Archives for : Susan Kamyab
M. Knight Shyamalan was once known for his great films such as The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. Unfortunately, his more recent projects have subjected us to some underwhelming, pieces of crap like The Happening and After Earth. Well folks, I’m pleased to say that Shyamalan’s newest film, The Visit, succeeds as a highly entertaining horror-comedy!
Kathryn Hahn plays a single mother of two who has not spoken to her parents since she left home at the age of 19, and ran off with an older man. Now, her parents have reached out to her through the internet and ask that her children come to visit their Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie), whom they’ve never met.
Per the kids’ wishes, the mom sends them to their grandparents’ isolated, Pennsylvania farmhouse in the woods for a week while she goes on a cruise with her new boyfriend. The eldest child, Becca (Olivia DeJonge), is an aspiring filmmaker. She takes this opportunity to document her entire trip, and hopefully uncover exactly what happened the day her mother walked out on her parents and maybe even mend their relationship. Alongside her, as a second camera operator is her younger, germ phobic, rapping brother, Tyler (Olivia DeJonge).
The trip starts all well and good, Nana makes plenty of tasty treats and Pop Pop enjoys listening to Tyler’s ridiculously, hilarious raps. Seems as though it will be a great week for the kids; that is until they discover why bed time is at 9:30pm. Nana goes from a harmless, nocturnal sleepwalker to a straight up psychotic, creepy, crawler within each passing night! And what exactly is Pop Pop doing when he disappears inside his mysterious shed?
As things are turning eerie fast, the kids are desperate to have their mother come get them before anymore craziness unfolds.
Shyamalan has not only redeemed himself as a filmmaker, but he has also brought originality to the found-footage genre. His combination of humor and terror will have audiences uncomfortably laughing while still on the edge of their seats as they nervously anticipate what’s to come.
The acting is good overall, especially when it comes to the two kids, who could have ruined the whole film if they were wrongly cast. Oxenbould was given some cheesy lines and potentially bad jokes, but his delivery and timing is so on point that you can’t help but enjoy every second he’s on screen. But the real stand out here is Nana. Dunagan gives an incredible performance as the disturbing grandmother who seesaws from sweet and nurturing to plain insanity.
The Visit provides comedy, horror, family, and best of all, a startling amount of effed up sh**. Literally!
Rating: 4/5
The Visit opens in theaters on September 11.
I got a chance to sit down with actress/ writer, Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha) to discuss her new film, “Mistress America.” We talked about admiring people, the awkward “friend zone”, and more!
“Mistress America” opens in theaters August 28.
DALLAS (August 24, 2015) – The Dallas Film Society has announced that the 10th annual Dallas International Film Festival will take place April 14 – April 24, 2016. The film society is now accepting submissions for the Festival. The early deadline is Friday, October 16, 2015, the regular deadline is Friday, December 4, 2015 and the late deadline is Friday, December 11, 2015.
DIFF is one of the fastest growing festivals in the world and has brought over 250,000 film lovers together to view over 1,680 films from more than 50 countries. DIFF has consistently featured the finest cinema has to offer, including 95 world premieres and 31 US premieres to date.
This past April, the festival successfully completed a marathon of 169 screenings with attendance surpassing 26,000. The 2016 festival will once again span 11 days and feature International Premiere screenings with red carpet entrances at theaters throughout the city, award presentations, filmmaker panels and other special events.
“We can’t wait to get started on selecting films to showcase at the 2016 DIFF and looking forward to highlighting another group of incredible and diverse talent from around the world,” said Sarah Harris, Dallas International Film Festival Senior Programmer. “We are so excited to celebrate a decade of sharing our love of film with the community and continuing to introduce Dallas to some of the finest work filmmaking has to offer.”
The festival welcomes submissions for all categories. Grand Jury Prizes will be presented for Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Film, Animated Short Film, Student Short Film and Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision. Audience Awards will be given for Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Short Film. Additional programming categories include World Cinema Latino Cinema Showcase, Deep Ellum Sounds (music documentaries), Family Films, and Midnight Specials.
