Special Features | This Chix Flix

Musical Review: White Christmas Illuminates The Stage With Color And Joy At Fair Park

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 18, 2013

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Though we may not be wishing for a “white” Christmas this year after the Icepocalypse weekend, Dallas Summer Musicals has brought snow to Dallas in a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a holiday classic, and if you have seen the film, the stage adaptation follows the same storyline. The story of two showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they team up in business and romance with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

The musical showcases a slew of talented performers. Featuring James Clow as “Bob Wallace,” David Elder as “Phil Davis,” Trista Moldovan as “Betty Haynes” and Meredith Patterson as “Judy Haynes.” All four are no strangers to the theater, having done numerous Broadway shows. Each principal character brought a stand out factor to their performances. Davis and Patterson bring constant laughs with their hilarious tumultuous relationship. They also kill it in one of the best tap dancing performances I have ever seen at the top of the second act. But, I will come back to that in a moment. Moldovan gives jaw dropping power ballad solos that will leave you in awe. Clow not only has an amazing singing voice, but he also has an incredible speaking voice that makes you feel as if you have traveled back to 1954. Also appearing in the play is Ruth Williamson as “Martha Watson,” Joseph Costa as “General Waverly,” and the unbelievably too young to be that talented, 9 year-old Shannon Harrington as “Susan Waverly.” This is Harrington’s second year in a row playing Susan for the national Broadway tour. I can only imagine where this kid will be at age 16, but something tells me a Tony Award could be involved.

The production of the play was phenomenal. Director, Norb Joerder deserves enormous praise, as does his entire cast and crew, for the dazzling set design and the quick background changes as each scene passed. I’m still amazed by how many different set designs Anna Louizos produced, and by how well crafted they were. Speaking of quick changes, I wish I had counted how many costume changes there were, but I would have lost track. Costume designer, Carrie Robbins, might just be the scene stealer of the whole show with her numerous eye-widening outfits. Designed with a variety of color and different styles from short shorts to winter evening wear. It was like a 1950’s mini fashion show; you can’t wait to see what they will be wearing next!

The musical moves quickly, and at the beginning of Act II the time will really fly. It starts with my favorite scene out of the show, an impressive tap dance number led by Phil and Judy along with the Chorus. Truly breath-taking choreography.

White Christmas is the perfect show to take your family to during this Christmas break. There’s laughter, there’s love, there’s music, and best of all there’s snow!

WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL is performing at Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park thru December 29th.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Coming Soon: Jason Reitman begins Production on “Men, Women & Children”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 16, 2013

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Category: Coming Soon, Movie Reviews, Special Features

Tags:Adam Sandler, Austin, Chad Kultgen, Dean Norris, Emma Thompson, Jason Reitman, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Labor Day, Men Women & Children, movies, Production, Rosemarie Dewitt, Texas, Up in the Air

HOLLYWOOD, CA (December 16, 2013) – Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc, announced today that principal photography has commenced on “MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN,” from Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman (“LABOR DAY,” “YOUNG ADULT,” “UP IN THE AIR”). The film stars Rosemarie Dewitt (“KILL THE MESSENGER,” “RACHEL GETTING MARRIED”), Jennifer Garner (“DALLAS BUYERS CLUB,” “DRAFT DAY”), Judy Greer (“DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES,” “TOMORROWLAND”), Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad,” “THE COUNSELOR”), Adam Sandler (“GROWN UPS 1 and 2,” “THE LONGEST YARD”) and Emma Thompson (“SAVING MR. BANKS,” “LOVE ACTUALLY”). The film is shooting in and around Austin, Texas.

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” is based on Chad Kultgen’s novel of the same name with Reitman directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Erin Cressida Wilson (“SECRETARY,” “CHLOE”). He is producing the feature with his partner Helen Estabrook through their Right of Way Films banner. Michael Beugg (“UP IN THE AIR,” “LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE”) and Mason Novick (“BAD WORDS,” “JUNO”) will serve as executive producers.

The young ensemble cast includes Timothée Chalamet (“INTERSTELLAR”), Olivia Crocicchia (“TERRI”), Kaitlyn Dever (“SHORT TERM 12”), Ansel Elgort (“THE FAULT IN OUR STARS,” “DIVERGENT”), Katherine Hughes (“ROADIES”), Elena Kampouris (“LABOR DAY”) and Travis Tope (“THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN”).

