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Concert Review: ‘Jason Mraz’ Mesmerizes At The Winspear Opera House

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : September 3, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

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Jason Mraz continues to let his voice do all the work.  Not relying on flashy lights, crazy props, or even choreography to distract from his hauntingly gifted vocals.


Have you had a bad day?  Or maybe you just think life sucks in general?  If that’s the case, it might be time to alter your negative perspective and start looking on the bright side of things.  Jason Mraz performed his latest uplifting album, YES!, in a packed opera house filled with audiences who were entranced by every word spoken and every lyric sung.  Mraz is probably one of the most genuinely grateful and happy artist out there, and he makes sure to spread that positive aura.

This is my third Jason Mraz concert. And I will tell you that, besides the incredible music, the best thing about his live performances is his banter in-between songs.  He is quick-witted, funny, and a smart story teller.  He understands how to be philosophical without being preachy.

Mraz introduced his opening band, thanked his audience for their support and choosing to spend a night with him instead of in their beds.

Mraz’s opening act/partners, Raining Jane, were the perfect addition to his special, stripped down, instrumental show.  After Raining Jane sang three of their own songs, Mraz joined them on stage for a magical collaboration.  These girls were no background singers.  In fact, they stood by Mraz’s side during the entire show.  Raining Jane gave Mraz the unique flair he was hoping for in order to keep each concert tour fresh.  The band only heightened the Grammy winner’s voice, by actually letting us clearly hear all his beautiful lyrics.

Though the show primarily featured songs from YES!, including the hit single, “Love Someone,” Mraz also played many old favorites, including “Remedy” and “I’m Yours.”

I love going to concerts, and seeing a singer that can get me dancing up out of my seat is of course great.  But, watching an artist truly hold an audience for nearly 2 ½ hours solely on their voice is the reason I love listening to live music.  Jason Mraz never disappoints, and this latest performance at Dallas’ Winspear Opera House is hands down Mraz’s best concert tour yet.

LET’S BE COPS Cinetransformer Tour Coming to Dallas!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 25, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon, Special Events

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20TH CENTURY FOX’S HOT SUMMER COMEDY LET’S BE COPS WHEELS INTO TOWNS ACROSS AMERICA

AN UNPRECEDENTED NATIONAL FEATURE FILM PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CINETRANSFORMER OFFERS A UNIQUE MOVIEGOING EXPERIENCE

***The Cinetransformer will be at Kaboom Town on Thursday July 3rd and the Independence Day Classic at the Irving Convention Center on Saturday, July 5th.***

Los Angeles, CA (June 24, 2014) – In its first cross-country movie tour, the Cinetransformer is hitting the road with the buddy cop comedy, LET’S BE COPS, starring Damon Wayans Jr., Jake Johnson, Nina Dobrev and Rob Riggle.

The Cinetransformer, a 53-foot double expandable trailer, converts into a complete mobile cinema, providing a unique movie going experience and the perfect partner for a nationwide tour. Never before has the Cinetransformer been used on a road trip this wide ranging, screening a feature film several times per day, and providing audiences with a special sneak peek several months ahead of the picture’s release.

The unique LET’S BE COPS/Cinetransformer tour kicked off with a screening for the Troops at the Spike Guy’s Choice Awards with cast members Jake Johnson, Damon Wayans Jr. and Rob Riggle in attendance. Subsequent Cinetransformer/LET’S BE COPS visits include such summer hot spots as MONTEREY BEER FEST, SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL, KABOOM TOWN FESTIVAL, THE ATLANTA FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL and more.

Directed by Luke Greenfield, who co-wrote the script with Nicholas Thomas, LET’S BE COPS is the ultimate buddy cop movie except for one thing: they’re not cops. When two struggling pals (played by Damon Wayans, Jr. and Jake Johnson) dress as police officers for a costume party, they become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted “heroes” get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.

Be sure to follow #LetsBeCops and the official LET’S BE COPS Twitter and Facebook pages for up-to-date information on truck screening locations, special promotions and more by visiting www.letsbecops.com.

LET’S BE COPS opens in theaters everywhere August 13, 2014, is rated R, and runs approximately 1 hour 44 minutes.

Concert Review: ‘Iration’ Lights Up The Stage At House Of Blues Dallas

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 7, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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The mood is right, thinking ‘bout those concert nights, those concert nights…

The reggae rock band from Hawaii has made their way back to Dallas (on Friday, June 6, 2014) for another concert full of fresh sound and good vibes.

