Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of "Silver Linings Playbook" - Part 2

Matthew Quick Interview: Finding the Silver Linings- Part 2  

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

 Continued from Part 1

PFF: After reading the book and watching the film, each on its own are fantastic. One scene that was left out of the film that was in the book was the scene at the beach. Do you know why such a poignant scene didn't make the final cut?

MQ: That was my favorite scene of the book. I think when you make a movie, there’s all kinds of constraints. The had planned to film on the Pennsylvania side of Philly, but the beach is on the New Jersey side, so I’m not too sure. You would have to ask David why, but thank you for saying that.

PFF: In the literary world versus the film world, have you found it easier or more difficult than the film development process, in terms of getting to the finished project?

MQ: It’s different. There is more at stake in the film world, given that David’s budget was $26 million dollar, which in Hollywood terms, is not an extraordinary budget, but it would be unheard of in New York to have a book budget that large. In New York, things are done on a much smaller scale, but there is more books published than films produced in L.A., so it’s hard to compare. The Weinsteins have sent me out on tour, which is great. I love coming out to talk about the film and book; this is getting a lot of PR out there. That’s not as typical in the book world; you’re networking is more intimate (Librarians, Schools, etc.) so it’s more of a long term plan, but they both have their pros and cons about the process.

PFF: If you had to identify with one of the characters from Silver Linings, who would it be and why?

MQ: I think there’s a little of me in many of the characters. Obviously, Pat is someone who is trying to reinvent himself; especially Pat always working out in the basement (book version); I was writing my novel living in a basement, so there’s definitely some things people can pull. I’m a huge Eagles fan; Pat’s a huge Eagle’s fan, but I think Tiffany as well. Tiffany has this explosive quality about her; she’s not embarrassed about that. She’s very volatile and loyal at the same time. I’m incredibly loyal, but I expect a lot from people – I’m not afraid to push. She’s messy; part of my personality is like that too Dr. Cliff… I counseled troubled teens for a long time. He’s a guy I would want to do therapy with – sign me up, absolutely!  That’s not a conscious thing – I’m just trying to be me, telling a story. Your conscious is always at work. There’s other books (of mine), now when I listen [recorded version] to them now, I’m surprised, and I wrote them!  I don’t remember that part. One of the characters will say something and it’s like, wow… it’s a bit of a mystery, fiction writing. I do get frustrated with writers who say “No, no, no, I was in control the whole time; there’s nothing mystical about the process.” I really thing it’s a disservice you do for a lack of a better word, channel the stories. If I had to now sit down and write Silver Linings, it would be a completely different book. It is a snapshot of my psyche at that time in my life and I couldn't do that again because I’m a much different person now.  The work that I’m doing now is a reflection of where I am now and what’s going on in my psyche/ subconscious. What things I’m interested in; what’s happening in my life – that’s what comes out.

PFF:  Do you ever hear back from old students feedback on Silver Linings Playbook?

MQ: Yes! Those are some of my favorite emails. Last year I received a glowing review from the New York Times, I would trade for student emails any day.  When I hear from a former student after they've read my stuff, actually I received one last night in fact, a student I hadn't spoken to in 10 years  said, “Mr. Quick, I see what you’re doing and it gives me hope – you’re living what you told us in class.” She is someone that is pursuing the arts as well. “All that stuff you said all those years, you weren't lying. You really believe it.” At my Boston screening, some students showed up and said they had read the book and said, “It’s so you! It’s like being in your class again!”  Right now, I’m mentoring a former student who is writing a novel, who attended the Philly premier with his family.

Whenever I hear back from students, it means a lot to me. I was quite attached to my students, as I don’t have children of my own. When I was teaching, people would ask if I had kids and I would tell them, “Yeah, I have a thousand of them.”  I really took teaching as a responsibility. There’s a saying Latin where it says something to the effect “You’re the parents in the absence of the parent.” I took that very seriously, so when I hear from those kids, it means the world to me, and it really does.

I’ll say this on record anywhere to get the message out there. Teachers have the hardest job in the world. I did not know that to be a High School English teacher, to do a good job, you are asked to wear so play so many roles. Parent, college prep adviser  therapist; they all work so hard. A thank you letter to a teacher, you have no idea how much fuel you give that teacher. I know when I was teaching, every time I got to my lowest point and couldn't face the day, almost serendipitously, I would get a letter from a student and think, “OK, wow, I’m doing this.”, and walk back into the classroom.  Reach out to your former teachers and let them know they’re doing good work out there. They need all the fuel they can get, so please thank them.

Click here to continue - Part 3

Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of “Silver Linings Playbook” - Part 1

Interview with Matthew Quick, Author of “Silver Linings Playbook”  

Finding the Silver Linings – Part 1

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Phoenix -  When a High School English teacher decides to peruse his dream of becoming a novelist, never in his wildest dreams did he anticipate that he would be touring the country doing publicity for a Holiday release film for his first novel, “Silver Linings Playbook” starring A-List celebrities Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Nor did he expect to have a brilliant name such as David O. Russell behind the camera bringing his pages to life. A great story behind the story itself, Matthew Quick is a name you want to keep on your radar and your bookshelf stocked with his novels as he is not only a brilliant storyteller and writer, he’s an all-around great guy to back it up with.

PFF: Tell me about what your journey was like bringing “Silver Linings” into novel form.

MQ: When I was in high school, I knew I wanted to write. I thought to myself, “What is the easiest job I could have?” I looked at my English teacher and thought, “Wow. Summers off. Home by 3 pm everyday. Great.” In my naivety, I thought I’ll be an English teacher; I’ll have a ton of time to write. In college, I was a Secondary Education English Major and I fell in love with teaching – I didn’t expect that. I became very passionate about working with troubled teenagers and so when I woke up one day and I was suddenly in my 30’s, not writing anymore, I had this total panic attack.  I was known in town as a very passionate teacher, a kind of go-to teacher for kids that were in trouble. I was doing important work but the best part of me was dying.