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.

Narrated by Emma Thompson, the film’s ensemble cast features Sandler and DeWitt as Don and Rachel Truby, and Tope as their son Chris. Garner stars as Patricia Beltmeyer with Dever as her daughter Brandy. Greer is Joan Clint and Crocicchia is daughter Hannah. Norris plays Kent Mooney with Elgort playing his son Tim. Hughes and Kampouris play cheerleaders Brooke Benton and Allison Doss, respectively, and Chalamet is football player Danny Vance.

Rounding out the cast are David Denman (“The Office”), Jason Douglas (“Revolution”), Dennis Haysbert (“SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR”), Shane Lynch (“Ray Donovan”), Will Peltz (“PARANOIA”) and J.K. Simmons (“Growing Up Fisher”).

Single During the Holidays? Here are the Top 5 Films to get you through the Season

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 6, 2013

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It’s cuddle season! And that means everywhere you look couples are constantly holding each other. Whether it’s at a family gathering or Christmas shopping at the mall; they are everywhere.

The holidays can be rough on anyone for many reasons. But, being single during a time that is better spent with a significant other can be a bummer. Luckily, my go to medicine (Movies) will always put situations like these into a much better perspective.

These 5 films will help singles get through the holiday season; each for completely different reasons.

5. Shopgirl

So, I can hurt now, or hurt later

For the Moving On: Shopgirl shows how heart breaking a strictly sexual relationship can be when one person starts to want more. No, it isn’t like Friends with Benefits. This film is dark, deep, and emotional; and has some comic relief thanks to Jason Schwartzman. After situations like these, one can feel hopeless to find someone that they “think” they can feel that strongly for again. Shopgirl will show you just how possible it is to move on. And how whatever you thought you felt for the wrong one, is nothing in comparison to the feelings you will feel for the right one.

4. Loser

You think you could turn it down just a skosh?

For the Nice Guys: This film gives hope for both, the good guys and girls. Paul Tannek (Jason Biggs) is one of the sweetest and most genuine characters I have ever seen in a film. Selfless, non-confrontational, and the perfect example of how the nice ones may not get a “happy ending” as quick as others. But eventually someone will see the good in you, and appreciate it when you least expect it.

3. Swimfan

Don’t tell her you love her!

For the Psycho: Hopefully none of us have acted quite as insane a Madison Bell (Erika Christensen) did over someone that wasn’t interested in her. I know this is an odd choice, but if you are the type that is desperate to like anyone (like the first person that’s nice to you). Then maybe this film will make you rethink that non-existent relationship you are about to form in your head. Or maybe one of your last relationships was with that “stage 5 clinger” that texts you and ends up having a texting convo with themselves…Either way, Swimfan will make you feel relieved to not be dealing with any form of a psychotic relationship. (For a little gender reversal of this story-line, I also recommend FEAR. And for the original try Fatal Attraction)

2. 500 Days of Summer

The feeling I never felt with you

For the Realist: Anyone who dated someone that used the “I’m just not looking for a relationship right now” line must know by now that it was complete bullsh**. You know; you have probably used that line too. “I’m not looking for a relationship” means I’m not looking for a relationship with YOU. This film just proves the theory that when you meet the right person, you both just know. If something is holding you guys back from committing as a couple, you are probably not meant to be. 500 Days of Summer portrays a realistic story about dating and breaking up. After watching this film, you might be less controlling of your feelings, or stop expecting certain qualities in a partner. When it happens, it just happens naturally.

1. About Time

All the time traveling in the world can’t make someone love you

For the Regrets: At first sight, this film seems like it is going to be a mushy love story that will want to make you gag. But it is not! It is SO much more than that. This movie is about appreciating the love in our lives; from our family, our friends, even our random acquaintances. Now don’t get me wrong, there is an incredibly charming relationship in the film. But this relationship didn’t come about until after multiple tries by a man who can travel back in time (still a great movie, I swear). The important lesson learned is not to wish for second chances, but to treat each moment like it’s your last. Take the chance by letting someone know how you feel before it’s too late. And if they aren’t interested, at least you tried and you won’t have any regrets!

