel less alone through doing that.” – Sini Anderson
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Among the new movies that were released Friday, Dec. 6 are an extremely emotional Belgian drama, a shocking documentary about the war on drugs and a powerful motion picture starring Christian Bale and Casey Affleck.
Johan Heldenbergh and Veerle Baetens play two people who fall in love at first sight in spite of their differences. He talks, she listens. He’s a romantic atheist, she’s a religious realist. But when their daughter becomes seriously ill, their love is put on trial. (NR – 112 minutes)
Not since “Blue Valentine” has a movie so effectively demonstrated the intense highs and lows of a romantic relationship than “The Broken Circle Breakdown.” The new Belgian drama is an extremely emotional cinematic experience as director Felix Van Groeningen lays passions – both good and bad – on the line for all to see and likely identify with as well. The characters’ exciting courtship and upbeat musical numbers are a stark contrast to the tragic tale of terminal illness and post-traumatic stress disorder and it is all jumbled up in a nonlinear narrative that may frustrate some viewers but will genuinely engage others. (Thumbs Up!)
‘Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?’
Filmmaker Michel Gondry applies his imagination to animating a series of conversations with linguist/philosopher/political commentator/activist Noam Chomsky about the emergence of language. (NR – 90 minutes)
Much like the equally odd titled “An Oversimplification of Her Beauty,” “Is the Man Who is Tall Happy?” is an amazing achievement in experimental cinema but not exactly a very entertaining one. Granted, there is no doubt that filmmaker Michel Gondry’s subject Noam Chomsky is a brilliant man, but these “conversations” as they are referred to are only rarely accessible to the average joe – even with Gondry’s doodlings (which, for the record, are often more distracting than they are helpful). Those in the art and/or philosophy professions will likely love it but everyone else will just have their mind boggled before drifting into dreamland. (Thumbs Down!)
Filmmaker Shaul Schwarz looks at the explosive phenomenon in which narco traffickers have become iconic outlaws and the new models of fame and success, representing a pathway out of the ghetto – a new form of the American Dream, fueled by the war on drugs. (R – 103 minutes)
Filmmaker Shaul Schwarz knows that the best way to get someone’s attention is to show them something shocking. Therefore, in order to make the biggest and most brutally honest impact with his new documentary “Narco Cultura,” he does not shy away from showing certain things that will undoubtedly turn most viewers’ stomachs. As a result, the experience is not for everybody, but it undoubtedly leaves a searing impression, encouraging some serious thought about how art and entertainment can have horrifying ramifications on real life. The only drawback – both for the film and for reality – is that, while the problems are aplenty, solutions are hard to come by. (Thumbs Up!)
Christian Bale plays a man who takes matters into his own hands to find justice when his younger brother (Casey Affleck) mysteriously disappears and law enforcement fails to follow through. Woody Harrelson, Forest Whitaker, Willem Dafoe, Sam Shepard and Zoe Saldana also star. (R – 116 minutes)
“Out of the Furnace” is a powerful motion picture about how certain circumstances drive a gentle-hearted, remorseful and merciful man to forsake his humanity. It is an exceptionally well-acted drama that will leave you feeling both an emotional and psychological weight. Having said that, writer/director Scott Cooper’s screenplay stretches a simple story a tad too long and the film’s first half is far superior to its second half, which features a few too many lingering shots of star Christian Bale’s solemn facial expressions. Still, its authentically gritty setting and unsettling ending are certain to remain with you. (Thumbs Up!)
Writer/actor Johan Heldenbergh recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his role as Didier Bontinck in the new drama “The Broken Circle Breakdown.”
In “The Broken Circle Breakdown,” which opens Friday, Dec. 6, Heldenbergh and Veerle Baetens play two people who fall in love at first sight in spite of their differences. He talks, she listens. He’s a romantic atheist, she’s a religious realist. But when their daughter becomes seriously ill, their love is put on trial.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Heldenbergh by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the writer/actor discusses what he hopes that viewers take away from “The Broken Circle Breakdown.”
“I had recently broke up with my girlfriend. I was married for 20 years and we had three children. Luckily, I didn’t experience the things that Elise and Didier experience in the movie. But it is all in there. It is very personal. I just wrote it for myself. I didn’t need a lot of research or anything like that. I just wrote it for myself. I needed to write something about a breakup and I just did and it came out that way. It came out in a completely other story but it is all in there.
“‘The Broken Circle Breakdown’ is basically a love story. It is about a very passionate, glorious love and I want people to leave the venues with a feeling that they are touched by these characters. There is also a lot of hope in the movie and there is a lot of things to think about. There is a political aspect. You could look at the movie in so many ways. [But, ultimately,] I think that love cannot conquer everything – as we are often made to believe in cinemas and television series.
