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Interview: The Cast of ‘Dallas’ Celebrates a New Season & J.R. Ewing’s Name Lives On

Highland Park Village Theater held an exclusive red carpet premiere event last week.  Many cast members of the popular TNT Drama, Dallas, came out in honor of the show’s return, and to launch Southfork Bottling Company’s newest product, the J.R. Ewing Bourbon.   The anticipated drink is expected to hit liquor stores around the metroplex in March.  “It really brings you back to what J.R. was all about.  The highest quality, the class, and the charisma that J.R. brought to the table, and I think that’s embodied in the bourbon itself and in the packaging, and presentation,” says Andy Harmon (Co-founder of Southfork Bottling Company).

As the red carpet continued, stars of the hit series took photos, and signed autographs for the fans, but not before quickly speaking with us about the new season and all the drama that’s to come!

At the end of last season you (Christopher) and Elena kind of didn’t really leave off on good terms.  How is your relationship going to be this season?

Jesse Metcalfe: Tumultuous.  I mean when we first find Christopher he’s grown a beard and he is chopping wood out on the plains of Southfork.  So he’s not in the best of places.  But much like his father did in the original series, when he’s going through some inner turmoil he kind of gets back to the land and does some work in the ranch to sort of clear his mind and, um, things don’t get any better from there.”

I love your (Pamela) relationship with John Ross on the show, which is why I am so frustrated that (cut off)

Julie Gonzalo: That he’s a cheater! (Laughs)

Yes! But it’s clear that he’s in love with Pamela, though. Why does he cheat?

Julie: I know! It’s really, well, I mean look if he didn’t then we wouldn’t have this awesome dynamic and intense show.  So I think there has to be a conflict.  Um, but yes your right.  I think that they do truly kind of love each other so hopefully, uh, they’ll, we’ll see what happens but were only in season 3 so I hope they don’t really make amends that soon.” (Laughs)

Emma Bell who play’s John Ross’ mistress walked the red carpet with fellow cast members Marlene Forte, who plays Carmen Ramos, and the newest trouble maker of the show, Juan Pablo Di Pace who plays Nicolas Trevino.

What is it that you are so drawn to John Ross, because I thought you had a great connection with Drew.

Emma: “Well you know that’s a great thing, we were actually just talking about that (laughs), um, I think John Ross is kind of the epitome of that bad boy you can’t tame and every girl wants to tame that guy, and also he’s full of power and that’s incredibly intoxicating, especially to a girl like Emma because she doesn’t know, she can’t differentiate between power and love.”

Marlene: “She’s definitely a trouble maker.” (Laughs)

Emma: “I’m not, I’m just misunderstood.”

Marlene: “And my son loves her, but she’s going to lead him the wrong way and then there’s this one.” (points to Juan)

Tell me about your character (Nicolas).

Juan: “Well it’s a new one, it’s a new one in the mix and he’s a little bit of trouble, even though he does have a very charming front.  I sort of come in and help my childhood friend Elena and things just get complicated, very complicated, very soon.  So, um, it’s a great character, it’s written like a dream with the wonderful team we have…”

Emma: “And he plays it masterfully.”

Juan: “AW, I’ll pay you later.” (Laughs)

And how is Carmen handling all this drama?

Marlene: “Oh…she’s handling it, she’s going to be thrusting through the middle of it.”

Emma: “We call her crocodile tears on set.”

Juan: “Oh, Carmen this year is amazing stuff.”

Marlene: “There’s a lot of weeping going on.” (Laughs)

What’s in store for Sue Ellen this season?

Linda Grey: “It is so exciting! I think this is one of the most exciting seasons for Sue Ellen.  It starts off kind of quiet (laughs).  That’s the last you’ll see of that (laughs).  So, it’s just every character is interesting and they’re deeper, and they’re badder, and they’re more fun.  It’s just so much fun to see.  So the first show is just kind of introducing the new people, it’s quiet, very controlled. Then it turns to chaos!  We love chaos!” (Laughs)

New episodes of Dallas are currently airing on TNT every Monday night at 8pm central.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

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Interview: ‘Labor Day’-Gattlin Griffith And Joyce Maynard Discuss Josh Brolin’s Pie Making Skills

“When life gives you peaches, make peach pie!”  I guess that’s not exactly the way the saying goes.  But in Jason Reitman’s latest film, one “crucial” pie making scene proves to be a turning point for a broken family that gets a second chance to become whole.