15 DOCUMENTARY FEATURES ADVANCE IN 2013 OSCAR RACE

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 3, 2013

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Category: Breaking News, Special Events, Special Features

Tags:Documentary Feature, God Loves Uganda, Searching for Sugarman, Susan Kamyab, The Academy Awards, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Oscars

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced that 15 films in the Documentary Feature category will advance in the voting process for the 86th Oscars® . One hundred forty-seven films had originally qualified in the category.

The 15 films are listed below in alphabetical order by title, with their production companies:

“The Act of Killing,” Final Cut for Real
“The Armstrong Lie,” The Kennedy/Marshall Company
“Blackfish,” Our Turn Productions
“The Crash Reel,” KP Rides Again
“Cutie and the Boxer,” Ex Lion Tamer and Cine Mosaic
“Dirty Wars,” Civic Bakery
“First Cousin Once Removed,” Experiments in Time, Light & Motion
“God Loves Uganda,” Full Credit Productions
“Life According to Sam,” Fine Films
“Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer,” Roast Beef Productions
“The Square,” Noujaim Films and Maktube Productions
“Stories We Tell,” National Film Board of Canada
“Tim’s Vermeer,” High Delft Pictures
“20 Feet from Stardom,” Gil Friesen Productions and Tremolo Productions
“Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington,” Tripoli Street

The Academy’s Documentary Branch determined the shortlist in a preliminary round of voting. Documentary Branch members will now select the five nominees from among the 15 titles.

The Oscars nominations will be announced live on Thursday, January 16, 2014, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards® for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Special Events: Ben Stiller Adds his Hands & Footprints to Chinese Theatre!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 18, 2013

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Category: Special Events, Special Features

Tags:Actor, Ben Stiller, California, Chinese Theatre, Hand and Footprints, Hollywood, Susan Kamyab

THE CHINESE THEATRE IS TO HOLLYWOOD WHAT THE GREAT WALL IS TO CHINA, A MUST SEE!

BEN STILLER TO PUT HAND AND FOOTPRINTS IN CEMENT DEC. 3 AT TCL CHINESE THEATRE FORECOURT

Recent handprint-footprint celebrants have included Robert DeNiro, Jackie Chan, and Sandra Bullock

(Hollywood, Calif., Nov. 5, 2013)—The most famous movie palace in the world, The TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX® (www.tclchinesetheatres.com), is set to honor actor-writer-director BEN STILLER, who stars in and directs the upcoming feature film, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY (www.waltermitty.com) which opens Dec. 25, 2013. The traditional handprint-footprint ceremony honoring Stiller takes place Tues., Dec. 3, at 11AM.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY is James Thurber’s classic story of a day-dreamer who escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Walter 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.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York is about to devote an entire weekend to Ben Stiller’s work behind the camera. The Film Society will screen five Stiller-directed films from Dec. 6-8 in a program called Ben Stiller Directs.

Stiller is currently in production on Noah Baumbach’s While We’re Young opposite Naomi Watts and Amanda Seyfried. He previously collaborated with Baumbach in 2010 and received rave reviews for his lead role in Greenberg, which also earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Lead Actor.

In 2008, Stiller starred in, co-wrote and directed Tropic Thunder under his Red Hour Films production banner. Starring Robert Downey, Jr., Jack Black and Tom Cruise, the film garnered several award nominations including an Academy Award®, BAFTA, SAG and Golden Globe® for Robert Downey Jr. as well as a Golden Globe® nomination for Tom Cruise. The film also won the Broadcast Film Critics Award and Hollywood Film Festival Award for Comedy of the Year.

His other directing credits include Reality Bites, The Cable Guy, and Zoolander, which he co-wrote and starred in. As a writer, Stiller won an Emmy Award® for the short-lived sketch comedy series The Ben Stiller Show, which he also directed and produced.

Stiller’s acting credits include: Permanent Midnight, Your Friends & Neighbors, Flirting with Disaster, Empire of the Sun, There’s Something About Mary, The Royal Tenenbaums, Night at the Museum and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian; Tower Heist; Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers; and Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, a Red Hour production.