My wife and I decided, along with her encouragement; to quit our jobs, sell our house to make this huge transition. We traveled around to Peru, South Africa and hiked the Grand Canyon, finally ending up moving with my in-laws, which was a really difficult decision for me because I did not have the full support if my family and friends behind me. I come from a family of bankers; my friends I grew up with came from a blue collar neighborhood and now had great jobs, living lifestyles their parents never could afford. So when my friends were buying bigger houses, having kids, getting nicer cars and I’m in a basement writing a novel, people really didn’t understand. It was a very lonely time for me.

David (O. Russell – Director) talks about re-introducing Bradley Cooper; that you think you know Bradley, but here’s a new version of Bradley Cooper, and that’s why he cast him as Pat. The story of Pat is that he comes home from a mental institution; you think that you know the old me, but I’m gong to reinvent myself and everyone thinks he’s delusional. In the book he’s the same way. Pat comes home and says “I’m going to do these things, get my wife back and even though on some levels, he is delusional, he’s trying really hard to be a better version of himself.

I has spent all this time teaching high school English, telling kids “You should pursue the arts; it’s OK to be an artist”, I started to feel like such a hypocrite because I wasn’t following my bliss. When I left [teaching], I remember my principal, Dr. Joe Ruzico said, “you’ve been telling these kids to follow their dreams and now you’re doing it”.  When he said that, it really hit me in the face because not only was it a great compliment, but I felt really responsible. What if I told all these kids “You can do it and I go out and fail?”.

It was a very difficult time, those 3 years of writing and when I started “Silver Linings”, I knew I really had something. That became scary as well because you think you want something, then when it really starts becoming real, movie deals come in, people are giving you money; that was a transition period that took a while for me to go from “guy in the basement” who everyone thinks is delusional, to guy that Hollywood people are giving money to.  When you’re creating a movie, it really took me a while to wrap my mind around the whole process.

PFF: When you were going into the movie deal, did you work directly with the screenwriter or did they say “Hey we love the book, we’re going to adapt it and we want you to write it?”

MQ:  I received a call from my agent at CAA. I was hosting a party in Vermont when I got a phone call. When you’re a fiction writer and you see a number pop up on your screen whose area code you don’t recognize, you get really excited because it’s either New York or L.A.  Low and behold, it was L.A. and the guy says “Hi, I’m Rich Green, I’m your film agent at CAA.” I was like “I have a film agent?”. I didn’t even know I had a film agent, but my lit agent has a partnership with him. They started throwing out all these names at me like Anthony Minghella (The English Patient), Sydney Pollock (Tootsie), the Weinsteins, and David O. Russell.  At first I thought, “Are these my buddies playing a trick on me?” Of course, it was real and the first question I asked was “Can I write the screenplay?” There was a long pause. Then, “I think David O. Russell will write the screenplay. (Laughs). I’m a huge fan of David’s work, and he’s a story telling hero of mine, so that was a silver lining moment in and of itself.

I’ve heard people say, some talk bad about the whole experience and it can be attributed to Ernest Hemmingway, but I’m not sure, “Doing a deal with Hollywood for a novelist is like doing a drug deal.” You go to a wall, throw your manuscript and they throw back a bag of money and you run away as fast as you can. That has not been my experience at all. The Weinstein Company has been very good to me, sending me out on publicity, being able to talk about the story. I wasn’t involved with the screenplay or casting; they didn’t bring me in until they started filming, out of a courtesy. Since then, I have developed a relationship with David. He called me before seeing the film in New York – it was very important to him that I like the film. In the press that I’ve done with David, in retrospect, I can see that it was a huge task for him to take something so personal to someone else. This is his first adaptation, making it into his film and that was something that he had to do; I understand why I wasn’t around in the beginning. He had t take something so authentically me and make it so authentically him; the fact that he was able to do that so when my family saw the finished print, they didn’t feel it was a betrayal at all, which is a hard feat to pull off.

Click here to continue to Part 2

Hitchcock Movie Review

Hitchcock   

Starring:  Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johannson, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, James D’Arcy

Directed by Sacha Gervasi

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 98 mins

Genre: Biography/ Drama

Opens November 23^rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

“Good Evening.”  Was the greeting of every "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", running on television from 1962-1965, whom viewers simply knew as the “Master of Suspense”. Alfred Hitchcock was the man who gave the film world the MacGuffin was an enigma himself, but little people know about the woman behind the man, Alma Reville.

Very little people know the story behind the story of the making of Psycho, Hitchcock’s most well-known film. It al starts with a killer fromWisconsin, Ed Gein who was captured in 1944, featured in the novel Psycho by Robert Bloch. After the release of “North By Northwest”, Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) was looking for a project to sink his teeth into; something that would be unique, shocking and to prove that he still had “it” as a director. Alfred’s wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren) was pushing for another script by screenwriter Whitfield Cook (Danny Huston), but when Hitch stumbled across the Psycho novel, he was hell bent on making this his next film.

Trying to get the studio’s approval was tricky as he had one picture left on his contract withParamount. The studio wanted another “North By Northwest”, but Hitch wouldn’t budge in his decision. After talking it over withAlma, the decision was made to finance the picture himself and see how things go. This could be a total crap shoot, and soon the pressures of the film, outside influences and Hitch’s heath take a toll on his marriage. Will the film finish on time or will this be the biggest disaster of Hitchcock’s career?

