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Movie Review: “Chef” is an Appetizing Delight

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 16, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Jon Favreau’s recent passion project takes the audience on a charming and delectable ride of self-discovery.

Carl Casper (Favreau) is a high strung chef who has spent years building up his name within the food industry.  But when one bad online review by the top food critic in LA gets blasted all over twitter Carl seems to take it personally and can’t shake the negative remarks.  This leads him to get on twitter himself, and start a fight with the well-known critic who has quite the following.  Eventually, the two are face to face in the restaurant and Carl has a major breakdown.  He completely goes off on a screaming rampage.

Unfortunately for Carl, the general public was there to witness and film the entire thing.  After the video of his explosion goes viral, Carl is unable to find work in any LA restaurant.  But this downfall goes uphill quick, once Carl recognizes that this is really a blessing in disguise.  The truth is he’s dreadfully unhappy with his life.  Besides the fact that he has been unable to truly share his unique culinary skills, he is also divorced from his wife (Sofia Vergara) and barely knows his son (Emjay Anthony).

During a last minute trip to Miami, he is inspired by the cooking that started it all and decides to start up a food truck.  Thus, beginning the predictable yet heartwarming road trip of father/son bonding and realizing what really makes you happy in life. Chef also showed how a “hater’s” words can also be the fuel that pushes you to succeed at your dreams.

The magnificent ensemble cast is rounded out by Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, and many more.  You can’t help but fall for the charisma of this film.  It is easily relatable to anyone who feels passionate about doing anything they love.  And as a film critic myself, I felt motivated by the fact that Carl was making his love for cooking a career no matter what the stipulations were.  I also felt a little bit of guilt for any bad review I have given in the past.  Obviously I can’t stop, but know that all reviews from an objective standpoint.

The film also greatly exemplifies the use of social media.  It is amazing how fast one tweet or Facebook post can become an internet sensation.  And if used correctly, it can be the best marketing tool.

Be sure to either eat before or dine during, because the mouth-watering dishes prepared throughout the film will have your stomachs growling.  And honestly, there is nothing you can eat after this movie that will be as satisfying as the dishes you have just seen. (Speaking of, can I get the recipe to EVERYTHING that was cooked in this film?)

Chef is a simple story that isn’t looking to compete with box office blockbusters (However, I did enjoy it more than Godzilla).  It’s a fun family film with a star-studded cast that includes plenty of laughs and a sincere message about following your heart.

Rating: 4/5

Chef opens in select theaters May 16.

“Chef” Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Movie Review: “Neighbors” is One of the Most Hilarious Comedies of the Year

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 8, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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It is Rogen verses Efron.  And in this battle, we, the audience are the winners.

After his let down performance in That Awkward Moment, I was a bit wary when walking into this film.  I wasn’t sure if Efron could compete with Rogen in the “real” battle at hand.  Which star can generate more laughs?  And would Zac Efron offer more to the story than just his chiseled abs and deep blue eyes?  Well folks, I’m here to tell you that Zac Efron not only proves himself as a genuine comedic actor, he is also able to hold his own against Seth Rogen.  At times, he is even funnier than the Knocked Up star himself.

The more I think about this movie, the more I appreciate the whole premise.  Such a simple idea/nightmare has made for a truly fantastic laugh out loud comedy.

Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne) have just moved into the perfect home with their beautiful new born baby.  Kelly is a stay at home mom who gets to spend all day with baby Stella.  Mac works a 9-5 desk job that he tries to endure with a little bit of help from “Mary Jane.”  Their days are starting to feel routine, and they are unable to go out because of the baby.  It’s beginning to feel stagnant for the new parents.  But all that changes when we hear the sound of the boisterous fraternity that has moved in next door.  In hopes of keeping this a quiet neighborhood for their little girl, the couple head to the frat’s first rowdy party.  What was supposed to be a quick noise complaint visit turned into a refreshing night out for Mac and Kelly.  And after having what will probably be remembered as the best debate over “who is Batman,” Teddy and Mac form a bond and an understanding of trust is made.  Unfortunately that trust is broken within 24 hours, and leads to an epic war between the two houses.

