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Archives for : Marisa Tomei

Movie Review: “The King of Staten Island”, “7500”, & “You Should Have Left”

In the latest ICTN movie review, we check out the new film by Judd Apatow, “The King of Staten Island.” We also have a preview of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s intense, new thriller, “7500” and Kevin Bacon’s new horror film, “You Should Have Left.”

“The King of Staten Island” is available On Demand now.

“7500” is available to stream on Amazon Prime June 18th.

“You Should Have Left” is available On Demand June 19th.

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Movie Review: “The King of Staten Island” tells a Compelling Story

The King of Staten Island - Who Is Pete? - YouTube

Judd Apatow is responsible for some of the best comedies of our time including, “Knocked Up”, “40 Year-Old Virgin”, and “Trainwreck”. His films typically dive deeper than the usual comedy. He takes the time to have audiences understand his leads and provides a sincere character study. We continue to gain perspective on another lost soul in Apatow’s new heartfelt comedy, “The King of Staten Island”.

This time Apatow has teamed up with Saturday Night Live standout, Pete Davidson. Together, alongside co-writer Dave Sirus, they bring Davidson’s personal experiences to life.

“The King of Staten Island” is about a young man named Scott (Davidson) who’s still living in his mother’s basement, and seems to be going nowhere in life. Scott has had issues ever since his father passed away on the job responding to a fire when he was seven. Since then, he hasn’t been able to grow up and become an independent adult. Everything changes when his younger sister Claire (Maude Apatow) goes off to college, and his mother Margie (Marisa Tomei) starts dating another firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr).

Margie is finally able to move on and think about her own happiness. This forces Scott to get a job, and look for a new place to live. Unfortunately, Ray gets the blame for this sudden shift in Scott’s life, and naturally he hates him. The two butt heads and carry on a hilarious banter throughout the movie; which eventually leads to a powerful and emotional realization of unresolved grief.

The King of Staten Island Is the Rare Comedy That May Play Better ...

What I have always loved about Apatow’s movies is the writing. Not only is it authentic and honest, but it’s also so damn funny. The dialogue is awkwardly realistic and witty. And his always talented casts help elevate the script.

Apatow’s daughter is a knock out; and Tomei does a fantastic job, as usual, playing an endearing, sweet mom. But it’s Davidson and Burr who shine. Davidson solidifies his career by bringing humor and genuine emotion without ever appearing to try too hard. Burr is obviously funny and sarcastic, but he also has depth and just the right amount of heart to make you understand why Margie could fall for him so quickly.

“The King of Staten Island” tells a unique story about grief, loss, and love. Showing that for your own health, it’s important to confront your issues, and allow the people around you to help in the healing process.

Some may be discouraged by the nearly two and half hour runtime, but don’t let the semi-slow pace deter you from this beautiful, well made, coming-of-age film.

Rating: 4/5

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“The King of Staten Island” On Demand June 12

Universal Pictures’ big fancy announcement!

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND will premiere on demand June 12.

Watch Judd Apatow and Pete Davidson’s announcement and download #TheKingofStatenIsland poster.

This summer, Judd Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.  

Over his storied career, Judd Apatow has elevated a series of promising young comedy talents to their first major big-screen performance, including Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig, Amy Schumer and Kumail Nanjiani.

This summer, Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.

Scott (Davidson) has been a case of arrested development ever since his firefighter father died when he was seven. He’s now reached his mid-20s having achieved little, chasing a dream of becoming a tattoo artist that seems far out of reach. As his ambitious younger sister (Maude Apatow, HBO’s Euphoria) heads off to college, Scott is still living with his exhausted ER nurse mother (Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei) and spends his days smoking weed, hanging with the guys—Oscar (Ricky Velez, Master of None), Igor (Moises Arias, Five Feet Apart) and Richie (Lou Wilson, TV’s The Guest Book)—and secretly hooking up with his childhood friend Kelsey (Bel Powley, Apple TV+’s The Morning Show).

But when his mother starts dating a loudmouth firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr, Netflix’s F Is for Family), it sets off a chain of events that will force Scott to grapple with his grief and take his first tentative steps toward moving forward in life.

The film also stars Steve Buscemi as Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing, and Pamela Adlon (FX’s Better Things) as Ray’s ex-wife, Gina.