Special Events: “The Search for the Next Ron Burgundy” Contest

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 14, 2013

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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

Tags:Adam McKay, Anchorman, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Christina Applegate, Contest, David Koechner, EPIX, Paramount Pictures, Paul Rudd, Ron Burgundy, Steve Carell, Susan Kamyab, Will Ferrell

EPIX and Paramount Launch “The Search for the Next Ron Burgundy” Contest

Live Auditions in 9 Markets and National Submission through Instagram Video

Winner to Anchor EPIX Red Carpet Coverage of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues Premiere in NYC

New York, New York (November 14, 2013) – Attention Anchorman fans – it’s time to dust off the red blazer and pour yourself a “scotchy scotch scotch!” Premium TV network EPIX and its joint venture partner, Paramount Pictures, a division of Viacom, Inc., are holding a nationwide search for the next Ron Burgundy. One lucky winner will have the unique opportunity to act as news anchor for the EPIX network and report from the red carpet of the Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues premiere in NYC on December 15, 2013. As Ron Burgundy himself might say, “It’s kind of a big deal.”

Fans can audition in one of two ways. To enter online, visit the contest hub IAmRonBurgundy.com beginning November 21, 2013 and watch the “how to submit” video from Channel 4 News Team member Champ Kind (David Koechner). Fans can upload a 15-second audition video via Instagram using the hashtag #IAmRonBurgundy and use the social networking tools on www.IAMRONBURGUNDY.com to campaign for votes. The entrant who receives the most votes by closing date December 1 will become one of ten finalists.

The remaining nine finalists will be selected from local promotions taking place Thanksgiving weekend across the country. The Channel 4 News set will be on-site in shopping malls in major cities and fans will have the opportunity to create a “screen test” video and share their video with friends via social media. The top local finalists will be selected by a local TV news anchor in each market.

“We’re pleased to work with our partner, Paramount, to showcase Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” said Mark Greenberg, EPIX CEO and President. “The legend that is Ron Burgundy resonates with all ages and this contest will give one lucky fan the chance to try to fill the shoes of the anchorman we all know and love in anticipation the Anchorman’s much awaited sequel.”

The Channel 4 News set will be on-site on Black Friday, November 29, for screen tests in the following locations:

o New York City – AMC Lincoln Square

o Los Angeles – Westfield Century City

o Dallas – Stonebriar Centre

o Seattle – Northgate Mall

o St. Louis – Chesterfield Mall

And on November 30, in the following locations:

o Atlanta – Mall of Georgia

o Denver – Cherry Creek Shopping Center

o Philadelphia/Cherry Hill, NJ– Cherry Hill Mall

o San Diego – UTC Westfield Shopping Center

The local finalist in each market and the national submission with the most votes will be featured on www.IAMRONBURGUNDY.combeginning December 4. From these ten finalists, select cast and crew from Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues will personally choose the Grand Prize Winner, to be announced on the website December 7. The Grand Prize Winner and nine finalists will also receive a Sony Playstation 3 and a 1-year digital subscription to EPIX.

With the 70’s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner) – All of whom won’t make it easy to stay classy…while taking New York and the nation’s first 24-hour news channel by storm. Produced by Judd Apatow, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. Written by Will Ferrell & Adam McKay. Directed by Adam McKay.

“ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES” opens in theaters everywhere December 20^th, 2013.

For official rules and further contest details visit www.IAmRonBurgundy.com.

Special Events: Guy Fieri’s Grocery Games Challenge Coming To Dallas!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 6, 2013

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Category: Special Events, Special Features

Tags:Colleyville, Culinary show, Dallas, Food Network, Guy Fieri, Guy's Grocery Games, Market Street, Susan Kamyab, TX

Put Your Grocery Games Knowledge and Strategy to the Test as Seen on Food Network’s New Series “Guy’s Grocery Games”

Series Airs on Sunday’s at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT on Food Network

DALLAS, TX – Nov. 5, 2013 – Local contestants are being served up a challenge in celebration of Food Network’s new supermarket-themed cooking competition, Guy’s Grocery Games, hosted by best-selling cookbook author and successful restaurateur Guy Fieri. The show, which premiered on Sunday, October 20th and will continue to air on Sundays at 8pm ET/PT and 7pm CT, is set in a grocery store where four talented chefs compete against each other through three cooking challenges, as they must navigate their way through the aisles adhering to a number of “real-world” culinary challenges to create tasty dishes. The chefs must rely on their improvisation, gamesmanship and culinary skills for a chance to win up to $20,000.