“Sometimes even glorious love is not able to conquer everything. That is just the truth because 80 percent of people have to go through that experience – a breakup. It is sad but it is the truth. And this is a movie that was made with the utmost integrity and the utmost honesty. Even the music is honest. It is acoustic music. You could just take the guitar off the wall and play it with your grandfather, your uncles and your sons. Everything about it is honest truthful and full of integrity. I believe that is a sentiment that people leave the movie with.” – Johan Heldenbergh
Filmmaker Shaul Schwarz recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new documentary “Narco Cultura.”
In “Narco Cultura,” which opens Friday, Dec. 6, Schwarz looks at the explosive phenomenon in which narco traffickers have become iconic outlaws and the new models of fame and success, representing a pathway out of the ghetto – a new form of the American Dream, fueled by the war on drugs.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Schwarz by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the filmmaker discusses his level of fear while making “Narco Cultura.”
“I was scared many times while making this movie. We expected Juarez to be dangerous – and it was. People get very suspicious. We rode around with CSI units and would get out of the van as non-Mexican civilians with recording gear in our hands and the cartels are literally everywhere. People would so commonly whisper, ‘Who is that? Stop doing what you’re doing!’
“I really think that eight out of 10 times we we would go out we would not be able to film. And you have to respect that. It is so dangerous. Your life could literally be on the line within a split-second if you make a wrong decision. So we couldn’t just say, ‘Well I have a right to film here. I’m on public land.’ ‘No’ was really ‘no’ on this film and we took it seriously.
“But what surprised us is that we got such great access from the other side of the movie. We followed the Los Angeles-based band Buknas de Culiacan. We didn’t expect that to get too scary. Sure, it is quite an edgy club scene, but we got so close and more and more connected to the actual trafficking world.
“The access that we got through the band was very unique – especially on the trip to Mexico. We got very close to the belly of the beast. And that was scary. It was not your regular access into the drug war and I certainly knew what I was trying to do when we took the decision to take the trip but I won’t lie – I was scared.” – Shaul Schwarz
Actor Anson Mount recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his role as Garth in the new horror flick “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane.”
In “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane,” which will be available beginning Tuesday, Dec. 3 on Blu-ray and DVD, Amber Heard plays a young woman who is invited by a group of high-schoolers to a weekend party on a secluded ranch. While the festivities rage on, the number of revelers begins to drop quite mysteriously.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Mount by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actor discusses his general thoughts about “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane.”
“[Garth] is a veteran of the Iraq war. He is probably mildly shell-shocked, prefer solitude and has found the perfect job overseeing this ranch that rarely anybody comes to. And suddenly he has got to deal with these kids who he knows are out to get in trouble. I was sort of the odd man out – the old man – in the movie.
“I knew that it was an interesting script and that it kind of turned the modern horror movie on its ear but I didn’t expect it to be so extremely well shot and I was really pleased with it. Unfortunately, sometimes movies get caught up in legalities that I don’t understand. That is what happened to this one for a while.
“You sort of in his business learn to live in the present, let things go as soon as you are done and move on to the next thing I have fond memories from the [‘All the Boys Love Mandy Lane’] set, though, and it feels great [that audiences finally have a chance to see the movie. It really does.
“What I like about the movie is that, especially after coming out of an era where horror movies all became kind of ironic because of Wes Craven’s ‘Scream’ series, it is smart enough to recognize that what scares us now is different than what scares us in the 70s, 80s and 90s. What scared us then was the masked figure that was either going to come and kill us or kidnap us. What scares us now is the disgruntled teen.” – Anson Mount
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Among the new movies that were released Wednesday, Nov. 27 at theaters throughout the Valley are a fantastic animated adventure from Disney, a harrowing thriller starring Jason Statham and a heartfelt dramedy pairing Steve Coogan and Judi Dench.
‘Frozen’
Kristen Bell plays a fearless optimist who, when a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, teams up with extreme mountain man (Jonathan Groff) on an epic journey to find her sister the Snow Queen (Idina Menzel), and put an end to her icy spell. (PG – 108 minutes)
“Frozen” is fantastic. In fact, Disney’s new film is not only the best animated adventure of the year but also a remarkably triumphant return to form for the studio as it stuns with breathtakingly beautiful visuals, magnificent musical numbers, wonderfully fun characters and a simple-yet-engaging story with a meaningful message about exuding love that is essential to audiences of all ages. The only wonder is why it has taken the Mouse House so long to mine the glisteningly precious ice Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale. Nonetheless, we finally have a new masterpiece that is worthy of joining Disney’s catalog of classics. (Breakthrough!)