The film is an adaptation of author Joyce Maynard’s critically acclaimed novel.  

Star Gattlin Griffith (Changeling, The Green Lantern) and Joyce Maynard both visited Dallas to talk about the film, the movies that make them cry, and of course, pie.

What was your initial reaction when you got this role?

Gattlin: “I was out of this world!  I was stunned you know?  I couldn’t really get my head wrapped around it.  You always want a role like this, but like once you have it, you’re like: Can I do this role?  I mean you start to think: I don’t know if I’m ready.  But you know, I prepared a lot.  I read over the script a lot.  I don’t really do a whole lot of acting lessons.  But I read over it, and I did my homework.”

Now Joyce, I heard that you taught Jason how to make a pie?

Joyce: “First Jason called me up.  He read my book, and he said the words that I love to hear.  “Your book made me cry.”  Um, then he said, “Can I come over to your house, and see how you make a pie.”  Which if people haven’t seen the movie, they may not understand why.  But it’s a crucial scene in the movie that Josh Brolin’s character, the convict hiding out in Kate Winslet’s house, makes a pie for and with them.  And Jason realized that this was a really important scene, and came over to my house and made a little Iphone movie of my pie.  And then on the first day of the shoot, actually before Gattlin showed up, they flew me to this little town in Massachusetts to teach Josh how to make the pie.  Because I didn’t want it to look like one of those perfect pies that you see on the cover of a magazine, they had, in fact, brought in consultant who was wearing the perfect white jacket.  And that’s not me at all.  I’m a very messy pie maker, and my pies are messy.  My pies look like a pie made by a convict on the run.  But they taste really good, which is sort of what the story is about.  It’s people piecing together, you know, this imperfect thing that ends up turning out good.  You don’t expect it.  If you just looked at my pie, you would say what on earth is this?!  And then you taste it!”

Did you teach him (pointing to Gattlin) how to make a pie at all?

Gattlin: “I kind of just, I guess I winged it.”

Joyce: “And I wouldn’t have wanted to teach him, because, you know, he was learning in the scene. So if he had already been a good pie maker, that would have been a problem.  The person who needed, in fact, Kate didn’t even want to pay too much attention to the lesson.  The person who needed to have command of that pie was Josh, and so I took the tough job of teaching him, and as I understand, I wasn’t around but you (pointing to Gattlin) were…”

Gattlin: “Yeah, he uh, all he talked about was pie making (laughs).  He was like, ‘yeah after my two hour workout I’ll go home and make a couple pies.’ (laughs)  He’d bring them to set everyday.”

Joyce: “Supposedly, by the end he couldn’t give them away, although he makes a really good pie.”

Gattlin: “No, everybody at first was like, ‘Oh my God Mr. Brolin made me a pie!’  By the end of it, everybody was like kind of swaying away (laughs) in the mornings from him bringing pies.”

My favorite line in the film is, “Nothing misleads people like the truth.” I love that line.  Why do you guys think that statement’s so true?

Gattlin: “Well I mean, I don’t know what you went for. (looking at Joyce)  I kind of took it as, there’s so many dishonest people in the world.  I guess that when somebody is telling the truth, it’s so rare.”

Joyce: ”There’s a great scene at the end of this movie, and I’m not going to give away what happens.  But when Gattlin and Kate are there trying to make their getaway, and they go to the bank.  And it’s a question of whether this is going to work or not?  And we’re rooting for them!  We’re rooting for these people to be together and make a family.  And the bank manager is looking really suspicious, and he says, you know, ‘I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s going on?’ And then Gattlin’s character, Henry…” (she points to Gattlin to finish)

Gattlin: “Mmhmm, I mean, can I say it?”

Joyce: “Yes, please!”