It is hard to even pick a side because both leaders of the house are written as such likeable characters.  On one hand, you have a new father trying to prove to his wife and himself that he can handle being the responsible one, while still being cool.  Then you have the devoted frat president who spends way too much time partying, and caring about the mark he leaves behind in his brotherhood rather than thinking about the real world that is ahead of him.

Neighbors is not just carried by their two stars.  This film has a strong supporting comedic cast filled with even better cameos.  Rose Byrne is the perfect mix of wit and wholesome beauty.  Dave Franco plays Teddy’s Vice President, Pete, and shares great chemistry with his fraternity brother.  Young Franco is easily following in the footsteps of his talented, successful older brother; and I look forward to seeing him in many more projects, hopefully in leading roles.   A shout out also goes to The Mindy Project’s co-writer and cast member, Ike Barinholtz.  Like on his sitcom, Barinholtz’s role as Rogen’s best friend may not be huge, but produces enough chuckles to make him memorable.

What is most satisfying about Neighbors is how it is more than just a hilarious slapstick comedy.  There is heart and a sense of authenticity.  A lot of us are afraid to grow up. It can feel as though we will be missing out on “the party,” when in reality, your life and how you choose to live it can be the most legendary party that never ends.

Rating: 4/5

Neighbors hits theaters May 9.

Neighbors Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Top 5 Best Shows on ABC’s TGIF

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 7, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

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Like most kids in any decade, Fridays were always the days I felt most anxious to be let free from school.  But growing up in the 90’s, the anticipation wasn’t from the thoughts of finally sleeping in the next morning or going outside to play with friends.  No, instead every Friday I eagerly awaited getting home, sitting in front of the TV, and watching new episodes of ABC’s Friday night line-up!  Also known as TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Funny).  In honor of the upcoming Boy Meets World spin-off, Girl Meets World, I have decided to look back, and recognize my top 5 shows that aired on the popular program.

5. Full House (1987-1995)

This was an extremely campy show about a single dad who recruits his best friend and brother-in-law to help raise his 3 daughters.  Even though it wasn’t always the best writing and unfunny jokes were supported by laugh tracks, they still attempted to tackle some tough issues like, DJ’s eating disorder and the usual peer pressures of smoking/drinking.  But with such a star studded cast, including the Olsen twins’ first break out roles, it was impossible not to fall in love with all these characters.

4. Family Matters (1989-1998)

Steve Urkel is probably one of the most annoying characters to this date.  His “Did I do that?” catchphrase still makes me cringe.  Despite all this, the writers somehow managed to have us root for him.  A part of us always wanted him with Laura, and we desperately wanted the Winslows to accept him as a second son.  And with the father’s occupation as cop, Family Matters  allowed audiences to see a different type drama and sometimes the most suspenseful episodes out of the line-up.

3. Step By Step (1991-1998)

Here’s a story of a lovely lady, who was bringing up three very lovely girls…oh wait, I mean two lovely girls and brainy son.  So maybe Step by Step didn’t follow The Brady Bunch’s exact formula with their kids, but it was basically the modern version of the show.  Surprisingly enough, that decade made for a much more entertaining family.  Realistically, it wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows when two single parents marry and want their teenage children to treat each other like family.  Needless to say, there would be a significant amount of fighting, which this sitcom was not afraid to show.  We got to enjoy watching these kids go from hating each other, to gradually caring for one another other as siblings.

2. Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)

It’s crazy to think that a show about a teen witch would become one of the longest lasting series on TGIF.  So long in fact, that it moved Sabrina’s adult years to The WB.  But the show was truly its best when it was on ABC.  I think what made Sabrina a hit, was the fact that Melissa Joan Hart was so relatable.  She was a “normal” girl trying to fit in.  She had all the same problems any teenager would deal with in high school: A mean girl, tough teachers, a secret crush, etc.  It was just fun watching her solve those problems with magic.  I guess we could all live vicariously through her and only wish we had those powers.

1. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)

Boy Meets World isn’t in first place because its new spin-off.  In fact the, only reason anyone is watching that potential disaster is because we all want to see Cory and Topanga as parents.  That and we also hope to see all the other original cast members make guest appearances.  Boy Meets World easily takes the top spot because it was and still is a GREAT show.  The acting was solid, the writing was smart, and it was genuinely funny.  To this day you can still laugh when you hear Eric say “Feeny? Fa-fa-fa-fa-feeny!”  Growing up to a sitcom like this one, I can truthfully say it had an impact on my childhood.  They hit issues that most family kid shows wouldn’t even mention today: Divorce, death, abuse, true love, and so much more.  We can only hope that the Girl Meets World, set to air June 27th, will at least try to touch on some honest age appropriate topics.  So basically nothing like what Disney channel has been producing.  And please don’t give Cory Matthew’s daughter a recording contract!

Honorable Mentions: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, Dinosaurs, Two of a Kind

Movie Review: “The Other Woman” is an Irritating Farfetched Story with a Few Laughs

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 25, 2014
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Going into this comedy, I expected to see an adult version of John Tucker Must Die.  However, the idea that teenage girls in high school would team up to get back at the same boyfriend is a much more believable plot than the friendship that is developed in The Other Woman.

Carly (Cameron Diaz) has finally found the perfect man to settle down with.  Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) is handsome, charming, and successful.  Only one problem…he’s married!  A shocking surprise for Carly when she makes an unexpected visit to Mark’s home and comes to find his wife, Kate (Leslie Mann), answering the door.  Eventually Kate realizes her husband is a two-timing, no wait, THREE-TIMING cheater.  That’s right.  Mark has a busty, blonde-bombshell on the side as well.  Queue super model and now “actress” Kate Upton for her Baywatch-style slow motion run.   In almost no time at all, the three women become besties and plot to take down the lying scum bag.

For the most part, we have seen this similar story-line before.  I do appreciate the attempt at originality in The Other Woman, but it’s difficult to stay fully engaged when you don’t care about the characters.  It’s clear that first time screen-writer, Melissa Stack, favored her character, Carly.  Cameron Diaz is the only reason I wanted to see this film through.  She is the only normal and smart woman in the movie.  There still could have been more development in her character, but seeing as how the other two women drove me completely nuts; Diaz is a breath of fresh air.  In fact, I would have rather just followed her small romantic story-line with Kate’s brother (Taylor Kinney).

It should come as no surprise that Kate Upton has not grown into her full acting potential, if she has any that is.  Each time she delivered a line, it was as if she had to think twice afterwards to make sure it came out correctly.  Although, I will admit, she is gorgeous. All you guys who get dragged along to see the movie will have some nice eye candy to help endure this disaster.

What I didn’t expect was how unbelievably bothered I would be by Leslie Mann’s character.  She was the reason I wanted to see The Other Woman in the first place.  Honestly, there were moments where I almost didn’t blame Mark for cheating on her…almost.  Why did they have to make her such an annoying and half-witted wife?  As if smart and successful women don’t get cheated on ever.  Kate’s only redeeming quality is that she is sweet.  Other than that factor, it is hard to root for her.  Her character is weak, a crybaby, and fails at producing any genuine jokes.  Her attempt at a “funny” repetitive ramble comes off pointless and dragged out.   And to think that she would have no friends of her own, that she would need to resort to her husband’s “other women” is just sad.

If most of the film was more about seeking revenge on a womanizer, The Other Woman could have been a decent fun comedy.  However, wasting the first half of the film on these three women trying to bond and confirm what they already know: Mark is a cheating bastard, does no favors for this inevitable flop.