Jason Statham plays a widowed ex-DEA agent who retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter (Izabela Vidovic). The only problem is he picked the wrong town. James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth also star. (R – 100 minutes)
“Homefront” is as gripping as it is gritty. Granted, director’s Gary Felder’s new thriller, adapted from author Chuck Logan’s novel for the screen by Sylvester Stallone, features some silly moments – such as when star Jason Statham hops off of a motorcycle and then opens fire on it in order to cause an explosion that will stop the bad guys in their tracks. However, it also features some spectacular performances from its all-star cast in roles unlike you have ever seen them before and a terrific tension that builds to an action-packed finale whose sheer force alone will pin you to your seat. (Thumbs Up!)
Steve Coogan plays a world-weary political journalist who picks up the story of a woman’s (Judi Dench) search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. (R – 94 minutes)
“Philomena” is an intellectually stimulating and emotionally stirring motion picture that is much more complex and complicated than most. Director Stephen Frears and star Steve Coogan, who also co-wrote the screenplay, challenge viewers with the true story of a woman – so eloquently portrayed by Judi Dench – who was the victim of a tragic injustice and yet has the experiential wisdom to know that if you are unable to forgive your persecutors then you will never be able to forgive yourself. Like Coogan’s character, you will be outraged but some sagacious spirituality will curtail your choler. (Thumbs Up!)
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Director Gary Fleder recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new thriller “Homefront.”
In “Homefront,” which opens Wednesday, Nov. 27 at movie theaters throughout the Valley, Jason Statham plays a widowed ex-DEA agent who retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter (Izabela Vidovic). The only problem is he picked the wrong town. James Franco, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth also star.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Fleder by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the director discusses what he hopes viewers take away from “Homefront” and what he took away from it as well.
“I think that one of the big themes is deciding who you are to your child. [Jason Statham’s character] is a guy with a past that was probably pretty intense with some violence and mayhem. He is a guy who clearly lived and thrived in that universe but has now given all of that up and is living this quiet life off the grid with his daughter. Then trouble finds him and he has got to decide who he is going to be. Is he going to be a guy who attracts violence and mayhem or a guy who doesn’t attract it and doesn’t want to be part of it?
“There is a very critical moment in the movie where he could have walked away from a situation where he is being embarrassed or whatever. But rather than walking away he lets it happen and, of course, that triggers this whole domino effect of bad behavior. But I am really intrigued by the notion of choices we make and I think that this movie is especially about a guy who decides what kind of man he is going to be to his daughter and to himself.
“I am a dad to a 5-year-old girl and it really made me examine moment by moment what it would be like to have a child in this situation. Basically, as parents, we want to protect our kids at all costs from everything. But the truth is you can’t. Ultimately, there is a certain level of control you don’t have. Every time your kid goes off to school or to camp or to the market or whatever, you are giving up control and I think that is part of life. So I think that this movie is examining that notion of this character who just wants to protect his child as he is grieving his wife – her mom – and how he is going to survive and thrive in this situation.” – Gary Fleder
Festival director James Lee recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about this year’s Filmstock, which will take place Thursday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 7 at Tempe Pollack Cinemas, 1825 E. Elliot Road.
Filmstock is a film festival that is hosted by each of the four corner states – Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona – and features only short films. Selections include both those that have advanced from each of the other states’ festivals and those that were made by filmmakers from right here in the Valley.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Lee by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the festival director discusses his favorite selections from this year’s Filmstock.
“We are a short film festival so every block of screenings that we have is 90 minutes of fantastic shorts from around the world. We take our top four films from the festival and show them at Filmstock in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Filmstock in Denver, Colorado; and Filmstock in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is part of our effort to give Arizona film and Arizona filmmakers some more exposure – as well as exposure for filmmakers from those other states.
“I like them all but there are some really fantastic shorts. Synthetic Human is a local production company here [in the Valley]. They have been with us since the beginning – back in 2009 – and are always cranking out fantastic material. You will never sit through a Synthetic Human film and be bored.
“They have come out with their new movie – ‘A Stray.’ It is really good … and will be playing Dec. 7 during our high drama block along with a film from New Mexico featuring some people from ‘Breaking Bad.’ [That one is] called ‘Those That Play Your Clowns’ and is about a down-on-his-luck actor. It is a sobering tale but it has some humor in it as well.
“About five or six of the filmmakers will actually be there on top of lots of other filmmakers from the Valley that you will get to meet. Every showing will also be hosted by a local celebrity of some kind. There will be at least 20 name actors from here in the Valley who work on anything from commercials to horror flicks all the way up to feature films. It is all part of making the show better and incorporating the community more into what we are doing.” – James Lee
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Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 22 at theaters throughout the Valley are a new comedy starring Vince Vaughn, the sequel to “The Hunger Games” and a black-and-white dramedy from director Alexander Payne.
