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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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Category: Coming Soon, Special Features

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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.

Predicting the Winners: 86th Academy Awards

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 28, 2014
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Category: Special Events, Special Features

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BEST PICTURE

“American Hustle”
“Captain Phillips”
“Dallas Buyers Club”
“Gravity”
“Her”
“Nebraska”
“Philomena”
“12 Years a Slave”
“The Wolf of Wall Street”

Will Win: “12 Years a Slave”
Could Win: “Gravity”
Want to Win: “The Wolf of Wall Street”
            

BEST DIRECTOR

David O. Russell, “American Hustle”
Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
Alexander Payne, “Nebraska”
Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave”
Martin Scorsese, “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Will Win: Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
Could Win: Steve McQueen, “12 Years a Slave”
Want to Win: Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity”
            

BEST ACTOR

Christian Bale, “American Hustle”
Bruce Dern, “Nebraska”
Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Chiwetel Ejiofor, “12 Years a Slave”
Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”

Will Win: Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Buyers Club”
Could Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Want to Win: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Will still be happy for McConaughey)
          

BEST ACTRESS

Amy Adams, “American Hustle”
Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
Sandra Bullock, “Gravity”
Judi Dench, “Philomena”
Meryl Streep, “August: Osage County”

Will Win: Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
Could Win: Sandra Bullock, “Gravity”
Want to Win: Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine”
          

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Barkhad Abdi, “Captain Phillips”
Bradley Cooper, “American Hustle”
Michael Fassbender, “12 Years a Slave”
Jonah Hill, “The Wolf of Wall Street”
Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”

Will Win: Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”
Could Win: No Contest
Want to Win: Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club”
           

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Sally Hawkins, “Blue Jasmine”’
Jennifer Lawrence, “American Hustle”
Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”
Julia Roberts, “August: Osage County”
June Squibb, “Nebraska.”

Will Win: Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”
Could Win: Jennifer Lawrence, “American Hustle”
Want to Win: Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave”
           

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke, “Before Midnight”
Billy Ray, “Captain Phillips”
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, “Philomena”
John Ridley, “12 Years a Slave”
Terence Winter, “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Will Win: John Ridley, “12 Years a Slave”
Could Win: Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, “Philomena”
Want to Win: John Ridley, “12 Years a Slave”
           

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell, “American Hustle”
Woody Allen, “Blue Jasmine”
Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack, “Dallas Buyers Club”
Spike Jonze, “Her”
Bob Nelson, “Nebraska”

Will Win: Spike Jonze, “Her”
Could Win: Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell, “American Hustle”
Want to Win: Spike Jonze, “Her”
           

BEST ANIMATED FILM

“The Croods”
“Despicable Me 2”
“Ernest & Celestine”
“Frozen”
“The Wind Rises”

Will Win: “Frozen”
Could Win: No Contest
Want to Win: “Frozen”
            

BEST DOCUMENTARY

“The Act of Killing”
”Cutie and the Boxer”
”Dirty Wars”
”The Square”
”20 Feet from Stardom”

Will Win: “20 Feet from Stardom”
Could Win: “The Act of Killing”
Want to Win: “20 Feet from Stardom”
           

BEST FOREIGN FILM

“The Broken Circle Breakdown,” Belgium
“The Great Beauty,” Italy
“The Hunt,” Denmark
“The Missing Picture,” Cambodia
“Omar,” Palestine

Will Win: “The Great Beauty,” Italy
Could Win: “The Hunt,” Denmark
Want to Win: “The Great Beauty,” Italy
           

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

“Happy” from “Despicable Me 2,” Pharrell Williams
“Let It Go” from “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“The Moon Song” from “Her,” Karen O and Spike Jonze
“Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen.

Will Win: “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Could Win: “Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen.
Want to Win: “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
           

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

“The Book Thief,” John Williams
“Gravity,” Steven Price
“Her,” William Butler and Owen Pallett
“Philomena,” Alexandre Desplat
“Saving Mr. Banks,” Thomas Newman

Will Win: “Gravity,” Steven Price
Could Win: “Her,” William Butler and Owen Pallett
Want to Win: “Her,” William Butler and Owen Pallett
           

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

“American Hustle”
”The Grandmaster”
”The Great Gatsby”
”The Invisible Woman”
”12 Years a Slave”

Will Win: “The Great Gatsby”
Could Win: “American Hustle”
Want to Win: “The Great Gatsby”
           

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

“American Hustle”
”Gravity”
”The Great Gatsby”
”Her”
”12 Years a Slave”

Will Win: “The Great Gatsby”
Could Win: “Gravity”
Want to Win: “Her”
           

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

“Gravity”
”The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
”Iron Man 3″
”The Lone Ranger”
”Star Trek Into Darkness”