The King of Staten Island is directed by Apatow (Trainwreck, Knocked Up, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) from a script by Apatow, Davidson and former SNL writer Dave Sirus. It is produced by Apatow for his Apatow Productions alongside Barry Mendel. Together, the duo shared producing credits on the Academy Award®-nominated films The Big Sick and Bridesmaids, as well as This Is 40, Trainwreck and Funny People. The film’s executive producers are Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman and Judah Miller.

Genre: Comedy

Cast: Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow and Steve Buscemi

Directed by: Judd Apatow

Written by: Judd Apatow & Pete Davidson & Dave Sirus

Producers: Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel

Executive Producers: Pete Davidson, Michael Bederman, Judah Miller

Movie Review: “Spider-Man: Far from Home” Spins a Web of Fun

(l to r) Numan Acar, Tom Holland and Jacky Gyllenhaal in Columbia Pictures’ SPIDER-MAN: ™ FAR FROM HOME

We’re all still recovering from the events of “Avengers: Endgame”. There were traumatic losses, epic battles, and a perfect ending to that chapter of the Marvel Universe. Luckily, we’ve been treated to another “Spider-Man” sequel, giving us something to help heal those emotional wounds. Now if you haven’t seen “Endgame” yet, shame on you! Also, stop reading any further. (Spoiler Alert!!)

After the devastating loss of  Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.), the city questions who will be the new “Ironman”? As Peter Parker (Tom Holland) mourns the death of his mentor, the last thing he wants is to fill his shoes. No, instead he just wants to be a normal, love-struck teenager. That’s right,  the first hour of “Spider-Man: Far from Home” is basically a romantic comedy. And I’m fine with it.

Peter is getting ready for his science club’s Europe trip, on which he plans on telling MJ (Zendya) how he really feels for her. He’s tired of the superhero gig, and wants to be a 16 year-old kid for once. Thus we follow Peter on many failed attempts to sit, talk, or flirt with MJ as he, also, has some competition for her heart. And it only gets worse when Peter discovers Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and a “mysterious” new superhero, Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) need his help to take down destructive mythological creatures. 

“Spider-Man: Far from Home” may not be as complex as the adventure we just closed on, but it’s just as fun. Coming off such a heavy film, it was nice to sit back and see these characters in a more comical setting. The movie still carries the essence of “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, but it’s much more lighthearted.

The visual effects are fine, and there are some thrilling action sequences. But as in all Marvel films, the characters are lovable. Tom Holland continues to charm every time he’s on screen. His classmates are the source of most of the laughs, and please give me more Happy (Jon Farvreau) and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei).

Though there are times “Spider-Man: Far from Home” gets a little messy and you might struggle to find out where it’s headed, it is still smart and does an excellent job of continuing Peter Parker’s story.

This is far from any other Marvel movie, and the filmmakers know that. Just go in with an open mind and trust that you’re in for a much needed, entertaining trip.

*Be sure to stay for the two end credit scenes.

Rating: 4/5

“Spider-Man: Far from Home” opens July 2.

The Dallas Film Society to Honor Academy Award® Winner Marisa Tomei at The Art of Film

Previously Scheduled Guest of Honor, Toni Collette, Regretfully Unable to Attend Due to Scheduling Conflict

DALLAS (November 10, 2014) – The Dallas Film Society is thrilled to honor Marisa Tomei at the 5th annual The Art of Film gala on Friday, November 21, 2014. Tomei made an unforgettable impression on Hollywood with her breakthrough role as Mona Lisa Vito in MY COUSIN VINNY for which she received the Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress. Her extensive range of film, television and theater credits includes Academy Award® nominated performances in IN THE BEDROOM and THE WRESTLER, and a Drama Desk Award® nomination for her role in the Broadway production TOP GIRLS.

Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning actress Toni Collette was previously scheduled as the guest of honor at The Art of Film. Collette has regretfully withdrawn from this year’s event due to an unforeseen and unavoidable change in her overseas filming schedule. “We wish Toni all the best and look forward to honoring her at a future time,” stated James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society.

The Art of Film is an annual fundraising event during which Dallas film lovers gather to celebrate talent within the film community. Guests at this year’s gala will enjoy a moderated conversation with the very gifted Marisa Tomei followed by an elegant dinner at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. The premiere Dallas fundraiser has honored some of the biggest names in film including Robert Duvall, Lee Daniels, John Lithgow and Val Kilmer. Proceeds from the evening are directed to the year-round programming of the Dallas Film Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, and more specifically the 2015 Dallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation and the 2015 DFS Summer Camp, presented by SMU – Division of Film & Media Arts.