The House of Blues in Dallas is a particularly great venue for a number of reasons. There is a DART Bus- it will get you about a block away from the building, allowing you to save gas, money on parking, and best of all avoiding traffic to down town! Dine at the venue- “Crossroad at House of Blues” might be a bit pricy, but the food is fantastic and there is a variety of different types of cuisines, including Italian, American, Mexican, and much more. And the biggest perk to this venue is that more often than not you will have a chance to meet artists either before or after their show. If you’re lucky, you can score a picture with them as well.

The Green opened the show warming up the audience for a night of laid back, original beats. As soon as their 45 minute set was over, everyone got a 30 minute break to grab a drink at the bar or purchase the band’s merchandise.

Finally, at nine thirty on the dot, Iration started the show with their classic hit, “Turn Around.” It didn’t take long for this concert to get going. It was a jam-packed set with all of their hits. Iration kept their crowd interaction to a minimal. Instead, they let their music do the talking which pleases the crowd, since more time is left for more of their songs. The audience danced and sang along to every single song, proving Iration has a large fan base even though they aren’t local or mainstream. The band covered all their albums by playing at least two songs from even their earliest releases and not focusing on their newer album. The vocals by Micah Pueschel and new band member Micah Brown were phenomenal. And everyone on instruments rocked it.

It is bitter sweet to watch Iration now that Kai Rediske is no longer with the band (it was a clean break). Watching someone take his place is hard, but Micah Brown subtly adds the right amount of vocals and instrumentals to the band. He naturally fits right in.  Another addition that is much more noticeable is the flashing, swirling lights placed all along the stage. Personally, I loved it. I thought the lights add more stage presence and energy to their show. Every time I watch Iration, they seem to be evolving more musically and technically.

Once their set was over, the crowd predictably chanted “one more song,” knowing very well that Iration was coming back for an encore. I still never got the point of the one minute tease, but I guess it’s nice to hear the fans saying they want more. And more is what Iration gave! The band sang a few more songs and closed the show with one of their most popular tracks, “Falling.”

Overall, Iration put on another amazing concert with rapid lighting, smooth vocals, and an energetic performance.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Musical Review: “Mamma Mia!” will have you Rocking Out like a Dancing Queen

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 4, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Mamma Mia makes it almost impossible for you not to jump out of your chair and dance along to the music!

The first time I saw this musical was in theaters with Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried as the leading ladies.  I remember how much fun I had while watching that film.  The music, the color, the dancing, it was a blast!  But, that was before I got to experience the live Broadway musical performance in which I was truly able to feel the energy and joy of this story by such a talented cast.

For those who don’t know the story or haven’t seen popular film, let me sum it up.  Three months before Sophie’s (Chelsea Williams) wedding day she decides to send out a letter to three men, one of whom could possibly be her father, in hopes that she will have her dad walk her down the aisle.  Surprisingly enough, all three men agree to come only because they believe Donna (Rebecca Mason-Wygall), Sophie’s mother, sent the invites.  The day before her wedding the three men arrive and they reluctantly agree to not tell Donna what Sophie did and just act like they are in town coincidently.  When Donna finally runs into her past lovers, old feelings return and a possible relationship is rekindled.  As Sophie struggles to figure out which man is her father, she begins to discover a realization in herself.

Talk about a vibrant cast, from the leads to the chorus, everyone involved gave their all while on that stage.  Once you hear t the soft, angelic, voice of Chelsea Williams in the opening number, goose bumps will appear and eyes will be glued to that riveting star.  That is until you meet Rebecca Mason-Wygall.  Her sultry voice will awe you in the hypnotic “Money, Money, Money” number.  The two women make for a fantastic mother/daughter pairing.

Even though these ladies lead the show, each cast member managed to have plenty of “star” moments.  Each of the three men had no problem making a fool of himself for this ridiculously entertaining story.  Mark A. Harmon, who plays Harry Bright, lets loose as the “head banging” British gentleman.  Michael Colavolpe gives a raunchy comedic performance as Bill Austin.  And with a voice that demands to be heard, Jeff Drushal solidifies the fact that Pierce Brosnan should probably leave the singing to the pros.  Expect plenty of laughs anytime Gabrielle Mirabella and Carly Sakolove make an appearance.  The two play Tanya and Rosie, Donna’s long time best friends.  They are immature, outlandish and downright hilarious!  And boys, Tanya’s got a pair of legs that goes on for days.

After an already exciting start, Act II comes back with a bang.  The entire musical flies by, but if you’re sad to watch it end (like me), don’t fret; you will be treated with THREE encore performances.  And this time, everyone is already standing from the deserved ovations, so you can feel free to foolishly dance (like me).

Mamma Mia is running at the Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park through Sunday, June 15.