Harry Connick, Jr. plays a man who, having had his holiday spirit permanently crushed as a result of a tragic accident during his childhood, meets a mysterious man (Willie Nelson) who gives him a gift and instills in him the courage to find the joy that he lost. Playing exclusively at Harkins Shea. (PG – 90 minutes)
“Angels Sing” harnesses the happiness of the holidays and spreads smiles across the faces of everyone who watches it. The new family flick also spreads a very admirable message about living life in a joyful way that honors our loved ones – living and deceased – rather than allowing inevitable tragedies that we cannot control to obstruct our spirit. Best of all, it boasts an accomplish cast of musical artists/actors and a spectacular soundtrack of Christmas music while ending on a note that feels emotionally rewarding and even a little bit spiritually resonant – all without ever getting cheesy or preachy. (Thumbs Up!)
Hans Matheson plays a progressive young minister whose 1890 quest to modernize in a small village deep in the heart of the English countryside sets him at odds with an old world candlemaker who wants to preserve a local legend that grants a Christmas Eve miracle to one resident every 25 years. Playing exclusively at Harkins Arizona Mills and Harkins Superstition Springs. (PG – 100 minutes)
“The Christmas Candle” drips just a little too slowly and its wax is a bit too thick for most audiences. Although the new holiday-themed period piece has got its heart in the right place and features impressive production values that make for some gorgeous sights, its pacing and preachiness is its Achilles’ heel. Ultimately, it feels more like a made-for-television movie than a major motion picture due to its limited appeal – primarily to fans of faith-based entertainment. Having said that, it does handle the theme of skepticism and struggling with one’s faith rather well. (Thumbs Down!)
Alicia Witt plays an estranged daughter who makes a surprise visit home for Thanksgiving and clashes with her stepmother (Cheryl Hines) and sister (Sonya Walger) while her half-brother (Ashton Holmes) tries to keep a massive gambling debt a secret. Meanwhile, the family patriarch (Peter Bogdanovich) has his own dramatic news to share. Playing exclusively at Harkins Valley Art. (NR – 84 minutes)
You know what they say: It’s not really Thanksgiving until somebody gets stabbed with a fork. Well, maybe “they” don’t really say that, but it certainly seems to be the case in movies about dysfunctional families. “Cold Turkey” does not exactly stand out from the flock as writer/director Will Slocombe more or less follows the genre’s formula. If anything, Slocombe makes it more difficult to relate to these characters who, even with their financial woes, will always be wealthier than us. However, it is always entertaining to see someone else’s family self-destruct during the holidays – and this one does so catastrophically. Best of all, Slocombe does not sugar coat his ending, honoring the fact that family feuds lead to lonely lives. (Thumbs Up!)
Vince Vaughn plays an affable underachiever who finds out that he has fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago. Now he must decide whether or not to come forward when 142 of them file a lawsuit to reveal his identity. (PG-13 – 105 minutes)
“Delivery Man” is kind of an unnecessary motion picture. After all, the new comedy is mostly a shot-for-shot, word-for-word remake of French-language flick “Starbuck” so the experience is a little deja vu-ish and even somewhat awkward as the actors essentially regurgitate lines written for other people. Having said that, along with everything else, the original’s good-intentioned sweetness and sentimentality are also carried over. And, let’s face it, a Vince Vaughn vehicle is much more accessible to American audiences and therefore worth watching – if only to realize that we should all be so lucky to have families this big. (Thumbs Up!)
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen who, having won the Hunger Games, must turn around and leave her family and close friends, embarking on a “Victor’s Tour” during which she senses a rebellion simmering. (PG-13 – 146 minutes)
On the one hand, the first half of “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” would make for an amazing arthouse flick. However, that crowd would more than likely lose interest at the onset of the second half, which is essentially a retread of the first film in the series inspired by Suzanne Collins’ books – albeit a bit darker (both figuratively and literally). Meanwhile, fans of the franchise are guaranteed to become bored – and “hungry” for action – as they wait for the “games” to begin or something to “catch fire.” And everyone will be a bit underwhelmed with the anticlimactic ending which is just begging for a “To Be Continued…” card. On the other hand, it’s still sufficiently entertaining. (Thumbs Up!)
‘Nebraska’
Will Forte plays a man who grudgingly agrees to drive his tempestuous father (Bruce Dern) to Nebraska to claim a million dollar prize that he is convinced that he has won via a magazine sweepstakes. Playing exclusively at Harkins Camelview. (R – 110 minutes)
“Nebraska” is an extremely simple but exceptionally special feature film. Granted, director Alexander Payne’s new black-and-white dramedy moves along at a very measured pace, literally taking the time to appreciate the picturesque landscapes. However, this deliberate approach only teaches patience, rewarding viewers with an enjoyable journey that includes a vociferously hilarious misunderstanding involving an air compressor and an emotionally resonant destination that delivers one of the most life-affirming movie moments of the year. It also teaches empathy, encouraging each and every one of us to embrace our family members’ eccentricities and never take away anyone’s dignity by denying them. (Breakthrough!)