Will Win: “Gravity”
Could Win: No Contest
Want to Win: “Gravity”
           

BEST FILM EDITING

“American Hustle”
”Captain Phillips”
”Dallas Buyers Club”
”Gravity”
”12 Years a Slave”

Will Win: “Gravity”
Could Win: “12 Years a Slave”
Want to Win: “Gravity”
           

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“The Grandmaster”
”Gravity”
”Inside Llewyn Davis”
”Nebraska”
”Prisoners”

Will Win: “Gravity”
Could Win: No Contest
Want to Win: “Prisoners”
           

BEST SOUND EDITING

“All Is Lost”
”Captain Phillips”
”Gravity”
”The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
”Lone Survivor”

Will Win: “Gravity”
Could Win: “Captain Phillips”
Want to Win: “Gravity”
           

BEST SOUND MIXING

“Captain Phillips”
”Gravity”
”The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug”
”Inside Llewyn Davis”
”Lone Survivor”

Will Win: “Lone Survivor” (Just to mix things up?)
Could Win: “Gravity”
Want to Win: “Captain Phillips”
           

BEST MAKE UP & HAIRSTYLING

“Dallas Buyers Club”
”Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa”
”The Lone Ranger”

Will Win: “Dallas Buyers Club”
Could Win: ”Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa”
Want to Win: “Dallas Buyers Club”
            

BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)

“CaveDigger”
”Facing Fear”
”Karama Has No Walls”
”The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”
”Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall”

Blind Guess: ”The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”
            

BEST SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)

“Feral”
”Get a Horse!”
”Mr. Hublot”
”Possessions”
“Room on the Broom”

Blind Guess: “Get a Horse!”
           

BEST SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)

“Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn’t Me)”
”Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just before Losing Everything)”
”Helium”
”Pitaako Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)”
”The Voorman Problem”

Blind Guess: “The Voorman Problem”

We will see how many of my predictions are right…Watch the 86th Academy Awards Sunday, March 2, 2014-7pm ET on ABC.  Hosted by Ellen DeGeneres!

2014 Oscar Nominations Announced!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 16, 2014
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Category: Special Events, Special Features

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Although there were still some snubs for Rush, The Way,Way Back,  Brie Larson, Daniel Bruhl, and Tom Hanks, I am still very pleased with this years Oscar nominations!  It was by far one of the toughest years to pick from so many great films and performances.  Can’t wait to see who wins the big award on Sunday, March 2nd.

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Special Features: Dallas Film Society Exceeds Kickstarter Goal!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : January 8, 2014
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Category: Special Features

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THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY RINGS IN 2014
BY EXCEEDING KICKSTARTER GOAL

The Dallas Film Society is ringing in 2014 with a celebratory and grateful spirit for all of the generous donations from 234 supporters across the globe. The Dallas Film Society exceeded their Kickstarter goal for the upcoming 8th annual Dallas International Film Festival in 2014. The campaign, designed to raise funds to bring in talent, producers and directors of the films showcased at the festival, raised a total of $35,870, 2.5% more than their initial goal. To date, more than 1,234 filmmakers, representing more than 50 countries have attended the past seven festivals.

“What an outstanding response by the national and local backers to our Kickstarter campaign, our first ever attempt at ‘crowdfunding’” said Lee Papert, President and C.E.O of the Dallas Film Society. “The Dallas International Film Festival is continuously growing and we look forward to bringing another successful festival to Dallas with the help of all the donors to this Kickstarter effort.”

The 8th-annual Dallas International Film Festival will be held April 3 to April 13, 2014. Late submissions for the film festival ended on Friday December 13, 2013.

Top 10 Best Films of 2013

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : December 20, 2013
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

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I have to say this was by far the toughest list I have had to make. 2013 proved to be one of the BEST years for film! I’m aware that I didn’t pick some obvious masterpieces, but that’s not because they weren’t as good as the other films I chose. With so many great films, I just had to go with which ones always stayed in my mind every week. I’ll keep it short and sweet as to why the films below have made my top 10 list!