On the silver screen, Tomei has tackled a wide variety of roles including performances in PARENTAL GUIDANCE; CRAZY STUPID LOVE; THE IDES OF MARCH; THE LINCOLN LAWYER; ANGER MANAGEMENT; CYRUS; BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD; WHAT WOMEN WANT; SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS; HAPPY ACCIDENTS; WELCOME TO SARAJEVO; UNHOOK THE STARS; FOUR ROOMS; THE PAPER; and CHAPLIN. A veteran of the theater, Tomei and the cast of THE REALISTIC JONSES won the 2014 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performance earlier this year. Additional theater credits include MARIE AND BRUCE; OH, THE HUMANITY AND OTHER GOOD INTENTIONS; BEIRUT; DESIGN FOR LIVING; WE WON’T PAY! WE WON’T PAY!; WAITING FOR LEFTY; ROCKET TO THE MOON; DEMONOLOGY; SLAVS!; THE COMEDY OF ERRORS; THE ROSE TATTOO; and WHAT THE BUTLER SAW. Tomei is a founding member of the Naked Angels Theater Company in New York. Tomei can currently be seen in LOVE IS STRANGE, which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Tomei also recently wrapped production on a number of upcoming feature films – Marc Lawrence’s THE REWRITE, Judd Apatow’s TRAINWRECK, and Lionsgate’s SPARE PARTS. Marisa made her directorial debut with a short film based on the Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn’s book Half the Sky. Tomei continues to bridge the gap between rich, dramatic performances and smart, comedic turns. Whether working with large studios or independent houses, she consistently brings her independent spirit to every project with which she is involved.

Elvis Mitchell, former NY Times and Fort Worth Star-Telegram Film Critic and newly appointed Artistic Director of the L.A. Film Festival, will serve as guest moderator for the evening. The conversation between Mitchell and Tomei will certainly be filled with compelling and engaging dialogue. “Marisa has established one of the longest and most impactful careers in Hollywood,” said Faust. “We look forward to honoring her accomplishments by presenting her with the Dallas Star Award.”

The Art of Film is supported by Pam and Mark Denesuk, on board as Event Chairs, and Barbara and Steve Durham as Honorary Chairs. “The Dallas Film Society has really raised the profile of the film and arts scene in Dallas,” states Mark Denesuk, Founder and Managing Principle of Commerce House and The Art of Film 2014 Event Chair along with his wife Pam. “The world of film has been a passion of ours for many years, and we’re grateful to be a part of an annual event which attracts great talents like Marisa Tomei. We look forward to uniting with other film lovers from around the Metroplex to celebrate great filmmaking and empower future filmmakers through camps, high school programs, and the Dallas International Film Festival.”

Individual tickets from $500 are available for purchase, and underwriting opportunities are available from $5,000-$40,000. The Art of Film begins with red carpet arrivals at 6:30PM, the reception at 7:00PM, the conversation at 8:00PM and the seated dinner at 9:00PM. Additional information regarding The Art of Film can be found on Dallas Film Society’s website, www.dallasfilm.org. Contact Jennifer Dworkin atjdworkin@dallasfilm.org or call 214.720.0555 for more information.

THE ART OF FILM SPONSORS:

PRODUCER LEVEL SPONSORS:  Barbara & Steve Durham/Durham Family Foundation

DIRECTOR LEVEL SPONSORS: Pam & Mark Denesuk/Commerce House; Earth Day Texas; Cindy & Phillip Eichenholz; Ruth O. Mutch

WRITER LEVEL SPONSORS: Cinemark Theaters; Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau; Dallas Film Commission; Embrey Family Foundation; Kara & Randall Goss/U.S. Risk Insurance Group, Inc.; Jan Miller & Jeff Rich; Deborah & Jim Nugent; Stephanie & Michael Seay; Deborah & Don Stokes; Jackson Walker

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT: ABCO; BUYLEDS; Dallas by Chocolate; Deep Eddy; El Creative; Great One Cookie Company; J.R. Ewing Bourbon; The Joule Hotel Dallas; The Levenson Group; Line 39 Wines; Post Asylum; Pure Evil Music & Sound Design; Tesla

PRINT PRESS SPONSOR: PaperCity

ADDITIONAL PRESS: My Sweet Charity