A exceedingly clever film starting with the opening credits, as it captures the essence of Alfred Hitchcock’s greeting before every television show, Hitchcock gives the feel of a behind the scenes featurette of a DVD feature , with the bonus of a glimpse into the private life of the notorious director. More of an inside look of a mad genius’s mind and the birth of Psycho into the cinematic world, Anthony Hopkins plays the notorious director with an air of arrogance, wit and mystery, making it immensely enjoyable to watch. The chemistry with Dame Helen Mirren is equally dynamic as the two powerhouses compliment each other beautifully. The rest of the supporting cast, although interesting choices from afar, do work well in their respective roles from Scarlett Johannson as Janet Leigh, Ralph Macchio as screenwriter Joseph Stefano and James D’Arcy as Anthony Perkins. The essence of the late 1950’s, early 1960’s was capture beautifully in the small details; from the twin beds in the Hitchcock’s bedroom, to the wardrobe selections to the sets at Paramount Pictures; the greatest attention was paid giving the viewer the feel of the time period. Hitchcock is fiendishly fun and deviant entertaining, paying homage to the “Master of Suspense” in a respectable manner. Check out Hitchcock when it opens at Harkin Camelview starting Friday November 23, 2012.

Silver Linings Playbook Movie Review

Silver Linings Playbook   

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Jacki Weaver, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Chris Tucker

Directed by David O. Russell

Rated: R

Run Time: 122 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

With a few  film festival awards under its belt, Silver Lining Playbook looks like it may have a head start going into the awards season. Based on the novel by Matthew Quick, David O. Russell assembled a brilliant, interesting cast to bring the quirky, endearing novel to life.

Pat (Bradley Cooper) has little recollected of the past few months. He’s been locked away at a mental institution for a violent act that he can’t quite remember, but cased his wife to leave him until he gets better. Or that is what Pat thinks. His mother Dolores (Jacki Weaver) is his primary caretaker, bring Pat home to live with her and his father Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro).   Although everyone is happy to have Pat home, everyone is weary, yet on edge due to Pat’s past behavior, which included explosive, violent outbursts.

Pat believes that he will win back his wife Nikki (Brea Bee) by becoming a positive, more loving, culture man; being the man Nikki always wanted him to be. His therapist Dr. Cliff Patel (Anupam Kher) is helping him work through his issues, by trying to help him uncover why Nikki actually left him and how he can overcome such behavior in the future. But can he really? His friends want him to move on from Nikki, even setting up an arranged “blind date” with his friend’s sister-n-law, Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a woman with an equally troubled past with mental illness. With Tiffany’s help, can Pat win Nikki’s affection or lose her all over again when he regains his memory? Will Pat be able to repair the relationships he damaged with his illness before his court ordered medical vacation? Or will Pat grow into the man he thought he should be, but will his past be enough or will a future with someone else be his silver lining he has been chasing after?

Whenever books are adapted into film, there is always a concern that the film won’t be as enjoyable as the novel. Rest assure, this film lives up to the novel and delivers powerhouse performances from a brilliantly assembled cast. Bradley Cooper performs the best role of his career, since his breakout role in “Wedding Crashers”. In “Wedding Crashers” we saw a glimpse of his neurotic, violent behavior, but in Silver Linings, he channels that energy into a brilliant interpretation of a man suffering from bi-polar disorder. Jennifer Lawrence delivers an equally strong performance as the sexually driven, grief-stricken bipolar widow, which despite her young age plays the role with the wisdom and neurosis of a woman of the age the role was meant for, mid thirties.  One would think that the age difference between Cooper and Lawrence wouldn’t translate well into chemistry on-screen, but the performance and comprehension of the characters gives the audience a memorable couple with Pat and Tiffany. The supporting cast is equally grand, although subdued in nature, which is surprising with the actors that surround the protagonists. Robert De Niro normally has such a strong presence on screen, but it balances out well with Cooper’s neurotic performance; that if De Niro was let loose, the story would have been too outlandish for the drama.  Keep this one on your awards season watch list as Cooper and/or Lawrence are strong contenders for at least a Golden Globe. Check out Silver Linings Playbook when it opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Movie Review of Life of Pi

Life of Pi   

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Adil Hussain, Tabu, Shravanthi Sainath

Directed by Ang Lee

Rated: PG

Run Time: 125 mins

Genre: Drama/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Opening this week, among many other new releases, is Academy Award winning Director Ang Lee’s new film Life of Pi. Based on the best selling book by Yann Martel, Life of Pi has won the Audience Award at the 2012 Mill Valley Film Festival.

When a freelance writer heard that he should meet am man named Pi (Irfamn Khan) because he has an unbelievable story, he was intrigued.  The writer had been searching for his next project and was at an impasse. As he sits down to hear the wild tale of Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) the 16 year old boy who spend 227 days at sea, stuck in a life boat with aBengaltiger.

When he was a boy, Piscine Molitor Patel, a.k.a. Pi, grew up in a small coastal town ofIndia, living on a piece of land that was once a botanical garden converted into a zoo.  When he was still a small boy aBengaltiger arrived named Richard Parker. Pi felt a connection with this animal as he had been on a spiritual quest to find meaning in his young life. He studied 3 main religions, including hi native religion, Hinduism against the wishes of his father, demanding he approach life from a rational view of thinking.

About the time Pi was in high school, his father decided to sell the zoo and move the family toCanada. They would use the animals from the zoo as collateral for their move; placing them in zoos inNorth Americafor purchase. The news deeply disturbed Pi as he just starting dating a beautiful young girl from a dance troop he played drums for.   Somewhere along the way, the Chinese freight ship sinks during a fierce storm, killing all aboard except for Pi, a zebra, hyena, orangutang andBengaltiger.

The first few days were challenging as natural selection took over until all that was left were Richard Parker and Pi. Pi was able to survive with the supplies in the life raft, but taking care of Richard Parker would be a challenge. When they were in India, Richard Parker would be fed several times a day, so Pi needs to learn to co-exist with Richard Parker so they would not both be claimed by the grandest danger of all; the Ocean.  Exposed to the elements, Pi’s faith, courage and character are placed to the ultimate test, and what he finds is the ultimate spiritual journey, finding proof of God.