Rating: 4.5/5

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Spike & Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation Comes to Texas Theatre!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 29, 2014
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This festival, which tours over 100 independent theaters annually, is making its 2014 debut in Dallas Texas on May 23rd at the Texas Theater!

The 2014 Festival of Animation is an epic cultural event that has lasted for more than 30 years!  This years show is full of international, award winning and hilarious short animated films that we have curated and brought to the big screen.

Theatre Review: “Beauty & the Beast” is a Terrifically Enchanting Musical

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 17, 2014
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Rating: 4.5/5

It’s as true as it can be.  Disney fans will be in bliss as they watch one of the most beloved classics come alive on stage. Beauty & the Beast performed as a Broadway musical may seem like a tough feat with the surely difficult theatrics that the play would need to pull off.  Fortunately, AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House put on a magical show that the whole family will enjoy.

Beauty & the Beast is one of the most beautiful tales of how the beauty within prevails over any outer appearance.  When Belle (Hilary Maiberger) sacrifices her own freedom in exchange for her fathers, she is forced to stay in an enchanted castle that is run by an angry and bitter Beast (Darick Pead).  To ease her distress, Belle is comforted by the other unusual members of the house who happen to be a candle stick, a clock, and tea pot.   Little does she know that the fate of everyone around her, including the Beast, hinge on whether or not she can fall in love with someone who looks like a monster.

Following the original Disney animated feature, this musical still contains the same script and music, but has added a few originals songs that go along with the familiar score.  The new songs blended in perfectly with the story, but they were no match for the classic soundtrack we all love to sing.  When “Gaston” is performed by the tavern patrons and the well-played arrogant Gaston (Tim Rogan), you might think “it doesn’t get any better than this.”  The musical number is humorous, creatively choreographed, and thoroughly entertaining.  But you have spoken too soon, because you have yet to witness the luminous, breath taking, work of art that is “Be Our Guest.”   The song begins with the voice of Hassan Nazari-Robati, who gives a stand out performance as the hilarious talking candle stick, Lumiere.  Hassan, along with the eloquent Kristin Stewart (not Twilight) who plays Mrs. Potts, lead the rest of the enchanted objects in a colorful dance that is enhanced by the vibrant set design (Stanley A. Meyer) and well produced lighting (Natasha Katz).  I am delighted to know that I will surely dream about dancing plates and silverware tonight.

They could not have cast a more perfect Belle.  Hilary Maiberger is no stranger to playing a Disney princess.  Having played Cinderella and Jasmine in previous musicals, she handled the role of Belle with such ease, and not once did she over act her character.  Her vocals are incredible, best out of the entire cast.  When she sings, goose bumps appear, as well as a smile on your face.  Her leading man played by Darick Pead did a fantastic job as the intimidating, yet sometimes juvenile Beast.

Beauty & the Beast the musical throws in some extra comedic moments that will only add to your laughter, and music that you will want to add to your play list.  I could go on and on about this lively performance, but I’d rather you allow yourself to be a guest and take pleasure in this remarkable “tale as old as time.”

Local DFW Contestants Compete on FOOD COURT WARS

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 21, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon, Special Features

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Premiering Sunday, March 23rd at 7pm CST

“Full Circle Sliders vs. Jonathon’s Gravy Train”

Newlyweds Jennifer and Lara plan to turn their fun neighborhood gastropub “Full Circle Tavern” into a food court concept. Lara gave up her job to join self-taught chef Jennifer in the business, so they’ve got to make sure it’s a success. Jonathon and his wife Christine own and operate a small neighborhood restaurant called Jonathon’s Oakcliff. In the two years they have been open they have received high praise from the local “foodie” scene. It’s time for this husband and wife team to take their brand to the next level and expose more people to Jonathon’s amazing food. Which team will emerge victorious with a chance to win their own local mall food court spot in Lewisville, Texas.

More information about FOOD COURT WARS can be found here!

The First Ten Films for the 2014 Dallas International Film Festival have been Announced!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 4, 2014
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THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES THE FIRST TEN FILMS FOR

THE 2014 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

AutoNation Returns as Presenting Sponsor

And Lascaux Films Presents Debut of Audience Awards

DALLAS, TX, March 3, 2014 —The Dallas Film Society announced today the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 8th edition of theDallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation April 3 – 13, 2014. Also announced is the debut of Audience Awardssponsored by Lascaux Films.

“Approximately 150 films from all over the world will be screened during the 11-day Festival and selecting the first ten films is like completing the first mile in a marathon,” said James Faust, artistic director, Dallas Film Society.  It’s exhilarating and exhausting selecting the best among the thousands of outstanding entries we receive and announcing the entire line-up is the moment I reach the finish line and the fun of the festival begins!”