Side Note: I have not yet seen “Her,” “In A World…,” “August: Osage County” or “Inside Llewyn Davis.”

gravity10. “Gravity”

The best way to sum up “Gravity” is “breath-taking!” The visual effects are the best I have seen in any film. If you were to tell me they shot the movie in space, I would believe it. For now, I will assume that this is what space looks like. Sandra Bullock carries the film; you feel as if you are practically tethered to the space suit with her. Alfonso Cuarón has taken a terrifying thought and turned it into a captivating, 90-minute mission of endurance.

the-wolf-of-wall-street-poster copy9. “The Wolf of Wall Street”

Director Martin Scorsese has teamed up with Leonardo Dicaprio once again to make their most hilarious and best film yet! The film is three hours long, but moves quickly because of how fast paced each scene plays out. Regardless of the time, you are blown away by the unforgettable performance DiCaprio delivers.

kings_of_summer_ver48. “The Kings of Summer”

A fantastic coming-of-age story anyone can relate to: three friends build their own secret house in the woods to gain independence and escape their suffocating parents. Nick Robinson finally gets a chance to prove he is more than just the dim-witted brother from the ABC Family series, “Melissa & Joey.” The film is funny, emotional and nostalgic for anyone who grew up watching some of the best coming-of-age films in the ’80s and early ’90s.

twelve_years_a_slave7. “12 Years a Slave”

I don’t think this one needs any explaining— just watch the film. It is easily the best ensemble cast of the year. “12 years a Slave” features breakout performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong’o. Not to mention Michael Fassbender’s most disturbing and brilliant role since 2011′s “Shame.” This film is a sure to be an Oscar contender for Best Picture and a possible winner!

frozen_ver86. “Frozen”

You might as well give this film the Oscar for Best Animated Feature right now. All the wonderful things you have been hearing about it is true. It’s nice to know Disney can still produce films that give audiences the “Disney Magic” feeling. Already considered a Disney classic, “Frozen” features one of the best soundtracks of the year, including the fantastic original song, “Let it Go,” performed by Idina Menzel.

hunger_games_catching_fire_ver325. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”

“Catching Fire” is in every way better than the first “Hunger Games.” The acting and directing is better. There is more character development and much more chemistry between Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and both her love interests, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale (Liam Hemsworth). It’s an exciting and fun action adventure that you can’t get enough of.

rush4. “Rush”

This film is so much more than race cars and sex. The rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) brings out more than just a competition on the track. It is amazing to see how much an “enemy” can impact your life— for the good and bad. Hemsworth and Brühl give amazing performances and director Ron Howard shows us once again he can take a simple, true story and turn it into a cinematic masterpiece.

short_term_twelve3. “Short Term 12″

You may not have even heard of this film, but it is absolutely worth looking up and watching. Brie Larson gives a phenomenal Oscar-worthy performance (chances are she could get snubbed this year). “Short Term 12″ is a raw and revealing drama that shows the gut-wrenching perspective of neglected youths.

prisoners_ver32. “Prisoners”

I wish this film would have gotten more praise than it has. The acting alone was incredible, especially Hugh Jackman. I know it is up against stiff competition, but it is high on my list for good reason. It’s the details in “Prisoners” that make this film so exciting to watch. Besides being on the edge of your seat and dying to find out what happened to these kids, you’re filled with important facts that will eventually all tie together in the end. “Prisoners” falls right there with films like “Gone Baby Gone” and “Mystic River”: a gloomy, exciting mystery with an original, satisfying ending.

way_way_back1. “The Way, Way Back”

Think way, way back in July, when you might have seen a preview for this film. Sadly, my favorite film of the year was probably seen by very few. I will admit the dark comedy genre is usually my preference, but it’s the message in this film that has stuck with me all year. I think we all have met that person that has made us doubt ourselves, and lead us to believe we aren’t as special as we think we are. Most of the characters in this film feel they need someone’s seal of approval to be happy with the person they are; thinking that there is some sort of norm that we must follow to fit in. “The Way, Way Back” teaches us that, what makes us truly happy in life is the path we create for ourselves.

Honorable Mentions: “The Dallas Buyers Club,” “This is the End,” “About Time,” “Don Jon,” “Enough Said,” “The Spectacular Now,” and “Captain Phillips.”

Bottom 5: “Getaway,” “The Counselor,” “The Big Wedding,” “Kick-Ass 2″ and “Spring Breakers.”

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

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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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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

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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!

 

Special Features: EFFECTS WORK “LIKE MAGIC” AT THE ACADEMY

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 11, 2013
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Category: Movie Reviews

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will explore cinema’s roots in stage magic and sleight of hand and show how visual deception drove the development of movie special effects, on Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. “Like Magic” will examine how some of the techniques used in the earliest “trick films,” such as forced perspective, cuts, dissolves and multiple exposures are still used by filmmakers in the digital age. Hosted by sleight-of-hand artist Ricky Jay, special effects supervisor Shane Mahan, and stage and screen illusion designer Michael Weber, the program features clips from such pioneering films as Georges Méliès’s “The Magician” (1898) and contemporary favorites like “Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012). It also includes live demonstrations and conversations with some of the films’ creative teams. Click here for more information

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world’s preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards—in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners­—the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

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