When there have been so many movies that utilize the 3D technology, very few can make it look authentic and believable. The only genre so far where it had been worth watching is the animated films, and a handful of live action films such as "Avatar" and "Hugo". "Life of Pi" is one of those films whose cinematography is stunning to watch in 3D and is one that must be experienced in that format. The colors are vibrant, and the world comes alive, surrounding the viewer with such intense imagery that it’s impossible not to get swept up in the film. Although most of the story takes pace at sea and the only dialogue are really that of Pi talking to himself, God or the tiger Richard Parker, it lacks the finesse of previously other survivor films like Cast Away or 127 Hours. This is the most visually ambitious project Ang Lee has taken on since “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” but is an astonishing feat of visual imagery. Check out "Life of Pi" when it opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012.

Movie Review for Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians   

Starring:  (Voices of) Chris Pine, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman

Directed by Peter Ramsey

Rated: PG

Run Time: 97 mins

Genre: Family/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens November 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

What a way to kick of the official start of theHolidayseason!  This delightful family film is adapted from William Joyce’s novel “The Guardians of Childhood” and his short film “Man in the Moon”. This film won the Animation of the Year award at the 2012 Hollywood Film Festival.

When the Man on the Moon gave Jack Frost (Chris Pine – Voice) his role in the world, he was jazzed that he was given the ability to fly, create stunning ice etchings and wield some gnarly abilities with a staff. The only nagging issue that he has about being The Jack Frost is that no one is able to see him nor do they believe in him.  He has been reduced to a cliché expression that is sung about during the Holidays and a warning for mothers to give children before playing in the snow.

Three Hundred years pass and a few days before Easter, an ominous sign appears at the North Pole. North, a.k.a. Santa (Alec Baldwin – voice) bears witness to the event and sends out a signal to the other Guardians to assemble. The other guardians include the Sandman (to help children have pleasant dreams), Tooth, a.k.a. the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher – voice) and Bunny (Hugh Jackman – voice) a.k.a. the Easter Bunny. When they al arrive at the North Pole, North informs them that a dark force has arisen, threatening the children of the world and the guardians existence. This dark force, better known as the Boogeyman/ Pitch (Jude Law – voice) creates fear and nightmares among children, extinguishing any belief in wonder, joy or dreams. The Guardians must act fast, but the Man on the Moon informs them that a new guardian will join their ranks to help defeat Pitch, Jack Frost.  Some of the guardians, especially Bunny, are wary of bring Jack into their ranks as he’s know to be self serving and cause too many issues.   Jack, when approached, agrees to the consensus, but falls in with the group as time is of the essence.

Pitch has kidnapped all the tooth fairies helpers and the teeth they collect, as they hold all the childhood memories. Quickly children start un-believing in the Tooth Fairy, and she looses her abilities. The Guardians find a way around this, which infuriates Pitch. He then garners enough strength to take down each guardian until all that is left is Jack Frost and one child left who believes in the Guardians.

Will Jack Frost believe in him self although others lack faith and belief?  Will Jack be able to save the Guardians or fall to the darkness of Pitch and his evil ways?

Even children know that there is a sort of darkness that lingers around the world today, that some of the magic and wonder that storytelling and film once had have been replaced by special effects, 3D and lackluster storytelling. Rise of the Guardians ignites that magic and wonder and breathes new life into family/ holiday films. This is an inspiring, uplifting family film that would turn the most Scrooge-like spirit into a jolly one.  With that said, the animation and 3D effects were quite good, and the characters were adorable and likable.  The only qualm I had with the film was the modern take on the “Santa” character, North. Am I the only one that thinks tattooed forearms of “Naughty” and “Nice” on Santa is just pain wrong? Be sure to check out Rise of the Guardians when it opens nationwide starting Wednesday November 21,2012.

Anna Karenina Movie Review

Anna Karenina   

Starring:  Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson

Directed by Joe Wright

Rated: R

Run Time: 130 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens Novemeber 21^st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, another release this week is the modern retelling of the story by 19^th Century novelist Leo Tolystoy, Anna Karenina. In this version of the film, stage and screen scribe Tom Stoppard and Director Joe Wright put their artistic touch on a classic story. On the 2012 film festival circuit, Anna Karenina picked up a few awards for Production Design at the Hollywood Film Festival and Breakthrough Performer Awards for Domhall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

Set in 1874 Empirical Russia, Anna Karenina (Keira Knightley) and her husband Count Alexi Alexandrovna Karenin (Jude Law) are a part of Russian high society, very well respected and well-known in St. Petersburg. When Anna receives a letter from her brother asking her to visit to help straighten out a situation that his wife is about to leave him for, she travels to Moscow to act as a mediator to rectify the issue.  When she arrives, she is introduced to Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the attraction is instant and intense. Anna tries to stay away from Vronsky, but he follows her back to St. Petersburg, where a torrid affair ensues. Anna, unable to deny her feelings for Vronsky, is ordered by Alexi to stay away from the Count and behave like the respectable married woman she is (supposed) to be.

As karma would have it, Anna ends up pregnant and now must choose between her life with Alexi, filled with honor, respect, dignity and wealth or leave her husband for Count Vronsky and have the reputation of shame, disgrace follow her for the rest of her life, along with loosing her son whom she has with Alexi.