Actor Bob Odenkirk recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his role as Ross Grant in the new dramedy “Nebraska.”
In “Nebraska,” which opens Friday, Nov. 22 exclusively at Harkins Camelview, Will Forte plays a man who grudgingly agrees to drive his tempestuous father (Bruce Dern) to Nebraska to claim a million dollar prize that he is convinced that he has won via a magazine sweepstakes.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Odenkirk by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actor discusses the character he plays in “Nebraska” and why the film is being presented in black and white as opposed to color.
“You try to bring a dignity to every character you play. You try to see them as a whole person – not just one side of them. So when you have got a character like Ross, who is an egotistical and judgmental guy, you sort of try to see another side of him. Thankfully, Bob Nelson’s screenplay and Alexander Payne’s amazing direction attempts to show all sides of everyone as well.
“So when you are being the egotistical newscaster, you try to make him real; make him somebody who, while you can laugh at him and his pretensions, you kind of see yourself in and go, ‘Well I am also trying to be something in this world.’ You have an understanding for him.
“I sympathize with Ross and I think that he is not wrong to be angry at his father. But I do think that once you let it out and say how you feel, you have got to move on to another place and try to have some empathy for the people in your family. You have got to forgive your family for being who they are. They are not perfect – and neither are you.
“[Alexander Payne] basically said that it was just how he saw it when he read [Bob Nelson’s] screenplay. He just saw it in his head in black and white, which is a good, organic, natural instinct to follow. But I think that it also makes sense because it is a very simple story – cranky dad goes on road trip with generous son and crazy capers happen along the way. It is a very simple story.
“And the landscape of Nebraska is kind of simple – farmhouses and barns and lots and lots of empty space with pastureland and silos here and there. You get this beautiful vista that is very simplified by the black and white – just like the story. But it is filled with emotion and feeling and longing and I think it works beautifully. It is a really beautiful film.” – Bob Odenkirk
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Actress Luisa d’Oliveira recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about her role in the Reelz television series “Cracked,” which follows teams of cops and psychiatric professionals who make up the Psych Crimes and Crisis unit.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with d’Oliveira by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actress discusses role in “Cracked” and, specifically, how she was able to tap into her character’s mindset.
“I play Poppy Wisnefski. She is the one youngest person on the team. She was brought into this unit because her inspector believes that she has a lot of good qualities to be a cop but being in this unit will help give her a lot of the empathy, understanding and connection to people that she needs to really get better at her job and develop into a good police officer. She brings a true-blue cop mentality and her viewpoint of crimes and criminals is very much black and white so there is a bit of a learning curve for her because nothing is black and white with these cases on the show. Everything is grey.
“[Law enforcem enforcement] is such a guarded community. They trust each other and there really are not any articles or handbooks on what it is like to be a police officer. But just paying attention to people is probably one of the biggest things. I started walking around Toronto when we started shooting the show and just paying attention of people. I started observing, as if I was a beat cop, and I was looking for anything out of the ordinary.
“The shift that happens in your mind when you stop, completely forget about you and just start watching everything around you is amazing. Something different happens in your body. It is really interesting. So that was one of the first things that I did and, obviously, quite a lot of research in talking to different officers. The co-creator of the show is currently with the Emergency Task Force in Toronto, which is the equivalent of SWAT in the [U.S.], and he has done a bunch of other jobs as well within the police force. So he has had some pretty interesting insight as well.” – Luisa d’Oliveira
Actor Randy Couture recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his role as Jack Reiley in the new action-packed crime drama “Ambushed.”
In “Ambushed,” which will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12 on Blu-ray and DVD at retail stores and rental outlets throughout the Valley, Dolph Lundgren plays a veteran DEA agent who clashes with a crooked cop (Couture) while pursuing a ruthless cocaine smuggler (Vinnie Jones) whose power is slipping.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Couture by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actor discusses the character he plays in “Ambushed.”
“Jack is a narcotics officer who is kind of playing on both sides of the fence. He is not a very nice character and he is kind of doing whatever he has to do – or feels like he has to do – to get ahead. He doesn’t have a very high opinion of law enforcement or of his job. It is just kind of a means to an end for him and, because of that, he does all kinds of things that are not terribly savory in this movie.
