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THE PERSIAN VERSION Interview w/ Director & Writer Maryam Keshavarz

A still from The Persian Version by Maryam Keshavars, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

“When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know.”

It was such an honor to speak with Director/Writer Maryam Keshavarz about her hilarious and moving film, “The Persian Version”. This one was really special to me given the background and Persian ties. But the film goes places you wouldn’t except while maintaining the heart and humor of the story throughout.

“The Persian Version” is currently available On Demand

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DFW Film Critics Association 2023 Award Winners

SUMMARY OF AWARD WINNERS

2023 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association

(Choices listed in order of votes received)

BEST PICTURE

Winner: THE HOLDOVERS

Runners-up: OPPENHEIMER (2); KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); POOR THINGS (4); AMERICAN FICTION (5); PAST LIVES (6); MAESTRO (7); ANATOMY OF A FALL (8); BARBIE (9); MAY DECEMBER (10)

BEST ACTOR

Winner: Cillian Murphy, OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Paul Giamatti, THE HOLDOVERS (2); Bradley Cooper, MAESTRO (3); Jeffrey Wright, AMERICAN FICTION (4); Leonardo DiCaprio, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (5, tie); Colman Domingo, RUSTIN (5, tie)

BEST ACTRESS

Winner: Lily Gladstone, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Runners-up: Emma Stone, POOR THINGS (2); Carey Mulligan, MAESTRO (3); Greta Lee, PAST LIVES (4); Sandra Huller, ANATOMY OF A FALL (5)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Winner: Robert Downey Jr., OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Charles Melton, MAY DECEMBER (2); Robert De Niro, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); Mark Ruffalo, POOR THINGS (4); Dominic Sessa, THE HOLDOVERS (5)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Winner: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, THE HOLDOVERS

Runners-up: Danielle Brooks, THE COLOR PURPLE (2); Emily Blunt, OPPENHEIMER (3); Jodie Foster, NYAD (4); Julianne Moore, MAY DECEMBER (5)

BEST DIRECTOR

Winner: Christopher Nolan, OPPENHEIMER

Runners-up: Martin Scorsese, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (2); Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS (3); Yorgos Lanthimos, POOR THINGS (4); Celine Song, PAST LIVES (5)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Winner: ANATOMY OF A FALL

Runners-up: THE ZONE OF INTEREST (2); THE TASTE OF THINGS (3); SOCIETY OF THE SNOW (4); FALLEN LEAVES (5)

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Winner: AMERICAN SYMPHONY

Runners-up: 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL (2); STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX MOVIE (3); THE DEEPEST BREATH (4); THE PIGEON TUNNEL (5)

BEST ANIMATED FILM

Winner: THE BOY AND THE HERON

Runner-up: SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE

BEST SCREENPLAY

Winner: David Hemingson, THE HOLDOVERS

Runner-up: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, ANATOMY OF A FALL

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Winner: Hoyte van Hoytema, OPPENHEIMER

Runner-up: Rodrigo Prieto, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

BEST MUSICAL SCORE

Winner: Robbie Robertson, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

Runner-up: Ludwig Goransson, OPPENHEIMER

RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)

Winner: THE ZONE OF INTEREST

Movie Review: “Wonka”

This week I review the prequel that is based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, “Wonka” tells the colorful story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Find out if the film was a tasty treat or spoiled candy.

“Wonka” opens in theaters on December 15, 2023.

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MAY DECEMBER Interview w/ Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton & Director Todd Haynes

“Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.”

“May December” is a thought-provoking movie, Todd Haynes brilliantly directs this polarizing story that’s told through subtle, yet powerful performances and a witty screenplay by Samy Burch. The more I think about it, the more I love this film. It was a huge honor to sit down with Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton, and Todd Haynes to discuss the movie.

“May December” streams on Netflix December 1, 2023.

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“The Iron Claw” Interview w/ Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Kevin Von Erich, & Cast

The Von Erich’s ruled the pro-wrestling community right here in DFW. A family united by a sport they loved but one that would ultimately cause their untimely deaths. “The Iron Claw” tells the true story of the Von Erich legacy. I was at the world premiere of the film in Dallas and spoke with star, Zac Efron, and other cast members about the movie.

“The Iron Claw” opens in theaters December 22.

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SALTBURN Interview w/ Academy Award Winner Emerald Fennell

Emerald Fennell won her first Oscar for the 2020 mystery, drama “Promising Young Woman”. Now she brings us another twisted story, this time about a lower-class outsider, desperate to fit in with his rich classmates. I had the opportunity to speak with Fennell about her new thriller, “Saltburn”.

“Saltburn” opens in theaters November 17.

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Movie Review: “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

This week I review “Five Nights at Freddy’s”. It’s about a security guard who begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and discovers the animatronic costumes that reside there, aren’t just robots. They are alive. Find out if I think the film is a fun thriller.

“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.

Rating: D+

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NYAD Interview w/ Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, & Bonnie Stoll

“A remarkable true story of tenacity, friendship and the triumph of the human spirit, NYAD recounts a riveting chapter in the life of world-class athlete Diana Nyad. Three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida. Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster) and a dedicated sailing team.”

I got a chance to speak with directors, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, and the incredible Bonnie Stoll to discuss the true story, support systems, and more!

NYAD is available to stream on Netflix November 3, 2023.

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Movie Review: “Killers of the Flower Moon”

This week I review “Killers of the Flower Moon”. It’s Martin Scorsese’s newest Oscar contender starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Critics rave this is one to look out for this award season, but is worth the 3 and half hour runtime? Watch my video review below to find out!

“Killers of the Flower Moon” opens in theaters on October 20, 2023.

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Movie Review: “It Lives Inside”

This week I review “It Lives Inside”. It’s the new horror film by Bishal Dutta about a demonic entity that feeds on loneliness. Find out if I think the movie is as scary as it looks!

“It Lives Inside” is currently playing in theaters.

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