In this retelling of Anna Karenina, a few thoughts sprung to the forefront of my mind while watching this film. The art direction, although quite lovely, was disconnected to the film and the artistic element of shifting scenes as a stage production was confusing and unnecessary to convey the essence of the story. The transformation from stage to scene was a dizzying arrangement, leading to further disconnect from the characters and the story. On a positive note, the costume design was spectacular; from the jewelry  to the gowns to the military uniforms and men’s formal attire, the wardrobe selections are a visual feast for the eyes. The acting was decent, but it would have been preferable to have some Russian accents with some of the characters instead of all British accents; it slightly took away from the period and setting of the story. Just saying.  It seemed to this reviewer that this film was trying to capture the intensity of the novel but setting to a pace/ artistic style more like "Moulin Rouge". You be the judge when Anna Karenina opens in theaters starting Wednesday November 21, 2012

Lincoln Review

Lincoln   

Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Tommy Lee Jones, Sally Field, Joseph Gordon Levitt, David Strathairn, James Spader, Lee Pace

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 149 mins

Genre: Drama/ Biography/ History

Opens November 16^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Can you feel it in the air?  Aside from the crisp cool weather, Oscar watch is officially underway and does this film pack a wallop! Director Steven Spielberg (per usual) artfully and brilliantly assembled a cast worthy of bringing such a notable historic figure to life.

The year was 1865. The Civil War was deep into its fourth year, and Abraham Lincoln (Daniel Day-Lewis) was starting his second term as president. He and his cabinet were earnestly searching for a resolution to bring the war to an end, butLincolnknew that he had to bring the 13th amendment to pass before it would end.  If not, every man that died would have died in vain andLincolnwas not about to let that happen. Over the course of 3 months, President Lincoln had to convince his cabinet, his constituents, his family and get Congress to pass the 13th Amendment before he could let the peace talks begin. The film chronicles the high and low points of the historic amendment, ending slavery and beginning the talks of bringing the Civil War to a close.

What is so fascinating to watch in this film is how every actor brought to life the prominent figures they were cast in and how poignant, artful and humanistic each role was. Daniel Day-Lewis’s transformation on screen as Lincoln makes the viewer forget that this was the same man that was the Butcher in Gangs of New York. He is so utterly perfect in this role that it is hard to imagine any other actor cast as Lincoln.  The supporting cast was equally brilliant from Tommy Lee Jones as Sen. Thaddeus Stevens, Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and even James Spader as lobbyist W.N. Bilbo. Each actor was excellent in their respective roles and was more pleasantly surprising to see when entered on screen. Take for instance Lee Pace as Democratic Senator Fernando Wood. Pace has been in a handful of film roles but most notable for his TV role on Pushing Daisies. Another example would be Jared Harris as Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who has been in several films such as the latest Sherlock Holmes as Moriarty, and more recently in TV as the evil genius David Robert Jones on Fringe.

The cinematography was equally stunning by the use of light. The way that the light paints the scene adds to the mood, making appear as a painting or a picture from a Lincoln when it opens in theaters on Friday November 16, 2012.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 Review

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2   

Starring:

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Dakota Fanning, Jackson Rathborne, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Bryce Dallas Howard, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Xavier Samuel

Directed by Bill Condon

Rated:  PG-13

Run Time: 115 mins

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Romance/ Thriller

Opens November 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

In the 5th installment and final of the Twilight Series, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are now parents of a baby girl and Bella is a full blown vampire. Now their world is perfect, except for Jacob (Taylor Lautner) imprinting on their daughter Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) and the vampire clan the Volturi learning that Bella and Edward have a child. The very existence of Renesmee can put the Cullens and the rest of the vampire world at risk, which the Volutri see as a risk they are unwilling to take.

Now Bella, Edward and the rest of the Cullens must assemble as many witnesses as possible  to confirm that Reneseme is not a threat, but a blessing to their existence or fight to the death trying. Will Bella and Edward be able to protect their family or will their love story end in tragedy, just like a Shakespearean play?

***SPOILERS*** FROM THIS POINT ON….

I have to admit that Breaking Dawn is my favorite book out of the series. As for the films, I honestly haven’t been a fan due to the abundance of amateurish acting and Katherine Hardwicke’s poor start of the series. With that said, I genuinely enjoyed Part 1 of the film, but Part 2 was only subpar. They did get a few things right as it did not deviate too far away from the book and they ended it with an additional scene that was not in the book that should appease the male viewers that get dragged to the film. It wasn’t until this film that I noticed how ridiculous the dialogue was from the book, but still found it amusing to hear it performed on film. The first scene of where Bella is hunting in the forest to feed was too campy in my opinion as the running seemed like it was out of a late 1970’s tv show. The fight sequence was choreographed well, but again the special effects were lackluster. The FX artists did manage to get the sparkle on the skin and Bella’s shielding effects right. The most moving part though had to be in the credits where the look of the book and the film met, creating a beautiful wrap up to the last 5 films and ending the trilogy nicely. Breaking Dawn Part 2 opens in theaters nation wide Friday November 16, 2012.

Movie Review for The Paperboy

The Paperboy   

Starring: Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Kidman, David Oyelowo, John Cusack, Macy Gray, Scott Glenn

Directed by Lee Daniels

Rated: R

Run Time: 107 mins

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Opens October 19^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! This week we checked out the film “The Paperboy” from “Precious” Director Lee Daniels, who was nominated for the Palme d’Or Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. Daniels has a strong track record on bringing trouble characters with intense stories to the silver screen, as in his past works such as “The Woodsman”, “Monster’s Ball” and “Shadowboxer”.

Told through the narration of former housekeeper Anita Chester (Macy Gray), recounts the events of how brothers  Wade (Matthew McConaughey) and Jack Jansen (Zac Efron) met Ms. Charlotte Bless (Nicole Kidman) and her involvement with Death Row inmate Hillary Van Wetter (John Cusack). Charlotte had been corresponding with Hillary for several months and was engaged to married. She wrote to Wade and his writing partner, Yardley Acheman (David Oyelowo) claiming that Hillary is innocent and that he did not receive a fair trial. Wade checks into the query and discovers that there is more to Hillary’s story than originally presented. Can Wade prove Hillary’s innocence before it is too late? Will Jack be able to share his feelings with Charlotte or just live with the unrequited love? Will Wade be able to share his secret with Jack and still maintain a friendly relationship with his brother?