The local challenge will take place on Tuesday, November 12 at 8:00pm CT at Market Street, located at 5605 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034. Four local contestants will be given up to three challenges to test their shopping and culinary expertise. The winner of the local challenge will receive a $1,000 gift card to the Market Street grocery store.

Local radio station, KDMX-FM, will be airing details on how to be selected as one of the four lucky contestants who will battle it out at Market Street for a chance to bring home the grand prize and the bragging rights of being the local champion of “Guy’s Grocery Games Challenge.”

Guy Fieri is host of Food Network’s top-rated and Emmy® -Nominated show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father called “The Awesome Pretzel.” By selling pretzels and washing dishes, Guy earned enough money in six years to study abroad as an exchange student in Chantilly, France. In 1996, Guy launched his culinary career with the opening of Johnny Garlics, his first restaurant based in his hometown of Santa Rosa, CA. Guy has gone on to create a culinary empire as a popular TV host, chef of six acclaimed restaurants and New York Times Best Selling cookbook author. In 2006, Guy Fieri premiered his first show, Guy’s Big Bite, which was nominated for an Emmy in 2012 for Outstanding Culinary Program. This “Culinary Rock Star” also guest judges on Food Network Star and collaborates with Rachael Ray in the star studded competition series, Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity: Cook-Off and Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off.

Staying for Halloween? Here are the Top 7 Best Horror Flicks

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 1, 2013

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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

Tags:Carrie, Childs Play, Final Destination, Halloween, Horror, I know what you did last Summer, I still know what you did last summer, It, Nightmare on Elm Street, Paranormal Activity, Scary Movies, Stir of echoes, Susan Kamyab, Terror, The Exorcist, The Ring, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Okay, let me just start off by saying this was one of the hardest list I have had to make. There are so many good horror flicks, for so many different reasons. Notice I could not pick 5, even though there are some honorable mentions.

I know some of us would rather take it easy on a Thursday night; Halloween doesn’t stop work from coming the next day. So for those you who are just going to chill and pass out candy to the little ones, here are a few horror film suggestions to top off your night!

Note: All films must be watched in the dark and with proper focus for the full terror affect.

7. I know what you did Last Summer 1 & 2

Is he dead?

For the Slasher: I know Scream is more preferred among fans, but I have always preferred the story-line in I know what you did Last Summer. It is slightly less cheesy and in my opinion a scarier film. Plus it stars four of the biggest celebs of the 90’s, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prince Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar. If you are going to watch the first one you must watch the second, it all ties together very well and you will be satisfied with the story.

6. Final Destination

You can’t run from Death

For the Deaths: I don’t even know how many of these sequels they have made now. All I know is you must watch the original in 2D. The idea of death chasing after you might keep you up tonight, but how these characters die will make you more cautious than usual. The film will have you immediately engaged and on the edge of your seat.

5. Stir of Echoes

Does it hurt to be dead?

For the Twist: Personally my favorite horror flicks are the ones with the best twists. What Lies Beneath and The Uninvited are great examples. You give me a mystery to follow and an ending I would not expect, all while having my eyes half opened, and I’m sold! Stir of Echoes is the whole package kind of scary movie. Good acting, original story, fear while watching, and a great twist.

4. The Ring

Seven Days…

For the Nightmares: I can not guarantee that you will be as terrified as I was when first saw this film in 8^th grade. I can tell you that after I saw it, for two weeks straight I slept with the lights and TV on in my room. I thought that would prevent Samara from turning it on her self and coming out of it. Either way, you get my point. The Ring will make you think twice before you dare to watch a tape that will kill you 7 days later!

3. The Exorcist

May the power of Christ compel you!

For the Classic: I feel like this one does not need much explaining. If you’ve seen it you might wonder why it is not number 1. Surprisingly enough 2 other films haunt me more. The horrors that happen in The Exorcist can be prevented. Just do not ever play with a Ouija board. Done! I can sleep a little easier now. None the less, this an incredibly well made film for its time and cult classic.

2. Paranormal Activity

It’s getting worse

For the Ending: Another scary movie with too many sequels. But again, nothing beats the original. Lets put aside the fact that this film only cost $15,000 to make and made $9.1 million its first week! The acting is surprisingly good? The story is so simple. And the end is one of the scariest scenes I have ever seen in a film.

