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Archives for : Susan Kamyab

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

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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Category: Coming Soon, Special Events

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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.

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

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.”

Disney’s ‘Million Dollar Arm’ Offers A Chance To Win $1 Million!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 14, 2014
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Category: Coming Soon

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A HOT ARM COULD LEAD TO A COOL MILLION! 

DISNEY’S MILLION DOLLAR ARM PITCHING CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN $1 MILLION

Contestants Can Test Their Fastball Skills at

Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World®Resort in Florida or

the Tribeca Family Festival in New York

Nine Finalists Will Advance to the Final Contest Held at

Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” World Premiere in Hollywood, California

Burbank, Calif.  (April 11, 2014) –Disney is giving amateur baseball pitchers in the nation a chance to compete for a $1 million prize in the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest. The Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest is being held to celebrate the opening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm,” an incredible true story about two young men who went from never throwing a baseball to getting a Major League tryout.

Amateur baseball pitchers—male or female, who are legal United States residents at least 18 years of age or older—are invited to qualify to compete in the preliminary rounds of the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest at either Walt Disney World®Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Resort in California or at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City. The three contestants from each location who throw the fastest pitches will advance to the finals and have a chance to compete for a $1 million prize at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, California. Official rules are available on Disney.com’s “Million Dollar Arm” homepage at http://disney.com/PitchingContest.

Presented by SUBWAY® restaurants, the three qualifying events will take place on April 25 and 26, from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at both Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif. and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® and on April 26 only, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day during the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City. Contestants will throw three pitches, each tracked by a radar gun, in an attempt to throw the fastest pitch. All participants will receive tickets for themselves and a guest to see an advance screening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” at an AMC Theatres location later that evening.

Nine finalists chosen during these qualifying events will have a chance to compete for the $1 million prize at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm.” The top three eligible pitchers with the fastest pitches from each qualifying round location will be flown with his or her guest to the final contest, which will take place at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, Calif., on May 6.  Each of these finalists will throw three pitches on Hollywood Boulevard. Any eligible finalist who throws one 100 mph strike (out of three pitches) will become a potential winner of the $1 million grand prize.

The nine finalists and their guests will be VIPs at the film’s premiere along with stars, filmmakers, major league players, coaches, scouts and celebrities.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Subject to Official Rules available at event or at http://disney.com/PitchingContest.

ABOUT THE MOVIE

Based on a true story, sports agent JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) finds that business has changed and things aren’t going well for his career. In a last ditch effort to save his livelihood he concocts a scheme to find baseball’s next great pitching ace. Hoping to find a young cricket pitcher he can turn into a major league baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a reality show competition called “The Million Dollar Arm.” With the help of cantankerous but eagle-eyed retired baseball scout Ray Poitevint (Alan Arkin), he discovers Dinesh (played by Madhur Mittal from “Slumdog Millionaire”) and Rinku (played by Suraj Sharma from “Life of Pi”), two 18-year-old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a knack for throwing a fastball. Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home to America to train. While the Americans are definitely out of their element in India, the boys, who have never left their rural villages, are equally challenged when they come to the States. As the boys learn the finer points of baseball, JB, with the help of his charming friend Brenda (Lake Bell), learns valuable life lessons about teamwork, commitment and what it means to be a family.

Directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay written by Tom McCarthy, Disney’s drama “Million Dollar Arm” stars Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Bill Paxton, Suraj Sharma, Lake Bell and Alan Arkin. The producers are Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray and Joe Roth. The executive producers are Palak Patel, Kevin Halloran, Bill Simmons and Connor Schell. The film will be release in the United States on May 16, 2014.

DIFF 2014 Quick Movie Reviews Pt.1

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 9, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Flutter

Director/Screenwriter: Eric Hueber

Cast: Lindsay Pulsipher, Glenn Morshower, Jesse Plemons, Jonathan Huth Jr.

Rating: 3.5/5

Flutter follows Jo Lynn (Pulsipher) and her struggle to provide for her son, who has severe narrow angle glaucoma.  In an attempt to treat his condition and prevent him from going blind, Jo Lynn starts growing her own marijuana to bake into his brownies.  As time goes on, the trouble of maintaining finances and her son’s “medicine” leads Jo Lynn down a desperate and dangerous path.  The film is full of nail-biting moments, and features a painfully, touching performance by Lindsay Pulsipher that you won’t forget.  Flutter is a gut-wrenching portrayal of how a mother’s love can drive her to do almost anything in order to protect her child.