For those who saw the movie Precious, this film is more physically disturbing than its predecessor. This film is gritty, raw, and sadistic, making no apologies for the intensity of the sex, violence and racial division. This is nothing like the crime thrillers set in the south that McConaughey and Cusack have done, where they played the clean cut, likable lawyers or reporters trying to prove a man’s innocence (A Time to Kill, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Runaway Jury). John Cusack is known for his good guy rom-com roles and even in his darker roles,  he is still  likable enough to pull for his character. In this role, Cusack is extremely disturbing, causing him to be seen in a entirely different light. From an acting standpoint, kudos to him for such a strong performance. McConaughy as of late has been showing a darker side to his acting career in the past year (Killer Joe, Magic Mike, Bernie), but this one stands out as the physical and psychological transformation of Ward is astounding. Kidman delivers an equally memorable performance, her most sexually revealing role since Cold Mountain. Efron delivers a strong performance as the sexually frustrated, lovesick Oedipus–esq young man. The make up department deserves a well-deserved mention, as the job performed on Matthew McConaughey after a particularly brutal scene, was impressive, and even held up under water. Overall, it is a decent film, just one that is made for a certain niche type audience. If you enjoy films like Lon Von Trier’s films, or gritty films like Monster’s Ball you will want to check this out when it opens in Phoenix on October 19, 2012.

Argo Movie Review

Argo   

Starring:  Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin, Victor Garber, Tate Donovan, Clea DuVall

Directed by Ben Affleck

Rated: R

Run Time: 120 mins

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Opens October 12^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

One of the new releases this week is the thriller “Argo”. Based on a true, declassified story, Director Ben Affleck was nominated and placed 2^nd at the Toronto International Film Festival for the People’s Choice Award.

In November 4, 1979, as part of an Anti-American street demonstration, radical students overtook the United States Embassy in Tehran,Iran; scaling the wall and holding hostage more than 50 Americans. This was in response to the United Stated allowing the former dictator ruler of Iran, Shah Reza Pahlavi, to enter the states to obtain medical treatment for cancer. Ayatollah Ruholla Khomenini took over power in Iran when the Shah fled the country and called for Anti-American street demonstrations after the Shah entered the  U.S.

Fortunately, amidst the chaos, 6 Americans were able to escape before capture and eventually found refuge at the home of the Canadian Ambassador, Ken Taylor (Victor Garber). The Americans that were able to make it out were Consular Officer Bob Anders (Tate Donovan), Mark Lijek (Christopher Denham) and Joe Stafford(Scoot McNairy); Consular Assistants Cora Lijek (Clea DuVall), Kathy Stafford (Kerry Bishe) and Agriculture Attache Lee Schatz (Rory Cochrane).

When news of the 6 Americans reached the State Department, it was then handed over to the C.I.A to figure out an extradition plan. C.I.A. Agent Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), expert in exfiltration and disguise, was brought in to figure out a plan to bring the 6 home. Ideas tossed around ranged from giving them bicycles to ride to the border of Iran; posing as teachers even though the school shut down almost a year before, or posing as a group to feed the hungry. The “best bad idea” that ended up sticking was proposed by Mendez, as posing as a Canadian film crew on a location scout for a Sci-Fi B-Movie, “Argo”; then fly them out of Iran under their “Hollywood  identities”.   Mendez, given the “greenlight”, flew to Los Angeles and enlisted the help of veteran make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman) to create a fake production company and movie to present to the public, trades and international press as cover to extradite the six Americans.

As the plan was in the process of execution overseas, Mendez found himself facing many obstacles;  not only with the Americans he was trying to extradite, but also with the Iranian Military and his own superiors. Will Mendez succeed in his mission or risk becoming a hostage himself?

For someone who wasn't alive when this happened or is not familiar with the events of  the Iran Hostage Crisis, this film was presented almost like a history lesson and very eerily similar to today’s headlines. What this film does exceptionally well is tell a true story that stays as non political as possible. To date, this is Ben Affleck's best film as a director and actor. The amount of attention to detail was meticulous; from the research, the costumes, sets, locations and technology, everything appears spot on. The way that the actual footage and newsreels from the era flow with the fictional storyline is like a seamless symphony of cinematic excellence. This is a must see film as it is gripping  engrossing, taking the viewer on a high stakes race that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat right up until the very end. The best part is that it is a true story. I can easily see this nominated for several awards, including Best Picture. Check out Argo when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 21, 2012.

Movie Review for Seven Psychopaths

Seven Psychopaths  

Starring: Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken, Woody Harrelson, Abbie Cornish

Directed By Martin McDonagh

Rated: R

Run Time: 109 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Crime

Opens October 12^th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, this week we screened the dark comedy Seven Psychopaths, starring Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Walken and Woody Harrelson. Fun fact about the film, Mickey Rourke was originally cast as Charlie and later replaced by Woody Harrelson after reported conflict with one of the producers. Keep an eye out for Rourke though as the name pops up later in the graveyard scene.

Screenwriter Marty Faranan (Colin Ferrell) have been working on a new script, but all he has been able to come up with is the title – Seven Psychopaths. He wants to write a piece that is a crime thriller but has elements of peace and love. Marty’s best friend, Actor Billy Bickle (Sam Rockwell), has been begging Marty to work with him on the script.  He even gives him the inspiration for the first psychopath, a serial killer who kills high ranking mafia members, leaving a calling card of the Jack of Diamonds. Billy does not have much going on, as he is out of work and is a cohort of a local dog kidnapping scheme with Hans (Christopher Walken). Billy and Hans go around kidnapping dogs, keep them for a few days and then return the dogs when their owners offer up a reward.  When Billy nabs local gangster Charlie Costello’s beloved Shih Tzu Bonnie, all bets are off.  Charlie will not rest until his dog is found, killing anyone that gets on his way.