“We are incredibly grateful for all DIFF sponsors.  The return of AutoNation further substantiates their commitment to community and we are very excited to welcome them back as the Presenting Sponsor in 2014,” added Lee Papert, president and CEO of the Dallas Film Society.  “As a true filmmaker’s festival, we are so happy to offer the Audience Awards this year.  The debut of Audience Awards, offering a cash prize of $5000 in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Short Film, made possible by Lascaux Films, provides filmmakers a level of recognition that confirms their film resonated with the audience.”

“AutoNation is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor for 2014 DIFF,” said Wendi Madden Inglis, Regional Marketing Director for AutoNation.  “At AutoNation, we consider our customers to be our top priority and supporting the arts is a way we can give back to the communities in which they live.  DIFF brings great films to the Dallas area and it is our pleasure as a company to assist in such an important Film Festival.”

The DIFF 2014 films will not only represent works from America, and Texas in particular, but also films from Poland and Hong Kong and classics from years gone-by — truly an international and timeless offering.

 

WORDS AND PICTURES  

 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Fred Schepisi

Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche

SYNOPSIS: An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important.

 

JOE   

                         

(USA)

DIRECTOR: David Gordon Green

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

SYNOPSIS: An ex-con, who is the unlikeliest of role models, meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.

 

HELLION 

                

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Kat Candler

Cast: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins

SYNOPSIS: When motocross and heavy metal obsessed, thirteen-year-old, Jacob’s increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother, Wes, with his aunt, Jacob and his emotionally absent father, Hollis, must finally take responsibility for their actions and for each other in order to bring Wes home.

 

QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Matt Livadary

SYNOPSIS: QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO chronicles a complete season of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Roping and riding across North America for the past 30 years, the IGRA’s courageous cowboys and cowgirls brave challenges both in and out of the arena on their quest to qualify for the World Finals at the end of the season. And along the way, they’ll bust every stereotype in the book.

 

RICH HILL  

                                                                                                 

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo

SYNOPSIS: RICH HILL intimately chronicles the turbulent lives of three boys living in an impoverished Midwestern town and the fragile family bonds that sustain them.

 

ABOVE ALL ELSE  

(USA)

DIRECTOR: John Feige

SYNOPSIS: One man will risk it all to stop the tar sands of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from crossing his land. Shot in the forests, pastures, and living rooms of rural East Texas, ABOVE ALL ELSE follows David Daniel as he rallies neighbors and environmental activists to join him in a final act of brinkmanship: a tree-top blockade of the controversial pipeline. What begins as a stand against corporate bullying becomes a rallying cry for climate protesters nationwide.

 

IDA

                                                                                                        

(Poland)

DIRECTOR: Pawel Pawlikowski

SYNOPSIS: Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

 

FIRESTORM (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE)  

                                        

(China/Hong Kong)

DIRECTOR: Alan Yuen

Cast: Andy Lau

SYNOPSIS: A storm is heading to the city of Hong Kong, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches. A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation.

 

BELIEVE ME (WORLD PREMIERE)  

                                                      

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Will Bakke

Cast: Nick Offerman, Johanna Braddy, Christopher McDonald

SYNOPSIS: Desperate, broke, and out of ideas, four college seniors start a fake Christian charity to embezzle money for tuition

 

PARIS, TEXAS (1984) 30th Anniversary Screening reuniting cast and crew at the Historic Texas Theatre. 

(West Germany/USA/France/UK)

DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders

Cast: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

SYNOPSIS: A man wanders out of the desert after a four year absence. His brother finds him, and together they return to L.A. to reunite the man with his young son. Soon after, he and the boy set out to locate the mother of the child, who left shortly after the man disappeared.

Passes and Tickets

DIFF passes are on sale at the online Prekindle box office at www.DallasFilm.org and range from $125 for a Festival Lounge Pass to $750 for an all-access Star Pass, which includes:

  • All-access pass to all screenings
  • One invitation to the Opening Night Screening & Gala on April 3, 2014, subject to availability.
  • Admission for one person to all Centerpiece screenings and parties during the Festival
  • Access for one person to the Festival Lounge. (Must be 21 or over to enter the Festival Lounge or to consume alcohol.)
  • Admission for one person to all regular film screenings and panel discussions
  • Dallas International Film Festival swag bag full of unforgettable merchandise

Starting March 17, individual tickets and passes can be purchased at the Prekindle Main Box Office in Mockingbird station, and online atwww.DallasFilm.org.

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

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 25, 2014
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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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Movie Review/Interview: “Romeo Misses A Payment” Hits An Important Issue

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 14, 2013
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Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

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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