1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Who will survive and what will be left of them?

For the Chainsaw: “Five friends visiting their grandpa’s old house are hunted down and terrorized by a chainsaw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals.” Of course I am talking about the 1974 version of this film. Imaging Leatherface chasing his victims with a chainsaw still haunts me. This film is gruesome, disturbing and perfect for any Halloween evening!

Honorable Mentions: Child’s Play, Nightmare on Elm Street, Carrie (1976), It

Special Features: REEL TALK

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : October 6, 2013

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REEL TALK is a show that highlights today’s hottest films. This is third episode which originally aired on Irving Community Television (ICTN)

This episode includes interviews with some of the stars from Instructions Not Included, Jobs, and This is the End. Plus previews of The Ultimate Life, Short Term 12, and Don Jon.

Click Here to Watch REEL TALK Episode 3

Having a Rough Day? Here’s 5 Films that are so Entertaining, you’ll forget your Problems

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : September 6, 2013

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We all have those days. Work has been stressing you out and you feel miserable. Your having relationship troubles. Your starting feel insecure about yourself. Overall, your in the dramatic “I hate life” mode. Anytime I tend to get in this random mood for whatever reason, movies have always been my cure! When you’re watching a great film, you get to have a wonderful escape.

In this particular mood, I tend to go for films that don’t require heavy concentration. Light-hearted, feel good or even a horror will help. These are the five films that are so entertaining, you’ll be focusing on the story and the characters’ problems instead of your own for at least two hours or so.

Pitch Perfect

Get Pitch-Slapped!

For the Fun: Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson, this film just represents “Glee”fulness. The musical numbers are hilarious and actually really good. In case anyone didn’t know, Anna Kendrick got her start on broadway. After seeing the Oscar nominated actress in some strong, big screen performances, its nice to see her showing off both talents in this surprisingly, fun film. Pitch Perfect is a happy, colorful movie that everyone will enjoy singing along to. Throw in some major WTF moments and a cute romance, you will be singing to yourself, “what problems?”

Little Miss Sunshine

What makes you a winner in life?

For the Message: This Oscar nominated film is more than just breakout performances and inappropriate humor. The story about this family of “losers” may start out a bit depressing, but as the movie continues you will find that winning the top prize doesn’t necessarily make you a winner in life. Having people in your life that love and support you no matter what is often what winners and losers strive for. It’s the message of this film that will leave you still thinking about it even when it’s finished.

Meet the Parents

You’ll be grateful your name is not Gaylord Focker

For the Appreciation: Whatever your problem is, it can’t be any worse than what Gaylord ‘Greg’ Focker (Ben Stiller) goes through in one of the most hilarious films of all time. As if meeting your girlfriend’s parents wasn’t nerve-racking enough, having one of those parents be ex CIA, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) is terrifying. There are so many obstacles Greg goes through, including lost luggage, a lie detector test, broken noses and so much more that you will appreciate the fact that you aren’t in his shoes. Besides feeling ultimate sympathy for Greg in this film, you may also think twice before checking a bag for your next flight.

Tommy Boy

Chris Farley in his little coat

For the Laughs: Chris Farley was a comedy genius and paired with David Spade, together they were a dynamic duo. This slapstick comedy is a laugh out loud riot. As these two are on a mission to sell an impossible amount of brake pads, they encounter so many ridiculous events from cow tipping to a deer fight. Tommy Boy is a true underdog story, you root for Tommy and laugh at his pain. There may be one disaster after another in this film, but there is also heart and friendship. Just sit back and enjoy the catastrophe that these two characters go through, you will more than likely end still laughing and quoting lines.

Scream

What’s your favorite scary movie?

For the Scare: A good scary movie can cure a lot of problems. Really any horror flick will do the trick here, but one of my personal favorites is the cult classic, Scream. The opening sequence to this film is one of the best from any scary movie. You may think all the comedy spoofs for these films will make you unable to take it seriously, but try watching it by yourself in the dark. Regardless of the cheesy romantic scenes and sometimes predictable murders, it’s just a fun scary movie. Scream has a great story, good mystery, lots of stabbing and it’s just scary enough for you to still be able to sleep easy after watching. However, if you would like to have night terrors, try The Exorcist or the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

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