The potential was there.  Had the film provided different characters and maybe a better central focus, it could have followed in its clever and humorous predecessors, The First Wives Club or John Tucker Must Die.   In a movie about girls uniting together to get back at the man that’s wronged them, these two films managed to give audiences laughs, a yearning for revenge, and maybe what was truly missing from The Other Woman, a heart-felt friendship.

Rating: 1.5/5

The Other Woman hits theaters April 25.

 The Other Woman Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

 

Movie Review: “A Haunted House 2” Is An Example of How A Spoof Should Be Done

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 18, 2014
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Before I dive right into the hilarity of this film, I want to mention that I am fully aware of how ridiculous and dumb movies like A Haunted House 2 appear.  But I have to review this film for what it is, and it is a spoof.  Believe it or not, it’s a good spoof; one that doesn’t highlight so much product placement that you lose all focus of the story.  And let’s face it; this is what the past years of parody disasters have produced.

Of course there shouldn’t be too much worry when you have comedian, Marlon Wayans (Scary Movie, White Chicks) behind the screenplay.  Wayans is able to combine various horror film plot lines into his 87 minute spoof without going completely off track of his main premise.  This is a task that is usually failed in films like Meet the Spartans and Disaster Movie.

A Haunted House was a great display of how Paranormal Activity and The Exorcist should be made fun of.  In this sequel, the film picks up right where it left off.  After having exorcised the demons of his ex and trying to leave that terrifying supernatural experience behind him, Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) is starting fresh with his new girlfriend (Jaime Pressly) and her two children. But once they move into their dream home, Malcolm once again encounters bizarre paranormal events.

In comparison to the first, A Haunted House 2 is an overall bigger production.   There are more characters, more horror films that are being spoofed and even more racist jokes.  What is probably one of the most comical parts of the film is how Malcolm’s relationship with his new white girlfriend, Megan, differs so much from his first girlfriend, Kisha (Essence Atkins).  Racial stereotypes are a long running joke in both films, and are presented in an enjoyable and tasteful manner for audiences.

I will admit that there are still plenty of moments in this movie that might be a little too much, or a scene that could have been shown in half the time.  However, the continuous plot and constant references from the first film keeps you engaged enough in the story to forgive any over exaggerated scenes.  What is so frustrating about the Scary Movie franchise is that it started out as this outrageously funny story of Anna Faris’ character.  But as it went on, it was as if the films before never even happened.  I hope that if A Haunted House continues to produce sequels, Wayans will maintain a solid story that will eventually come full circle for all the main characters.

Expect to see some of the most popular scary flicks parodied, like The Conjuring, The Ring, and Insidious.  Cedric the Entertainer is even better the second time around as Father Williams, and even though she is only on screen for a limited amount of time, Essence Atkins is still the most entertaining “crazy bitch.”  If you enjoy spoofs and even mildly liked the first film, A Haunted House 2 will surely satisfy.

Rating: 3.5/5

A Haunted House 2 Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Patricia Heaton Exec-Produces & Co-Stars In “MOM’S NIGHT OUT”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 20, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon

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PATRICIA HEATON EXEC-PRODUCES AND CO-STARS IN THE NEW FEATURE FILM COMEDY: ‘MOMS’ NIGHT OUT’

America’s Top TV Mom Ignites Family Humor with Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, and Trace Adkins . . . In Theaters May 9

MomsNightOutMovie.com

With a laugh-packed mix of big-screen, small-screen and music stars, Patricia Heaton and her husband, David Hunt have executive-produced MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, a new kind of family comedy in theaters May 9, 2014–just in time for Mother’s Day.

From TriStar Pictures, distributors of SOUL SURFER and COURAGEOUS, MOMS’ NIGHT OUT has early audiences raving about its laugh-out-loud portrayal of the chaos of parenting. With its PG rating this clean comedy will be a hit with families everywhere.