Gattlin: “Ok, um, I actually had a really hard time with this line.  It was something about stacking up all our money, and we’re going to make a break for the border, you know, like Bonnie and Clyde .”

Joyce: “Which is exactly what they were going to do.” (laughs)

Gattlin: “And it’s quiet for a second, and then it’s like, did he just give away the secret? And then the bank manager’s like laughing, ok, yeah sure.”

I remember that scene. That’s why I was like, thinking, “God, it’s so true.”

Joyce: “The other great line that I love in this movie, and it is the Valentines day line is, ‘I’d take another 20 years, for 3 more days with you.’  And that’s what we want to hear from the person that loves us.”

It’s one of those films that when you come out of the theater, you’re in a romantic mood and you just want to love love.

Joyce: “Luckily, Valentines day is coming!” (laughs)

For you guys, what other films give you that feeling?

Joyce: “Um, The Way We Were is one that always gets to me, and it has some of that feeling.  And I didn’t sit down and say, I want to make a movie with Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin.  I said, I want to give people a love story that will make them cry and make them feel.”

Gattlin: “You know there’s this old movie called Fluke.  And it’s actually about a dog, and he has all these friendships.  And he loves all these people, but everybody that he loves goes away at some point.  It’s an old movie.  And I don’t know if anybody’s heard of it, but it’s called Fluke.  It was sad cause he’d make a friend, she’d be lost; he’d make another friend she’d be lost.  And I remember that movie use to make me cry all the time as a kid.”

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, brief violence and sexuality.

Labor Day hits theaters today.

Joyce Maynard and Gattlin Griffith Video Interview

gattlin and joyce

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Interview/Review: Gabby Douglas Talks Lifetime’s “The Gabby Douglas Story”

She became the house-hold name that everyone could not stop talking about during the summer of 2012.  Olympian Gabrielle Douglas was the first African American ever to be named Individual All-Around Champion in artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games.   Lifetime is bringing Gabby’s story to life with the television première of “The Gabby Douglas Story.”

When the odds were against them, Gabby and her family still didn’t give up until she was able to her reach her dream.  Regina King plays the struggling single mother of four who goes through extreme obstacles to keep her daughter’s dreams alive.  As she fights through illness and financial problems, her other three children have no reservations when it comes to sacrificing what they need to in order to pay for Gabby’s gymnastics classes.  Her family knows she has a gift.  Their belief in her, combined with her incredible drive and passion, leads to one emotional journey of determination and success in this inspiring true story.  Imani Hakim and Sydney Mikayla share the role of playing the two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.

In honor of her anticipated biopic, Gabby Douglas spoke with us to discuss the upcoming film that will premiere this Saturday night on Lifetime.

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today.  I enjoyed the movie and it was really inspiring.   I especially liked the quote your mom would always tell you and your siblings, “Today should always be better than yesterday.”  How do you continue to live by that quote today?

“I live by that quote because I feel like, you know, it’s motivation that keeps me going. You have to find something that motivates you and drives you.   You want to do the thing that you love.  The Olympics is driving me to the gym and busts my butt every single day, just by giving 100%.”

It was so amazing watching the unbelievable support that your family gave you in order for you to pursue your dreams.  How has life changed for you and your family since winning the gold medals?

“Wow.  Life has changed so much for us and we’re just so blessed and so honored.  I’m really honored that they could be apart of this journey, too.  And life is just different.  It changed so fast.  Everyone and the world was like who is Gabby Douglas?  And then I won the Olympics and it was like an overnight celebrity thing.  I never thought it would happen so fast.”

Did your family ever give you an “I told you so” after your wins? Because I feel like they believed in you so much, even when you wanted to quit. 

“Yes. (Laughs) Well not I told you so exactly, but they believed in me when I didn’t believe in me.  But yes at the end, they were kind of like see, we told you!  It was great, just having people around you that believe in you when you don’t, and they inspired me to believe in myself.”

And finally, I thought one of the greatest parts in the film was watching the workout montage while the song, “Hall of Fame” by The Script is playing in the background.  If you could choose any song to be the soundtrack of your life, what song would it be?

“Mmm, I think I’d pick…um “Hall of Fame” is a good one, and I think I’d pick “Girl on Fire.”