About Mom and Dad

about mom and dad

Director/ Screenwriter: Rachel Shepherd

Cast: Farah White, Brent Anderson, Katy Rowe, Alisha Revel, Johnny Mars

Rating: 3.5/5

What better way to celebrate your daughter’s upcoming nuptials than feuding with your husband over his recent unfaithful act.  Terri (White) has to deal with more than just her relationship problems, as her children seem to have gotten raveled up with their own matters of infidelity.  For the most part this film is well acted, with strong performances by Farah White and Brent Anderson.  But it’s the brilliantly written script that made me thoroughly enjoy this realistic, hilarious, and at times sad movie.  About Mom and Dad shows how the people we love most can cause our greatest anger and happiness.

I Believe In Unicorns

Director/ Screenwriter: Leah Meyerhoff

Cast: Natalia Dyer, Peter Vack, Julia Garner, Toni Meyerhoff, Amy Seimetz

Rating: 3/5

When there isn’t much going on in your life, and all you do is go to school and take care of your ailing mother; a first romance couldn’t come at a better time.  For Devina (Dryer), bad boy Sterling (Vack) is the perfect birthday present: excitement, sex, and an escape from reality all rolled into one!  However, relationships are never easy and it can be even more difficult when both parties involved may not be on the same page.  Devina sums it up best when asking her newfound lover, “Do you really like me or is it temporary?” I Believe in Unicorns is a compelling coming of age story that takes an uncomfortable look at the desire for an adventurous love.

Joe

Director: David Gordon Green

Screenwriter: Gary Hawkins, based on a novel by Larry Brown

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

Rating: 5/5

15-year-old Gary (Sheridan) is desperate to find work so that he may be able to take care of his sister and mother who live in squalor.  His abusive, alcoholic father lends no helping had to his family, as he is lazy and only thinks to provide for himself.  Luck briefly turns around when Gary begins working for Joe, an ex-con who has gone straight but is still haunted by his past.  Joe is easily one of the best films of the year.  Nicholas Cage gives one of the best performances of his career and Tye Sheridan steals every scene he is in.  This powerful drama is one everyone must see when it opens in theaters April 11.

Check out the full list of films playing at the Dallas International Film Festival.

Interview: “Jinn” Star Dominic Rains Discusses New Thriller

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 31, 2014
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Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

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In the Beginning, Three were Created…

Man made of Clay.

Angels made of Light.

And a Third…made of Fire.

From the beginning, stories of angels and men have captured our imaginations and have been etched into our history crossing all boundaries of culture, religion, and time. These two races have dominated the landscape of modern mythology for countless centuries, almost washing away the evidence that a third ever existed. This third race, born of smokeless fire, was called the jinn. Similar to humans in many ways, the jinn lived invisibly among us and only under dire or unusual circumstances were our paths ever meant to cross.

As humans became the dominant force on Earth, contact between man and jinn steadily decreased.

Modern man has all but forgotten the jinn.

“Jinn” is the new thriller set to make its theatrical release in Dallas on April 4.  I got a chance to speak with the star of the film, Dominic Rains to discuss the movie, his character, and projects he hopes to work on in the future.

 

How did working on “JINN” compare to any other production you have worked on?

Well first of all it was the first time I was carrying a film the whole way through. It was by far one of the most physically exhausting experiences I’ve had which in turn was emotionally exhausting.  I mean there were days where I was drenched in water in Michigan 30 degree biting weather, and that’s just one part of it. The majority of the shoots were night shoots so my hours were completely off. I also played three characters in the film which made it ever so interesting. But given the material at hand, the most challenging place was trying to find the arc of the character.  Sometimes you’re shooting out of sequence, time is against you, you’re shooting on 35mm film so you’ve got to get it right or you’re just burning film, unlike digital where you can shoot endlessly, and you’ve got to focus all your energy to make sure that you know in the grand scheme of things, you’re giving just enough for the 180mm lens that’s focused on your eyes. One exaggerated expression here or there and it’s a 15 foot difference on the silver screen. AJ, the writer/director, loved to tell me, ‘its all in the eyes!’ haha… But learning to focus and harness that energy was important. And knowing what the scene was about was imperative.

What can you tell us about the character (Shawn) you play in this film?

Shawn is an automotive engineer living a quiet idyllic life with his wife Jasmine when one day it is interrupted by a package delivered by a sketchy dude that contains an encrypted message. It warns him of imminent danger and that this ‘thing’ the Jinn is coming after him. At first Shawn tries to disregard the message but weird things start to happen and after a number of events test his belief, his wife is kidnapped and Shawn is forced to face his fears and is tossed through a gauntlet of emotional, physical and mental tests. He is helped along the way by three men who aid him in what to do to fight and overcome the Jinn, but ultimately he’s the only one that can save himself and his family.

What was your favorite scene to shoot?

I had two favorite scenes in the film; the first was with his parents when he’s trying to piece everything together and the second was at the end of the film where he rises to the occasion. I won’t say anymore than that but that it’s a very cool scene and you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it. Everything came together, AJ’s direction, our stunt performers, Ray Park, and the incredible genius of our VFX supervisor Joe Coleman. It was a test of many things that evening and it’s a testament to the work of a great team. On a personal level it was a test of the physical and mental for myself.