When Marty is kicked out of his home he shares with girlfriend Kaya (Abbie Cornish) Billy knows that all Marty needs is some inspiration and to quit drinking if he is ever to finish his script. Only acting out of friendly concern and guidance to help Marty focus, Billy places an ad in the local paper looking for Psychopaths. This way Marty can probe these unusual characters for insight and material.

While Marty is interviewing a possible psychopath, Billy is running around with Charlie’s girlfriend. Charlie gets a lead on where Bonnie may be which leads him to Hans’s sick wife,Myra (Linda Bright Clay). Showing that he is deadly serious about getting his dog back, Myra is executed at the hand of Charlie, leaving Hans in a strangely calm state.

Knowing that they would be next, Billy, Marty and Hans take off to the desert to figure out their next move and work on the script. Will Charlie find the 3 men and be reunited with his beloved Bonnie? Will Marty ever finish his script or will Charlie kill them all? Who are Psychopath #1 and #7 real identities?

Seven Psychopaths is a wickedly smart, brutally violent, dark comedy. What is so refreshing about this film that it is brutally honest in its message; its unapologetic in the choice of words used; politically incorrect way that women are portrayed; the amount of gratuitous violence and totally transparent on the direction of the story. It is like an indirect insight of a psychopath’s mind (or a real bad screenplay) in the way the story flows, the way violence is justified, glorified and executed. The castings of the 4 lead male roles were perfect in their respective roles, with stand out performances by Walking and Rockwell.  Check out Seven Psychopaths when it opens in theaters starting Friday October 12, 2012.

Trouble with the Curve Movie Review

Trouble with the Curve   

Starring: Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Matthew Lillard

Directed by Robert Lorenz

Rated:  PG-13

Run Time: 111 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Family/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens September 21^st

By Lisa Minzey

Another screening we checked out this week is Trouble with the Curve, the new film starring Clint Eastwood, Amy Adams and John Goodman. A few fun facts: Clint Eastwood came out of acting retirement to work on the film, his first project since 2008’s Grand Torino. This is the first film he has not directed him self in since 1993. Trouble with the Curve also marks the directorial debut of Robert Lopez, a longtime collaborator of Eastwood’s past projects.

In the world of sports, it takes talent to succeed, not only from the athletes but by the people that can spot the talent. Legendary Baseball Scout for the Atlanta Braves, Gus Lobel (Clint Eastwood) has been experiencing the hardships of old age. The most fundamental sense he needs for his job he is losing more & more of each week: his vision.

Gus’s behavior has not gone unnoticed by Brave’s management, especially when another younger scout, Tom Silver (Matthew Lillard) has been dropping hints to the management that it may be time to cut Gus loose.  Scout Manager and Gus’s friend for more than 30 years, Pete Klein (John Goodman), concerned for Gus’s future, gives him a heads up that on the scouting trip for the #1 draft pick Bo Gentry (Joe Massingill) maybe his last if he does not succeed. Gus, being the grumpy old man he is, brushes of Pete’s warning and tells him, he will see him when he returns.

Concerned for his friend’s well being, Pete seeks help from Gus’s daughter Mickey (Amy Adams) to help him through the (possible his last) scout trip. Mickey and her father are not close, as he was estranged most of her childhood, so asking her go on this trip is asking for a huge favor. In her career, she is on the verge of making partner at her law firm if she wins a pivotal case, so the news of her father’s condition could not have come at a worse time. The more that Mickey tries to talk to Gus about issues in their relationship, the further Gus pushes away, especially when Mickey shows up in North Carolina to help out with the scouting.  After much hemming and hawing on Gus’s part, he allows Mickey to stay because she is the only one that knows what he looks for in a player.  Another scout from the Boston Red Sox shows up to bid for Bo turns out to be a previous Gus scout pick from years ago, Johnny Flanagan (Justin Timberlake).

As the trip progresses, Johnny turns his attention from the field to Mickey, who has too many defenses up open up. Will Mickey and Gus be able to heal their relationship and find the balance they desperately need? Will Gus be forced into retirement or does experience still beat technology when it comes to spotting true talent?

This film seems to have all the draws of some of the more notable baseball films such as Moneyball, Bull Durham and Field of Dreams, but lacks the originality that makes those films unique. The more notable issues of the film are that the dialogue is weak, and it takes some time to get interesting. The end half of the film is more engaging and entertaining. Amy Adams was fantastic in her role, delivering a strong and endearing performance along side Eastwood and Goodman. Overall, it was entertaining so check it out when it opens in theaters nationwide Friday September 21, 2012.

Raiders of the Lost Ark plays at Harkins Scottsdale 101

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, NEWLY RE-MASTERED “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” WILL BEGIN

 AN EXTENDED THEATRICAL RUN THIS FRIDAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20tH

THE FILM WILL PLAY IN MORE THAN 300 THEATERS ACROSS THE U.S. AND CANADA

FOLLOWING ITS SUCCESSFUL ONE-WEEK ONLY IMAX ENGAGEMENT

“INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES” DEBUTS ON BLU-RAY™ SEPTEMBER 18

See it at Harkins Scottsdale 101

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 14, 2012) – Due to the extraordinary response for the newly re-mastered “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” during its one-week IMAX engagement, Paramount Pictures Corporation, a division of Viacom, Inc., has announced that the film will have an extended theatrical run beginning Friday, September 14.

The unforgettable and beloved film from director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas will play in more than 300 digital theaters across the United States and Canada.  Tickets can be purchased now. Check your local listings for participating locations and showtimes.