Heaton is one of America’s top female comedic actresses and the well-known star of Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, two of the most popular television comedies of all time. She joins Sarah Drew, (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (LORD OF THE RINGS and RUDY), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER) in a story both hilarious and endearing for its spot-on view on parenting and real-life family relationships.

VIEW TRAILER, CLICK HERE

 In the story, Allyson (Sarah Drew) and her friends long for a peaceful, grown-up evening of dinner and talk–a long-overdue “moms’ night out.” But to indulge in high heels, adult conversation, and not having to cut anyone else’s meat, their husbands will need to watch the kids for a few hours. What could go wrong?

“Every mom and dad in America–whether they have toddlers, tweens or teens–is going to love this movie,” Heaton said. “It’s a hilarious family-friendly celebration of the trials and triumphs of parenting–a joyous affirmation of the world’s hardest but most important job.”

Drew loves the layered storylines–a family comedy several times over. “And then it’s a full-on love story about two people who already know each other,” she said. “Every mom knows that juggling act.  And every audience that sees it says, “That’s my life!”

Co-writer/director Jon Erwin says the best humor begins at home. “My brother, Andy, and I love being dads, and everything in this movie happened to us . . . just last week!”

MOMS’ NIGHT OUT is a Kevin Downes Production of an Erwin Brothers Film.  MOMS’ NIGHT OUT is directed by The Erwin Brothers, and produced by Kevin Downes in association with Four Boys Films and Pure Flix Entertainment.  MOMS’ NIGHT OUT also features David Hunt (24), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Abbie Cobb (NCIS: LA), Harry Shum, Jr. (Glee) and Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS).

Written by Andrea Nasfell and Jon Erwin, MOMS’ NIGHT OUT was filmed in Birmingham, Ala., and is being distributed by AFFIRM Films and Provident Films.  MOMS’ NIGHT OUT is rated PG for mild thematic elements and some action.

For interviews, contact: Kelsey Clark kclark@alliedim.com 972-957-3156

To learn more, visit:     MomsNightOutMovie.com

Facebook.com/MomsNightOutMovie

Movie Review: ‘Barefoot’ Starts With Potential, But Falls Completely Flat

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 21, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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For those of you who enjoyed the film Mad Love (1995) with Drew Barrymore and Chris O’Donnell, don’t get your hopes with this dull knock-off.

Barefoot begins like any classic romantic comedy.  The reckless womanizer, Jay (Scott Speedman) tries to sneak off in the morning to avoid having to buy breakfast for the girl he just slept with.  You know these guys;  they just won’t “ever” commit!  But things take a more dramatic turn when Jay’s real problems get out of hand.   He owes a huge gambling debt to some dangerous men.  Luckily for Jay, his brother is getting married.  This means Jay can have the perfect opportunity to ask his rich parents for money, in the most subtle way possible of course.  Only one problem, his family thinks he has an incredible girlfriend that’s a nurse.  After being rejected many times, Jay meets Daisy (Evan Rachel Wood), a mental patient at the hospital where he works as a janitor.  After a series of events, Jay takes Daisy as his girlfriend for the weekend; only causing more issues for the two further down the road.

I was just so disappointed in this film.  I guess I shouldn’t have expected much, given the title.  By the way, the reason the film is called “Barefoot” is because Daisy hates wearing shoes.  They hurt her feet.  But even if you put that fact aside, this film was just a sloppy mess.  All the problems presented in the film get bounced around.  When they are eventually addressed, they are resolved in a half-ass manner.

Sadly enough, what made this film lose all hope was the complete lack of chemistry between Speedman and Wood.  I mean it’s a love story!  Were the casting directors present during the two’s audition?  I can deal with the ridiculous thought of a playboy changing his ways for a nut job, but I can’t believe he would fall for that nut job when it is apparent that their relationship comes off sibling like.  The character Daisy has to be one of the most annoying female love interests I’ve seen in a long time.  The worst part is the moments she’s meant to be funny, come off random and awkward.  There is not one part in this film where they have a true connection, or pull off a believable romance.  Their relationship is so forced.  Honestly, because I felt more like she was his annoying little sister, it was also creepy.