Why should audiences go out and see this film?  How does it stand out above other mystery thrillers?

Well besides the fact that it’s based on an ancient mythology that over 2 billion people believe in around the world, it’s mentioned or alluded to in the books of the leading three religions, Islam, Christianity and Judaism.  Also, it’s a fun family film for all ages; it’s essentially a hero story of courage and the will to fight to overcome our fears. We see the slow rise of a man who finds it in himself to become the man he never thought existed.

You have worked on a variety of different TV shows and film.  What genre of film do you hope to work on that you haven’t done yet?

I’d really like to go into more heavy dramas, dark comedies and twisted psychological thrillers. It would be a dream to work with filmmakers like Gasper Noe, PT Anderson, The Coen Brothes, Lars Von Trier. Very avant garde, art house, challenging character pieces. I love playing heavy character pieces.  I enjoy the leading men as well but since they tend to be closer to me they’re more a naked vulnerability.  With character heavy roles you get to be vulnerable as well but you get to funnel them through a lot more so you can indulge a bit more, it seems.

Who are some actors that you admire and hope to work with in the future?

There are so many actors I admire.  So many actors of all ages that inspire me and push me to do great work that I don’t have enough space to say them all but in the meantime I’ll express a few. God bless Phillip Seymour Hoffman, he was a titan, he’ll stand as one of my all time greats. I would love the pleasure to work with Ethan Rains, Daniel Day Lewis, Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Robert Duvall, Willem Defoe, Susan Sarandon, Matthew McConaughey, Brad Pitt, JACK NICHOLSON for sure, Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett and the list goes on.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Movie Review: “It Felt Like Love” Feels Uncomfortably Real

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 25, 2014
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Rating: 4/5

Oh, young love.  It is amazing how strongly you can feel for the first guy you fall for.  However, this film isn’t a sappier and dramatic copy of Endless Love.  Instead, It Felt Like Love is a realistic portrayal of a young teen desperate to experience the same sexual activities as her best friend, as she forcefully pursues an unreciprocated relationship with a guy who will “sleep with anyone.”

In Eliza Hittman’s debut feature, we follow Lila (Gina Piersanti), a fourteen year old, spending a hot summer in a blue-collar Brooklyn neighborhood away from the city.  Often tagging along with her best friend Chiara (Giovanna Salimeni) and her boyfriend, Lila is the awkward and quiet third wheel.  But as she is riding in the back seat of her friend’s love life, she is taking detailed mental notes of what she feels she should be experiencing with a guy as well.  Cue the first semi attractive boy that acknowledges her!  Yup, meet Sammy, the “bad boy” with a reputation to sleep around.  Seems like the perfect guy for Lila to fixate on for the rest of summer.  Completely delusional in her endless attempt to pursue Sammy, Lila puts herself at risk in multiple situations.

As a girl who has never been in love, I painfully related to this film; to an extent of course.  Seeing your friends “in love” and doing what couples do can have a strong impact on you.  It makes you want what they have, feel what they feel, and experience what they are experiencing.  In your teens, this mostly stems from wanting to be at the same level as your friends.  Now, I was nowhere near as foolish or extreme as Lila, but the desperation that Hittman wrote in her character is something that almost all girls can understand.  We have all had that crush (guys have them too) we liked so much that we begin to imagine what a relationship would be like with that person, specifically thinking of certain scenarios with them.  Usually, we all keep these delusional thoughts to ourselves.   However, Lila decides the best tactic is to make those fantasies a reality, even if she has to force the hangouts and manipulate the truth.   And I have to give props to Lila, because this girl can lie.  She lies really well!  I couldn’t say half of the lies she told with a straight face.

The fresh cast led by Gina Piersanti is naturally effortless in their roles playing genuine teens dealing with sex, urges, and curiosity.  Characters like these have a tendency to be overacted.  It was nice to see Hittman’s powerful script didn’t get ruined by heavily dramatic performances.  And though you will probably be yelling at Piersanti’s character, she does a fantastic job as Lila, ranging from the harmless school girl crush to becoming the borderline Swimfan.  The uncomfortable squirming from Lila’s naïve actions will all be worth it after seeing this film.

Honestly, I expected something completely different going into this movie based on what I saw in the trailer.  What I got was much better.  I can’t say that this premise will be everyone’s cup of tea.  It Felt Like Love is a beautifully shot and twisted, coming of age story focusing on the pressures of sexual relationships for young teens.  Though the film has a simple plot, there are many layers to each character.  Watching the layers brilliantly unfold is what makes this movie hypnotizing.  I only wish the film was longer.

It Felt Like Love opens in Los Angeles on March 28.

“It Felt Like Love” Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com