“The Gabby Douglas Story” will air on Saturday, February 1st at 8pm ET /PT on Lifetime.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Interview: Vanessa Hudgens talks “Gimme Shelter”

A couple weeks ago I got to sit down with Vanessa Hudgens, director Ronald Krauss, and Kathy Difiore to discuss their new film, “Gimme Shelter.”  The piece aired on ICTN’s entertainment show,  About Towne. 

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Movie Review/Interview: “Romeo Misses A Payment” Hits An Important Issue

When it comes to child support, the courts and movies usually villainize parents as someone who wants nothing to do with their child’s life. Romeo Misses a Payment shows an eye-opening discovery of how unjustly the family courts are in handling divorces, and how the monthly check is far from an easy way out.

Director, Angelo Lobo, is a twice divorced single father who is struggling with his own finances and issues dealing with the family law court system.  Upon his own experience, he has decided to take a deeper look into how other parents just like him have been unfairly treated through the American divorce system.  Lobo travels to multiple cities, including Dallas, for in-depth interviews explaining how distressing of a situation it is for the children, parents, and extended families involved.  The film also features the expert testimonies of attorneys, judges, and law officers who are caught up in the business of divorce.

This is a simple documentary.   Shot with one camera, Lobo pretty much interviews whoever he could get that would best impact his message.  He does throw in some old black and white movie clips for transition as they relate to the topics at hand.  Though the documentary may not be filmed in the highest quality (weak lighting, low budget), it makes the film more personable.  This is a documentary with an objective.  Lobo cares about his subject, and the people he is interviewing.  He is hoping that after people watch his movie, there is an affect, and steps are taken for the system to finally be rightly handled.

This may not have been an issue that most people would think needs concern, but as shown in the documentary, parental suicides have gone up five times for fit parents that are removed from their children.  Arrests have been made to parents who simply can not afford to pay their child support.  They are treated like criminals, and there is nothing they can do about it.  “If you have money, the courts listen to you; if you don’t have money, the family system really sucks.”

Romeo Misses a Payment is shocking and emotional.  The upsetting revelations that surface throughout the film will leave audiences truly appalled, and quite possibly ready to take action for a much needed change in the system.

I also got a chance to have an e-mail interview with Angelo Lobo to talk about the movie.

Were there any specific interviews in this film that was particularly hard for you to shoot? If so whose and why?

Yes, mostly all made a difference in the direction of the film. The interview that stood out the most to me was of Kenneth from New York. Here was a man who invented MRI equipment to save lives and help people. In his interview you could feel his pain and standing there it was almost like he was not present because he was recalling everything that was being done to him. After the interview he went into the restroom so I waited outside to say goodbye and thank him, and I could see the tears in his eyes- an knew then as I walked out that I had to keep this film alive.

After the interview he went into the restroom so I waited outside to say goodbye- thank you for what seemed to be 30 minutes then I went into the rest room and he was just standing there- all alone in tears with blood shot eyes- I just turned around and as I walked out I knew I had to keep this film alive.

It was frustrating to see you not able to film in the family court houses in the beginning of the film, how did you finally get the footage in court?

After trying unsuccessfully, we finally got a lead and we begged the Dallas George Allen Court because they had the most cases of support incarcerations. Once we got the permits and started interviewing, everyone was kind, cooperative until we started asking questions regarding money, their collections, and the federal tax incentives they were getting. We were then asked to call the attorney general to explain what we really filming and we were quickly escorted out of the property. I was told that day off the record “the court has obtained more than 100,000 families and exceeds that each year”. Another turning point for the film because some of the parents were telling the judges right in front of us they did not want to bring the other parent to court and the court would persuade them to do it. Very bizarre.

How was your experience filming in Dallas in comparison to other cities you visited?

I believe all the cities run in parallel because the system seems broken all around except for states that have 50/50 shared custody bills and mandatory paternity tests are in place. Dallas – at the time of filming, the parents that were incarcerated and begging for release had no proper legal representation they seemed to be belittled and forced to agree to terms that seemed unrealistic for their release. Dallas – At the time of filming the parents that were incarcerated and begging for release had no proper legal representation they seemed to be belittle and forced to agree to terms that seemed unrealistic for their release.