“It was a challenge for me. I think that part of the acting process is trying to figure out how to tell the truth and how to relate to your character and what he does as objective as in the movie even though you don’t have anything in your own stream of experience to relate to. I had to create a rather detailed backstory for Jack that was kind of his motivation for doing a lot of things that he did. That involved a family, some kids and an ex-wife. Those are things that I could relate to. So that made a little more real to me.
“First of all, this was a great experience for me to be able to play a lead character in a movie with such a great group of people. Just by being around them, I learned – almost through osmosis – more about the process. I learn something new every time I put myself out there. Having to create this backstory to relate to Jack was a challenge but fun and I think that, at the end the day, it made me a better actor.” – Randy Couture
Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 8 at theaters throughout the Valley are a romantic drama with a time travel twist, a biopic about Princess Diana and a superhero sequel starring the God of Thunder.
Domhnall Gleeson plays a man who, at the age of 21, discovers that he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world a better place by getting a girlfriend (Rachel McAdams) turns out not to be as easy as you might think. (R – 123 minutes)
“About Time” is positive, uplifting and sincere, encouraging viewers to live each and every day appreciating life’s little victories and free from the rampant worries that will not change anything anyway. Best of all, it may be one of the only time-travel flicks that non-science-fiction fans can watch without cringing. However, the new film from “Love Actually” writer/director Richard Curtis is riddled with plot holes and logical inconsistencies and those seeking sugary sweet romance may be surprised when the tale takes a sharp turn toward sentimental drama. Having said that, Curtis certainly knows how to be the perfect puppeteer of our emotions. (Thumbs Up!)
June Diane Raphael and Casey Wilson play best friends who embark on a cross country trip back to their hometown in an attempt to win a beauty pageant that eluded them as children. Playing exclusively at Harkins Valley Art. (NR – 90 minutes)
“Ass Backwards” wants to be “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” so badly that seeing it flail around in desperation is a physically painful experience for the beholder. What stars/screenwriters June Diane Raphael and Casey Wilson seem to be unable to understand is that the characters in that aforementioned 1997 comedy classic were not only stupid; they were also likeable. Whereas Raphael and Wilson’s characters here are not only stupid; they are also disgusting. Moreover, the movie itself is not only unfunny; it is also annoying – not to mention incredibly insulting in its representation of women. (Thumbs Down!)
Justin Long and Jess Weixler play newlyweds that cancels their honeymoon and return to the snowy Midwest to make funeral arrangements for their best man (Tyler Labine), who died unexpectedly after their ceremony. Playing exclusively at Harkins Shea. (PG-13 – 91 minutes)
“Best Man Down” is a tonal mess. To be fair, the term dramedy implies a mix of both drama and comedy but the trick is to mix the two naturally as opposed to delegating them into two separate storylines that eventually merge into one very awkward one – which is what is done here. The dramatic moments in writer/director Ted Koland’s mostly misguided movie are so serious that you cannot feel comfortable laughing during the comedic ones and the comedic ones are so silly that you never quite feel emotionally connected to the characters during the dramatic ones. (Thumbs Down!)
‘Diana’
Naomi Watts portrays Princess Diana who, in last two years of her life, embarks on a final rite of passage – a secret love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews). (PG-13 – 113 minutes).
If it were not for the presence of star Naomi Watts, one might mistake “Diana” for a made-for-television Lifetime movie. Then again, such a statement gives the wrong impression, evoking ideas about director Oliver Hirschbiegel’s new biopic being some super-scandalous guilty pleasure of a motion picture when it is actually dull-as-dishwater. But the Lifetime comparison still sticks because of the flick’s sickeningly melodramatic dialogue. And it cannot even be enjoyed as a Nicholas Sparks-esque romance because Princess Diana’s relationship with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan was, as it turns out, really not that interesting. Watts and her co-star Naveen Andrews do give great performances, though. (Thumbs Down!)
Saoirse Ronan plays an American girl who, while on holiday in the English countryside with her family, finds herself in hiding and fighting for her survival as the third world war breaks out. Playing exclusively at Harkins Arizona Mills and Harkins Superstition Springs. (R – 100 minutes)
As far as “third world war” movies go, “How I Live Now” is better than last year’s “Red Dawn” remake but not nearly as good as the Australian import “Tomorrow, When the War Began.” In addition to taking viewers on a compelling survivalist journey, director Kevin Macdonald’s cinematic adaptation of Meg Rosoff’s novel has a strong spiritual message. Unfortunately, said message is not naturally earned. To make matters worse, star Saoirse Ronan’s character suffers from some strange sixth sense that is rather irritating. And I am pretty sure that in such a situation there would be more important issues than a “Twilight-esque” romance. (Thumbs Down!)
Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor who, faced with an enemy that even his home planet of Asgard cannot withstand, must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet. Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins and Tom Hiddleston also star. (PG-13 – 112 minutes)
“Thor: The Dark World” is easily and without a doubt the worst of the Marvel superhero movies today. The sequel’s only bright spots are the scenes in which Tom Hiddleston’s Loki or Kat Dennings’s Darcy appear. Otherwise, there is too much otherworldly fantasy and not enough down-to-earth relatability. The comic relief that we have come to expect from the series has been replaced with a ridiculous self-seriousness. Between this snooze-fest and the underwhelming “Iron Man 3” that was released earlier this year, Captain America may not only have to save the entire world in next spring’s “The Winter Soldier;” he may also have to save the Marvel superhero film franchise. (Thumbs Down!)
Director Oliver Hirschbiegel recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about his new biopic “Diana.”
In “Diana,” which opens Friday, Nov. 8 at movie theaters throughout the Valley, Naomi Watts portrays Princess Diana who, in last two years of her life, embarks on a final rite of passage – a secret love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews).
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Hirschbiegel by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the director discusses actress Naomi Watts’ transformation into Princess Diana and the movie’s message.
“As a director, you can only do so much. What you do is you find the right actor. That is 50 percent of the work, really, and I always had Naomi [Watts] down as my first name ever. Then you meet and talk about certain aspects, you look at videos together, but then you have to send the actress off and she has to do her homework. So while I am prepping my work, she does the same thing over months. We congregate frequently but most of the stuff she has to do herself.
In this case, [Naomi] did something unusual. Usually, an actor goes from inside out. In this case, she started working on [Princess] Diana’s movements, her mannerisms, the way she looked and the way she talked. [Diana] had a very specific posh English accent and doing that helped [Naomi] get inside of the character and really become Diana. It was fascinating for me. Very few actors have the ability to go as deep.
“It may sound a little simplistic but I think love is the message here. My hope is that people get what love means, what it could mean and what it meant in [Diana’s] life; then look at their own lives and question themselves, ‘Where am I standing in life? How far would I take it? What would I give up in my life in order to live the love with another person? Would I sacrifice things that are dear to me?’
“I always wanted to do a love story and I thoroughly enjoyed doing this one so what I am taking with me is the want to do another one. This kind of film really is not made anymore. Love is just an aspect in romantic comedies and other dramas. So I would kind of like to follow this line a little for another film – not necessarily the next one but maybe the one after.” – Oliver Hirschbiegel
Among the new movies that were released Friday, Nov. 1 at theaters throughout the Valley are a science-fiction flick for young adults, a Thanksgiving-themed animated adventure and an ensemble comedy set in Sin City.
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a New York State citizen who, in the 1800s, is kidnapped and made to work on a plantation in New Orleans in the 1800s. Other stars include Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson and Paul Giamatti. (R – 133 minutes)
“12 Years a Slave” may be one of the most challenging motion pictures you will ever see. Director Steve McQueen’s new biographical drama based on Solomon Northup’s book about his experience as a slave plays out like a horror flick, leaving viewers shielding their eyes from the on-screen horrors and heartbroken over the barbaric brutality that was, unfortunately, not only real but also commonplace just a few generations ago. It is an extremely excruciating ordeal to endure but essential viewing for its powerful performances and psychologically commanding depiction of one man’s seemingly inconceivable ability to survive through such suffering. (Thumbs Up!)
Adèle Exarchopoulos plays a young girl who begins a romance with a male classmate but is soon swept off her feet by a mysterious, blue-haired girl – a confident older art student (Léa Seydoux). Playing exclusively at Harkins Camelview. (NC-17 – 187 minutes)
“Blue is the Warmest Color” is every bit as beautifully poetic as its title. However, clocking in at an exhausting 3-hour length and featuring a lovemaking scene that gets a little too up-close and personal – literally – and for too long, the new French-language drama that made a colossal splash at Cannes is not for everybody. There is abundant artistic value in the film, though, as director Abdellatif Kechiche graphically exposes emotions you never imagined could be manifested in a motion picture. It is not the earth-shattering masterpiece that hype would have you believe it to be but it is a titillating triumph nonetheless. (Thumbs Up!)
Asa Butterfield plays a brilliant young boy who is recruited by the International Military and trained to lead his fellow soldiers into a battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race. (PG-13 – 114 minutes)
“Ender’s Game” plays with some incredibly interesting ideas about the costs of war, the loss of innocence and the whole military mentality – fight in such a way that wins not only the imminent war but all future wars as well. However, the new science-fiction flick based on author Orson Scott Card’s young adult novel is so self-serious that most of the fun has been sucked right out of it. Its visuals are as stimulating as its themes but the story is simply too solemn to appeal to audiences on either end of the age spectrum. (Thumbs Down!)
Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson voice turkeys from opposite sides of the tracks who must put aside their differences, team up and travel back in time to change the course of history – and get turkey off the holiday menu for good. (PG – 90 minutes)
“Free Birds” is a fun and festive animated adventure that fills a gap in entertainment that has long been empty – a Thanksgiving-themed film that can be consumed by the whole family. Having said that, the ending leaves an awful lot to be desired as writer/director Jimmy Hayward takes the easy way out with an impractical conclusion rather than working his creative muscle in search of a solution that would both respect the holiday’s time-honored traditions and leave audiences of all ages feeling emotionally enriched. Still, both kids and adults are certain to gobble it up with a grin. (Thumbs Up!)
Michael Caine plays a widowed, world-weary professor living in Paris who sees no meaningful future for himself until he meets a free-spirited young dance instructor (Clémence Poésy), leading him to rediscover the joy that only family and true friendship can offer. Playing exclusively at AMC Arizona Center. (NR – 115 minutes)
With “Last Love,” you get two movies in one. Unfortunately, only one of them is any good. The one that is – which occupies the film’s first half – is filled with heartfelt emotion and complicated themes of love, loss, letting go and living through it. But by about the motion picture’s midway point, writer/director Sandra Nettelbeck’s drama takes a turn in a slightly different direction and the story becomes less about the charming relationship between stars Michael Caine and Clémence Poésy’s likeable characters than it is about the trivial problems of people who, as it turns out, are not all that likeable after all. (Thumbs Down!)
Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline play old friends who decide to throw a Las Vegas bachelor party for the only one of them who has remained single. (PG-13 – 90 minutes)
Some movies are strictly for certain audiences, delighting one demographic while failing to extract an equal enthusiasm from another. “Last Vegas” is such a film. Director Jon Turteltaub’s new comedy will have older viewers slapping their knee replacements with boisterous laughter yet have younger audiences checking their smart watches every few minutes. It has got an emotionally resonant message that audiences of all ages can, should and will appreciate but it is unfortunately underutilized and the humor simply lacks the same age transcendance – as does actress Mary Steenburgen’s singing. Still, seeing these four legends have fun is worth the price of admission alone. (Thumbs Up!)
Follows the spiritual journey of a young martial artist (Tiger Chen) whose unparalleled Tai Chi skills land him in a highly lucrative underworld fight club. As the fights intensify, so does his will to survive. Keanu Reeves co-stars and directs. Playing exclusively at Harkins Valley Art. (R – 105 minutes)
To its credit, “Man of Tai Chi” feels exactly like a movie that Keanu Reeves would make. The new actioner – the actor’s directorial debut – embodies every quality that defines the quintessential Reeves performance. It is cold, distant, flat, monotonous and drab – almost depressingly so. On the other, also like Reeves, it exhibits some spectacular martial arts skills. Therefore, those who want to see high-octane hand-to-hand combat and do not mind if it is presented in a way that lacks any personality whatsoever will likely love it whereas the rest of us would be better off waiting for Ted’s next excellent adventure with Bill. (Thumbs Down!)
Actress Gillian Anderson recently spoke with “Breakthrough Entertainment” about her role in the new drama “Last Love.”
In “Last Love,” which opens Friday, Nov. 1 exclusively at AMC Arizona Center, Michael Caine plays a widowed, world-weary professor living in Paris who sees no meaningful future for himself until he meets a free-spirited young dance instructor (Clémence Poésy), leading him to rediscover the joy that only family and true friendship can offer.
Listen to “Breakthrough Entertainment’s” full interview with Anderson by clicking HERE. The following is an excerpt from the interview in which the actress discusses her character’s likeability and “Last Love’s” basic themes.
“I like complicated characters and I have a tendency to play characters who have more going on than what is on the surface or who have good sides and bad sides to them. That is much more interesting to play as an actor and it is also more realistic in terms of human beings in general.
“Human beings are much more complicated than we often give them credit for. So it doesn’t bother me that she might not do very likable things. She could potentially be a likable and a fun person but she sometimes makes some inappropriate choices and I find that interesting.
“One of the things that I think it conveys is the importance of human connection. Not only does it exemplify how people of any age still have feelings, emotions and a desire to live life to the fullest the best way they can – they are, at 70, 80 or 90, still human beings who deserve the best in life – but also that at any age human connection between two people is vital.
“It is sometimes that which we are left with at the end of our lives that is the most meaningful. Whether it is a connection with our kids or if we don’t have that connection with our kids it could be a stranger on a bus or somebody in a supermarket who extends themselves in a generous, kind and compassionate way, we are left with that memory. I think it really speaks to the importance of human connection in this world and shows the impact that human connection can have on people’s lives.” – Gillian Anderson