I love both Speedman and Wood as actors, but clearly not together.  And I know they have managed some great romantic chemistry with a variety of other actors.  The saving grace in this film was the refreshing performance by Treat Williams (Everwood) who plays Jay’s father, and is the only sensible person.

If this movie had provided a passionate love story of two lost souls, completely different and desperate to find one another, the rest of the film would have been tolerable.  Take Mad Love for example.  They addressed the issues of a serious mental condition and included a raw romance that you ached for while watching. Barefoot, unfortunately, missed that mark.

Barefoot opens in select theaters February 21.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Special Features: “The Nut Job” already Lands Sequel!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 25, 2014
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Category: Special Features

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“THE NUT JOB 2” WILL HIT THEATERS JANUARY 15, 2016

OPEN ROAD FILMS PARTNERS WITH REDROVER CO., LTD., TOONBOX ENTERTAINMENT LTD., AND GULFSTREAM PICTURES FOR A SEQUEL TO THE HIT FILM “THE NUT JOB,” THE #1 FAMILY FILM IN AMERICA

LOS ANGELES, CA, January 23, 2014 – Open Road Films, Redrover Co., Ltd., ToonBox Entertainment Ltd., and Gulfstream Pictures are pleased to announce that THE NUT JOB 2, a sequel to the hit film THE NUT JOB – which opened on January 17, 2014, taking in over $25,700,00 at the holiday weekend box-office as the biggest independent animated film opening of all time – will hit theaters January 15, 2016.  The announcement was made today by Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films and Hoe-jin Ha, CEO and President of Redrover Co., Ltd.

In animated 3D, THE NUT JOB is an action-packed comedy that follows Surly (voiced by Will Arnett), a mischievous squirrel, who must plan a heist to get into his town’s biggest nut shop in order to help his pals in the park gather food to survive the winter. Together with his sidekick, Buddy, Surly assembles a ragtag crew to help him get inside – and takes them on a fun-filled adventure that they’ll never forget.  In addition to Will Arnett as Surly, THE NUT JOB also features the voices of Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Stephen Lang, Jeff Dunham, Gabriel Iglesias and Sarah Gadon.

Directed by Peter Lepeniotis from a screenplay by Lorne Cameron and Lepeniotis, the hit film THE NUT JOB was produced by Wookyung Jung and Graham Moloy.  Executive producers are Daniel Woo, Hong Kim, and Jay Ahn as well as Bill Bindley and Mike Karz of Gulfstream Pictures. THE NUT JOB was a collaboration of Redrover Co., Ltd., ToonBox Entertainment Ltd. and Gulfstream Pictures.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about THE NUT JOB,” stated Ortenberg.  “It has been a pleasure working with the teams at Redrover, ToonBox and Gulfstream and we are delighted to re-team with them for THE NUT JOB 2.”

“We are very proud of what we have accomplished in Hollywood as an independent production company,” commented Ha. “Our compliments go out to ToonBox and Gulfstream for their endeavor in the co-production and to Open Road for their successful campaign and teamwork. We are looking forward to working with them on THE NUT JOB 2.”

“We’re thrilled that audiences have embraced these characters and it is exciting to anticipate their return for another adventure in THE NUT JOB 2,” said Karz. “The entire team behind this movie did a fantastic job and we’re looking forward to working with them again.”

The deal was negotiated on behalf of Open Road Films by Ortenberg, Elliott Kleinberg, COO and Peter Lawson, Executive Vice President of Production and Acquisitions.  Susan Williams and Stephen Zager of Loeb and Loeb negotiated on behalf of Redrover Co., Ltd., ToonBox Entertainment Ltd., and Gulfstream Pictures.