Anything you enjoyed about our city?

I like Dallas a lot, been there few times and have good friends there. Overall it is a great city.

What steps do you think need to be taken to improve the divorce system?

I hope and pray that once the film is released parents,judges, and the overall system itself can see from the stories that deny basic human rights to our children will hurt the children and “battling” will not solve anything.

What did you enjoy most about making this documentary?

I really enjoyed meeting so many great people that were working towards positive changes not only in the court systems, but also to strength they way we think about marriage and teaching our children how important that is.

What do you hope all of your audiences will do after watching this documentary?

I would hope that if they or others that are going through those issues see the hope in unity and feel that they are not alone. They can go to our website for resources and get involved. We hope that this can help and hopefully things will get better for them and their families.

Join Angelo for a Q&A at the Magic Johnson Theater AMC on December 14th. And at the Regent Theater in LA on December 16th.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Interview: Steve Coogan talks “Philomena”

It is the film every journalist should see!

After losing his job as a Labour government adviser, Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) meets Philomena Lee (Judi Dench).  A woman who recently admitted that 50 years ago she was forced to give up her son in Ireland, because she was not married during her pregnancy.  She has thought of her son every day since she had to give him up, and desperately wants to track him down to just know if he is okay.  Initially not interested in doing a human interest piece, Martin decides he needs the work and takes on the story.

In what happens to be a more comedic team during a tragic situation, Philomena and Martin travel to Washington, DC.  They soon uncover a shocking truth that will have you walking out of the theater with anger and satisfaction.

To no surprise, the performances in the film are exceptional.  Though this is about a serious topic, the real surprise is how you will catch yourself laughing more than crying due to the incredible screenplay written by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope.  Taking a story that you might normally dread to hear, and turning it into a light-hearted drama with an endearing message.

Based on true events, Philomena is a captivating story about seeking answers, while respecting feelings and truly accepting forgiveness.

Steve Coogan took time to sit down and talk about his new film.

photo

It’s interesting to see the transition of how Martin goes from unsympathetic to more caring of Philomena’s situation.  In your opinion, do you need to lack a certain amount of sympathy to get the answers you want for a story?

“Well, obviously there’s a line isn’t there?  If you just considered not wanting to offend anyone at anytime or upset anyone at anytime, you probably wouldn’t get to the truth. So there’s a case of sometimes having a little, chutzpah in trying to pursue things.  I think you can’t make hard or fast rules, but I think that there are ethics involved.  And it’s a judgment call about what those ethics are.  And I think there are some very tenacious journalists who are in the pursuit of the greater truth and are motivated by that.  Then there are journalists who are just bottom line willing to shift people and are looking to just pay their mortgage.  And that’s understandable, but it doesn’t necessarily make it noble.  So, as I said I think it’s a judgment call.  Martin has struggles with that in the film.  Really, it’s partly about cynicism and how he is cynical and Philomena is not cynical despite what all has happened to her.”

One of my favorite lines Philomena says was, “You should be nice to the people on your way up.  You might meet them on your way down. 

“(Laughs) That line is what my mum said to me once. So I put that in the movie.  But I like the simplicity of the language.  She wasn’t over eloquent; we kept her simple and straight forward.”

That line just stuck with me.  Have you come across with anyone that maybe wasn’t nice to you before your success?

“I have to be very careful (Laughs) because sometimes I think I’m going to see that guy one day.  Especially sometimes there are those people that don’t give me roles that I wanted and thought I could have done.  And I’m like “well they’ll be sorry now” (Laughs).  If you start thinking like that it’s like what Philomena said to Martin at the end of the film.  “I don’t want to go through life hating people.”

Yes, that was another great line!

“Yeah!  And because you know, as we all know, sometimes you get eaten up by that stuff and in trying to seek revenge, the person you destroy more than anyone is yourself.  But it’s ok to recognize it, as long as you recognize the limitation of your feelings and how they are not always right, I think that’s good.  You just need to think out loud about it.”