"The re-mastering efforts by Steven, George and their team were incredible and the movie’s hugely successful run in Imax last week was a sure sign that audiences were excited to see the film again on the big screen. We are thrilled that audiences will have that chance again as part of this extended theatrical run,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.

“RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” was released for an exclusive one-week engagement in select IMAX® theaters on September 7, 2012.  Under the supervision of Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, the film was meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving its original look, sound and feel for a highly-anticipated release in theaters and on Blu-ray.

“INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES” debuts on Blu-ray September 18, 2012 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution with seven hours of fascinating bonus material, including a brand new two-part documentary titled “On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark – From Jungle to Desert and From Adventure to Legend.”  Featuring nearly an hour of rarely seen footage from the set of the film and archival interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford, this captivating piece transports fans back to where the legend began.

Movie Review For a Good Time Call...

For a Good Time Call…   

Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, Justin Long, Mimi Rogers, Don McManus, James Wolk

Directed by Jaime Travis

Rated: R

Run Time: 85 mins

Genre: Comedy

Opens September 7^th

By Lisa Minzey

Hey film fans, we have another film opening this week that debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Co-Writer and Star of the film Lauren Miller based the film on her writing partner, Katie Naylon’s experiences as a sex phone operator during her college years.

When Lauren (Lauren Miller) finds herself suddenly homeless due to a recent break-up with her boyfriend of 2 years, Charlie (James Wolk), this is just the beginning of her troubles. In a matter of less than a week, she’s gone from losing her boyfriend, to be sharing an apartment with a frenemy from college, Katie (Ari Graynor) and fired from her long time job.

Katie is not faring any better. She confides in Jesse (Justin Long) that she’s about to be kicked out of her Manhattan apartment if she can’t come up with the money or find a roommate. Jesse, being the good mutual friend he is, brings the two girls together to solve their short term problems and hopefully mend the bridge that had burned in college.

Lauren and Katie come from vastly different backgrounds. Lauren’s parents are supportive, caring and are financially supportive, while Katie has no contact with her family, works 3 jobs to survive and is essentially an orphan if it weren’t for Jesse.

Prior to Lauren’s arrival, Katie failed to disclose the nature of her employment, and it’s not until she catches Katie in the act of a “live phone call”, that she learns how Katie makes her rent money.  Lauren, the sensible or business savvy one (which ever way you want to look at it), gives Katie some advice on how to turn a real profit on the sex phone business and run herself. This thrills Katie to no end and offers Lauren a position in helping run the new business endeavor; Lauren declines as she has an interview at her dream company for a junior editor position.

At her interview, Lauren is told that her “dream company” won’t be hiring for another position for another 3 months, she panics; she needs a job today. When she gets home, Lauren prepositions Katie; she will work for her, but only in billing. Katie agrees, and 1-900-HHH-MMHH is born. The business takes off and the girls relish in their success, healing the past maybe once and for all. Lauren, growing more confident in her position, rises to the challenge of phone operator. Katie, also challenging herself, begins dating one of her regular clients, Sean (Mark Webber). With everything going so well, will Lauren choose to stay on with Katie if and when her dream job becomes available again?  Will Katie overcome her personal hangups with dating and have a long term relationship with Sean? Will Katie be accepted by Lauren once she reveals something intensely personal which can affect their business?

For a Good Time Call… is a raunchy comedy that will certainly appeal to the younger audience. The film is loaded with sexually charged, raunchy humor, antics and gags, so if you like this type of film, you will definitely enjoy. Check it out in theaters starting Friday September 7^th in Phoenix.

Cosmopolis Movie Review

Cosmopolis

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Kevin Durand

Directed by David Cronenberg

Rated: R

Run Time: 108 mins

Genre: Drama

Open in Theaters August 24, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Hello Phoenix Film Festival fans!  We caught the screening of Cosmopolis, another mid week release, thus bringing you another mid-week movie treat.

Cosmopolis is a strange, highly philosophical story that is culturally relevant to today’s headlines. Based on the novel of the same name, written by Don DeLillo, Director David Cronenberg (A Dangerous Method, A History of Violence) ambitiously took on dual roles as director and screenwriter. Cronenberg wrote the script for this film in 6 days.  That’s quite a feat when it landed a nomination for the Palm d’Or Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Young Billionaire Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) has plans for the day; his main objective is to get a hair cut. He does the majority of his dealings from the stretch limo he owns, so throughout the course of his day, there is a constant flow of people in & out of his vehicle. Packer is not having the best of luck today, as he is dealing multitude of serious traffic issues inNew York Citydue to protesters and the added security of presidential blockades. Through a constant flow of dialogue, the audience discovers how unhappy the young billionaire’s life truly is.

It may be that Eric’s personality at first impression comes off as arrogant, manipulative and selfish, but underlying all those qualities associated with what people assume wealth people to be, lays some deep rooted personal issues and insecurities. For someone to achieve immense wealth and success by the time he is 28 years old would be an enormous amount of pressure to bear, but Packer makes his choices and thus needs to be held responsible for his actions.

Eric’s wife Elise Shifrin (Sarah Gadon) refuses to consummate their marriage, so he had random sexual encounters with various women through his day, in numerous places, in the city; his company is hemorrhaging money which he can’t stop and to top it all off, his favorite rap star has died, Brother Fez (K’Naan). His security detail, Torval (Kevin Duran) is determined to keep him safe as he travels throughout the danger –ridden streets of Wall Street-esq protestors. If Eric Packer’s world continues to crumble, will his psyche follow? Or will he be able to pick up the pieces of his fragile ego to rise above the madness of the time?

At first glance, this film has a lot of positive things going for it. A stellar cast, a quirky director and a riveting concept to fit in with the headlines of the day, but this will end up being a film that audiences will love or hate.  Regardless of how indifferent the opinion of the film may be, there will be some compelling conversations following the credits.