Musical Review: ’50 Shades! The Musical’ Is A Laugh Out Loud Riot!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 9, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events

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Get ready to see and hear Ana and Christian like you’ve never imagined them before!

Samuels, Dorezas and Cordell present the original 50 Shades of GreyParody.  “50 Shades! The Musical” has been a phenomenon in Chicago , New York , and at the Edinburge Fringe Festival.  The Dallas City Performance Hall’s premiere lived up to the all show’s hype.

Taking place in a more intimate theater, the show becomes immediately engaging for the audience.  The Musical opens with three women who gather for a book club meeting and decide to read Fifty Shades of Grey.   As the women start to read the novel, their interpretation of it begins to play out by some corky and colorful actors who play exaggerated versions of the book’s characters.  From there, you are in for a hilarious ride packed with dance numbers and witty original songs with a live on-stage band.

With such an animated and lively cast, you will forget that the main setting on the stage is a plain, single, grey bed.  A few props here and there, and some run of the mill choreography will every now and then fill the stage.  Luckily, the entire cast that consists of 8 does such a wonderful job of filling the stage with energy, especially Anastasia and Christian.  Both actors who played the characters had power house voices, and had no problem making completely inappropriate fools of themselves.  Given that this is a spoof, the two characters are different in a lot of ways in comparison to what fans have read.  Ana is a more dim-witted virgin who has traded her independent, smart mouth for a high pitched naïve voice.  And Christian Grey…well I think it’s best for audiences to just go see this Christian for themselves.

The biggest stand out in this musical was the ridiculous original songs that you will surely want to hear again.  “There’s a Hole Inside of Me” could not have gone more perfect with the story and could not be more unsuitable for children.

This play does contain adult content and is very much intended for mature audiences, obviously.  Even if you haven’t read the book, I’m sure you know what it is primarily about.  It is 69 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.  The musical flies by and is over before you know it.  Gentlemen who are dreading being forced to go see this with their girlfriends, don’t fret.  ”50 Shades! The Musical” is a story entertaining for both sexes.

The show will be running at the Dallas City Performance Hall until January 11th.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Movie Review: “Rise of the Fellowship” should Entertain Tolkien Fanatics

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 26, 2013
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Now this film isn’t for the ordinary Lord of the Rings fans.  It is for the hardcore fanatics that have probably watched the trilogy multiple times, and for any die hard gamer.

It’s the classic underdog story with a Lord of the Rings spin to it.  Randall Dooley(Justin Moe) and his three best friends are not exactly the popular kids in school.  Randall spends most of his free time playing online games.  He is constantly bullied by his brother and the other school jocks, all the while pining for the “beautiful” head cheerleader.  But everything changes when Randall hears about the Lord of the Rings gaming competition in Orlando, Florida.  Finally, a chance to prove himself as a winner!  Unfortunately, the chance for Randall and his friends to compete is comprised.  This leads them on an unforgettable journey, in the hopes to be named video gaming champions.

The parallel to the actual Lord of the Rings film in comparison to Randall’s real life is quite interesting.  You’ve got your flash drive that’s as precious as “the ring.”  A whispering, heavy breather dork that’s as odd as “Gollum.”  And even Baba Melvin Schnabel, the peaceful leader of a hippie group is as wise as Gandolf.

All the sequences flow well and maintain an interesting enough story.  The direction and filming is pretty good too, considering this is for an online network channel.  The acting is week among the supporting cast, but the core group is not so bad, particularly Melvin, played by Wolf J. Sherrill.  Though the film doesn’t generate many laughs, Melvin is the reason for whatever chuckles you may produce.

I will not say this is a film for everyone to see, especially not for people who dislike The Lord of the Rings franchise.  This is a pretty predictable film and follows the standard underdog storyline. But Rise of the Fellowship’s target audience of gamers and Tolkien fans will enjoy this somewhat of a parody film.

Releases on December 3rd.

Rise of the Fellowship Official Trailer

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com