 Philomena hits theaters November 27th.

Philomena Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Interviews: George Takei & Jimmy Hayward Talk Free Birds On The Red Carpet In Dallas

What if the turkey was never part of our Thanksgiving Day meal?

In the new animated comedy, Free Birds, two heroic turkeys must go back in time and stop turkey from ever being on the Thanksgiving menu.

Reel FX Animation Studios in Dallas has completed their first full length animated film.  For their first film, they could not have done any better.  This is one film the whole family should see!  The movie provides a hilarious script, an original storyline, and a superb production quality.

Feeling like he does not fit in with his own flock, Reggie (Owen Wilson) gets an opportunity to become a “lone turkey.”  After a forceful encounter with Jake (Woody Harrelson), Reggie must join in the mission to travel back in time and get the turkey off of the holiday menu for good.  Once S.T.E.V.E (George Takei) the time machine takes them to three days before the first Thanksgiving, Reggie meets Jenny (Amy Poehler) and the rest of her flock.  As he gets to know his new friends and grows feelings for Jenny, Reggie starts to realize he may have found the flock he always wanted to be apart of.

A slew of talent, including everyone from Reel FX showed up for the Dallas premiere of Free Birds held at the Cinemark 17 and IMAX Theater.  Among those talents were writer/director, Jimmy Hayward (Horton Hears a Who) and Star Trek legend, George Takei.  Both of these incredibly nice guys took time to chat on the red carpet.

Great job in the film, you have such a defined voice, great for any film or voice over.  What attracted you to this project?

George: “Well first of all, I like the idea.  I think we’re too stayed and traditional; the same old menu year after year. I used to look forward to Thanksgiving, because you know we didn’t have turkey the rest of the year.  The only time we had turkey was at Thanksgiving.  But now, we can have turkey all the time.  And with this movie, I think were going to get people to be creative with their Thanksgiving menu.  We might have fish, or this is Texas, roast beef?  Nice and red and bloody, I like it rare, you know?  So it will set them to thinking.  We know what the movie recommends, and that’s a great idea too.”

So this is the perfect film to get you in the mood for the holidays?

Jimmy: “Oh yeah, absolutely!  The film’s not about what you eat.  The film is more about how you’re a part of something bigger than yourself.  All holidays, doesn’t matter if it is Passover or Thanksgiving or whatever holiday it is.  It’s about pressing pause in your life, and taking time to appreciate the people you love.”

The film talks about how “when you’re in a flock you know you belong.”  Being apart of a flock in this film industry, when did you know you belonged?

George: “When they started casting me (Laughs).  You know, when you’re beginning in this business you’re aspiring.  You go to interview after interview and you talk to them. Then they will say you’re too tall or too short; too fat or too skinny.  And it’s always too this or too that.  I’ve even been told that I’m either too Asian or not Asian enough!  I mean how do I get Asian enough? (Laughs)  Both my parents are Asian you know?  So were my grandparents, and yet they say, you’re not Asian enough (Laughs).  So at that point, you feel like you just want them to cast you so you can show them how good you are once you’re on the set.  But now, when they come to you and say, will you be in our film or do the voice in our film, it’s wonderful and I feel like I very much belong now.”

Jimmy: “I think once I actually got to work with a bunch of people in a group.  Filmmaking is really a collaborative effort.  So you are naturally apart of a flock as soon as you get on a film…provided there a good flock (Laughs).”

You play S.T.E.V.E the time machine in the film.  What would you change if you could go back in time?

“I would probably try to not have the Civil War.  All wars!  I would try to have a world where we don’t have to have wars.  And try to change the world into a happier, productive, well engaged place where we have no destruction.  Unfortunately, today we still have wars and you see the news and the horrors that happen.  So I think that’s the best way to change the world.”

Free Birds is the perfect Thanksgiving film to set the mood for this holiday season!

 Free Birds Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Interview: Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain

Film Synopsis: Filmed at a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, comedian Kevin Hart delivers material from his 2012 “Let Me Explain” concert tour.

Kevin Hart visited Dallas,TX to promote his new film,  Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain.  The comedian even made surprise appearances at local theaters for audiences who were about to watch the movie.