This year, DIFF has added the Mavericks category to its programming strand, presented by the L.M. Kit Carson Storyfinders Foundation. Last year, DIFF honored the life and career of the late Texas writer, actor and producer L.M. Kit Carson by featuring his 1983 film BREATHLESS and posthumously awarding him with the Dallas Star Award, accepted by his son, Hunter Carson. This year, DIFF will continue to honor his legacy with the Mavericks screening program, which will feature four groundbreaking and cutting edge films that spotlight unique cinematic voices breaking the rules of filmmaking to advance the art form.
“I truly believe that the art of creating ‘maverick’ films is rarified air,” said Hunter Carson. “Films that introspectively look at the world in challenging ways deserve to be celebrated.”
In addition, one Maverick filmmaker will be the inaugural recipient of the L.M. Kit Carson Maverick Filmmaker Award at Dallas Film Society Honors.
Over the past nine years, DIFF has presented filmmakers with more than $740,000 in awards. This year, the winner of the Texas Film Competition presented by Panavision will receive a camera rental package valued at $30,000. Also, the Embrey Family Foundation will present The Silver Heart Award and a $10,000 cash prize to one inspirational filmmaker or film to honor their dedication for fighting injustices and/or creating social change for the improvement of humanity. Additionally, each recipient of a 2016 DIFF award will receive MOVIE MAGIC Budgeting and Scheduling software bundles from Entertainment Partners, which allows filmmakers to create and view production scheduling.
Submissions are open on WithoutABox and Film Freeway. For more information and to submit films, visit http://www.dallasfilm.org/submit-your-film-for-diff-2016/. Questions can be emailed to submissions@dallasfilm.org.
DARK PLACES marks the second film adaptation of a Gillian Flynn novel. And no, it’s not a GONE GIRL sequel. This film just proves once again that Flynn knows how to capture her audience with intricate story-lines that keep you on the edge of your seat.
We sat down with triple threat star, Joel Edgerton (Director/ Writer/ Actor) to discuss his new film, “The Gift”. We talked about bullies, rumors and much more! There’s a reason why critics are loving this film. It’s the must see summer thriller!
“The Gift” opens in theaters August 7.
Studio Movie Grill Hosts Tom Cruise Doppelgänger Contest
Best Tom Cruise lookalike will win free movies at SMG for 365 days
What: Tom Cruise Doppelgänger Contest
When: Now through Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Why: Calling all Tom Cruise lookalikes! SMG is gearing up for their new location in The Colony. To celebrate the opening, SMG is hosting a Tom Cruisedoppelgänger contest. One lucky lookalike will win free movies at SMG for an entire year, good for admission for two. The winner will also get the chance to see Tom Cruise on the big screen in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION, opening July 31, at an exclusive event at the new SMG The Colony.
To enter to win, submit photos to contests@studiomoviegrill.com. Photos should be less than 2MB. Entry must include first name, last name and phone number. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on Tuesday, July 28. Winning photo will be posted to SMG Facebook page.
About Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. SMG is characterized in the market today by its continued ability to innovate movie and menu offerings, as well as its dedication to the communities it serves. Considered the industry leader in its rapidly growing segment, SMG currently has 20 locations in 10 states with more expansion on the way. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
Studio Movie Grill is hitting the streets with minions to give away free admit-two passes. When a minion is seen at the locations listed below and SMG The Colony is mentioned, the minions will give away a free pass, good for two people at any SMG location.
What: Studio Movie Grill The Colony/Minions Promotion
When: Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11
Where:
Shops at Legacy – Friday, July 10 (3:00pm – 5:00pm)
5741 Legacy Dr.
Plano, TX 75024
Studio Movie Grill Plano – Friday, July 10 (6:00pm – 8:00pm)
4721 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
Hawaiian Falls – Saturday, July 11 (11:00am – 3:00pm)
4400 Paige Rd.
The Colony, TX 75056
Why: Studio Movie Grill recently announced its upcoming location in The Colony. To get fans excited about the new location, SMG is hitting the streets with minions to give away SMG passes to fans. When a minion is seen at any of the above locations and fans mention SMG The Colony, they will receive a free admit-two pass, good for any SMG location.
About Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. SMG is characterized in the market today by its continued ability to innovate movie and menu offerings, as well as its dedication to the communities it serves. Considered the industry leader in its rapidly growing segment, SMG currently has 20 locations in 10 states with more expansion on the way. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
We all loved the villain-worshiping Minions from the hilarious Despicable Me films, but can the Twinkie-looking creatures succeed in starring in their own animated feature? Parents and children rest easy, because the Minions triumph in their leading roles.
As we see in the beginning of the film, Minions have been around for centuries and were born to serve a “despicable” master. Finding a leader was easy. But keeping one seemed to be a problem, as death would quickly follow them. Eventually the Minions have no one to serve, and manage to live a “normal life” amongst themselves. Unfortunately, not being able to oblige their true purpose in life has made them feel weary and restless.
Though we see ALL the hundreds of Minions (voiced by Pierre Coffin), we focus on the three hoping to save the group from a meaningless life. Kevin, Stuart, and Bob set out to find a new evil master. It isn’t long before they are recruited by the devious, super-villain, Scarlet Overkill (voiced by Sandra Bullock). But before they can rejoice in the fact that they’ve found a new master and home for their family, they must complete one evil task. Steal The Queen of England’s crown so that Scarlet may take over the world! Or, if they fail to complete this mission- be destroyed.
Unlike Despicable Me, the plot of Minions is thin and there isn’t much depth to the story. However, they do squeeze a lot of lemonade with the one lemon their given. We’re introduced to many new, fun characters. Some of whom are voiced by Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, and Jon Hamm. And yes, you will see a young Gru and find out just how the Minions met their MOST despicable master.
The simple premise is stretched out for a duration of 91 fully entertaining minutes. Maybe it’s the fast pace story-line? Maybe it’s the laughable, slapstick comedy? Or maybe it’s that these little yellow guys are just so darn cute, you can’t help but enjoy watching them no matter what. I can’t really pinpoint it.
Minions doesn’t offer much besides a good time and some chuckles for the audience. Ultimately, it’s interesting to see the origins of Gru’s ever so loyal Minions and find out how they came to meet. For the parents who want to take their kids to the theater this weekend, Minions is not only a safe choice, but it’s a delightful, fun-loving, animated film.
Rating: 3.5/5
Minions opens in theaters July 10.
The crude, childhood bear that miraculously came to life is back! And this time around he’s ready to start a family of his own.
The film begins with Ted (Voiced by Seth MacFarlane) getting married to his girlfriend from the previous film, Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth). The two are more in love than ever, and it seems that everyone is having a great time. Everyone that is, except for John (Mark Wahlberg). He and Mila Kunis’ character have now divorced. It’s been six months and he still hasn’t been able to get back into the game. No, he just continues to mope, smoke weed, and watch A LOT of porn.
A year goes by, and marriage bliss quickly faded for the newlyweds. They are constantly at each other’s throats. Luckily, they are advised to have baby. Apparently, having a child is a sure way to fix a marriage! Once the couple decides on adoption, it is discovered that the state doesn’t recognize Ted as a person. He is eventually revoked of his basic civil rights and his personhood when the courts declare him to be property. Ted’s marriage is annulled and he loses his job. Naturally, they take this to court, and are defended by the young, attractive, inexperienced lawyer, Samantha (Amanda Seyfried).
For the most part Ted 2 does its best to stay original and refrain from a copycat sequel. The only time this fails is when we see the return of psycho Donny (Giovanni Ribisi). He has teamed up with a Hasbro executive and plans to kidnap Ted, AGAIN, and hopefully make millions of Teds for little kids all over the world. Because this was such a big part of the first film, this subplot just felt a tad forced and desperate. It’s as if they thought movie didn’t have enough conflict and was lacking a true climatic moment. Honestly, I would have been interested to see a new villain with new motives.
If you couldn’t already figure out the new love interest for John, it doesn’t matter. Whether or not, you liked Mila Kunis’ character, there was a lot more depth to their relationship. John and his new love make no difference to the film whatsoever, and are just another uninteresting subplot. Though she does make for a great pun of some hilarious jokes.
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and the film is extremely entertaining. But this movie doesn’t quite stick like the first one. Even with the parallels of America’s history of prejudice and intolerance, which was effective at times, the film still can’t scratch the surface of its dirty, college humor. Nonetheless, for fans of the first film, Ted 2 is still worth the watch.
Rating: 3/5
Ted 2 opens in theaters June 26.