I had hoped the concert tour movie would have included more behind the scenes footage of Kevin’s life.  But there is no doubt that Kevin Hart’s stand up in the film will have your ribs hurting from all the laughter.  And after always seeing him in a comedic light, it was nice having a down to earth conversation with him about relationships, his kids, and following your dreams.

Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain Interview

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Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain is currently playing in theaters.

 

 

Interview: The Lone Ranger & The Way, Way Back

The Lone Ranger

The man behind the mask wouldn’t be The Lone Ranger he is with out his trusty horse.  Silver, the actual horse from the new film visited the Mesquite Rodeo for a meet and greet with fans.  As Silver was allowing interviews, Bobby Lovgren, his trainer, was there to speak on his behalf.

Bobby is no stranger when it comes to training horses for film.  For over 20 years he has trained for all the great horse films, including Seabiscuit, War Horse, Racing Stripes, Zorro, and much more.  It’s his love for animals that makes his job feel less like work and more like a passion.

The Lone Ranger tells the story of a Native American warrior, Tonto, as he recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.

Out now, the film is sure to be fun for the whole family to watch this Fourth of July weekend.

Click the link below to see the interview with Silver and Bobby, followed by an interview with Academy Award winners, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash on their newest film, The Way, Way Back.

The Lone Ranger and The Way Way Back Interviews

Way Way Back

 

The Way, Way Back

On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rank yourself?  It’s a question most of us probably ask about other people; but when referring to ourselves, were usually at a loss for numbers.  As you can see from the interview with the Writer/Directors, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, “we’re all on our own sort of journey and there are no numbers.”

Unfortunately for Duncan (Liam James), at the start of the film he has been labeled a “3” by his mom’s arrogant boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell).  Duncan is forced to spend his summer vacation with his mother (Toni Collette), Trent, and his daughter.  Having a rough time fitting in and constantly being belittled by Trent, he finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.  As the film continues Owen offers Duncan a job at Water Wizz.  It doesn’t take long for this awkward, insecure kid to find the confidence within, and realize that he is more than any number on a scale.

Liam James is a new comer among this slew of an all-star cast, including Steve Carell, Toni Collete, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph and many more! But Liam didn’t need any help from his supporting cast.  He shined in his role as Duncan.  During the entire film the audience relates to Duncan.  You feel every moment of pain, embarrassment, and best of all, happiness that this kid is feeling.  It’s incredibly, enjoyable to watch his character develop throughout the movie.

What’s not as enjoyable, is watching Steve Carell as a jerk!  Don’t get me wrong Carell nails his performance as the overbearing, deep rooted, insecure boyfriend.  It’s just odd to be watching one of the most likeable actors in Hollywood playing a role that you can’t root for.  Although Carell’s character isn’t likable, I commend him for proving that there are more layers to this actor than just the nice guy who seems to be clueless with reality (i.e.The Office, 40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman, etc).

Hands down this film has been my favorite of the year so far.  Not just because the dark comedy genre is usually my preference, but the message is one we should all listen to.  I think we have all met that person that has made us doubt ourselves, and leading us to believe we aren’t as special as we think we are.  Most of the characters in this film feel they need someone’s seal of approval to be happy with the person they are; thinking that there is some sort of norm that we all must follow to fit in.  The Way, Way Back teaches us that, what makes us truly happy in life is the path we create for ourselves.

The Way, Way Back opens in select theaters July 5, 2013.

 

 

Interviews: Past Favorites

Some past interviews that I really enjoyed…

“Warm Bodies” interview with Nicholas Hoult & Teresa Palmer – YouTube

warm bodies

Paul Dano & Zoe Kazan talk “Ruby Sparks” – YouTube

Ruby Sparks

People Like Us: Chris Pine and Alex Kurtzman

People Like Us

Martha Marcy May Marlene: Elizabeth Olsen and Sean Durkin

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Moneyball: Jonah Hill

Moneyball

Another Earth: Brit Marling and Mike Cahill

Another Earth

The Help: Octavia Spencer and Tate Taylor

The Help