Milwaukee Film Festival - Day 6 (Wish Me Away, The Redemption of General Butt Naked)

Ahh…Day 6 of MY FILM FESTIVAL – That’s the Milwaukee Film Festival to the rest of you.

Today, feeling good but wondering aloud how many documentaries I can take. MORE, MORE!!!!

So it’s off to the Ridge without seeing my wife and daughter to take in two films that are really different….Wish Me Away and The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

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First up on this evening -- the documentary Wish Me Away about country singer Chely Wright and her journey to come out as a gay country singer. Lucky for those of us in attendance, we’d also get a Q and A period after the show with co-directors Bobbie Birleffi and Beverly Kopf. But on to the film now.

Country music is traditionally the home for many god fearing, proud American military backing fans. Chely Wright is no different than those fans at all. But Chely has a secret that she has been hiding. She is gay.

Wish Me Away concerns itself with the days leading up to Chely’s announcement that will rock the country music world.  No one is out and performing in front of this audience. Traditionally country music fans have been a more conservative lot than in other music segments, and the future in a post announcement word is truly uncertain.

The documentary follows the fact that Chely prayed to have this taken away from her when she was young. She avoided it as she plowed herself into her career. And then she promised herself she would come clean after a hit, then after a top 10 hit, then after a number one; but she just couldn’t do it.

The journey has all led to this point. And while some may question whether this is a publicity stunt, others know that in this genre of music it will hurt more than it will help on a professional level.

Filmmakers Bobbie and Beverly give you those intimate videos with Chely wondering if she can go through with it. They give you some of Chely’s family and how they handled the announcement. And you’ll get a look at … at least one of the members of the country music community having comments.

The country music community hasn’t embraced Chely, the gay community has embraced Chely somewhat – they endorse her person, even if they don’t quite get the musical format.

What does the future hold for Chely? Only time will tell. Personally she seems like a happier person, but professionally she’s still trying to find her new niche.

From a personal note…she is still Chely. Gay, straight, white, black or whatever that doesn’t change her talent. She was always gay; people just didn’t know it! If you are a fan of her music, why should it matter? Everyone deserves to be loved.

http://www.wishmeawaydoc.com

Remaining screenings for the festival – Thursday, 9/29 9:30PM at North Shore and Saturday, 10/1 at 9:45PM at the Oriental.

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Funny, true story – as Wish Me Away was letting out…some of the crowd was talking about how FAR out in the sticks New Berlin (where the theater is) was.  As a resident of the fair city…I just say…really?

Anyway, I digress – On to the next film….The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

Yes – I giggled when I saw the title too.

Two TOTALLY different films, back to back, Butt Naked is NOT a comedy.

It’s the story of a General who was in charge of a group that fought, butt naked. Now years after the civil unrest in Liberia, Butt Naked has become a Christian and is trying to make amends to many of those whose lives he ruined.

We follow the newly known “Joshua” as he goes preaching the gospel to many of his victims. The uncomfortable moments where he recounts having a role in 20,000 deaths in the country are mind boggling.

Not everyone buys the new Joshua; he’s still the mass murderer to some of the crowd. And folks want justice against him, to the point where he exiles himself from family to keep preaching.

While stories of redemption are nothing new – here it is hard to feel sympathy for a man with such a brutal past. While as a Christian, I am happy he has found God and the love he promises, I still can’t get by the past. Forgiveness is important in the Christian religion. But there is never a place where it says that also has to mean no punishment for your actions. Startling and graphic at times, The Redemption of General Butt Naked will leave you conflicted no matter what your beliefs are.

http://www.generalbuttnakedmovie.com

No more showings during the festival.

And the night was over – headed home late but satisfied with two more solid docs at the Milwaukee Film Festival. (Thank goodness home is only 3-5 mins away!)

Milwaukee Film Festival - Day 5 (a Day Off)

Ok, Day 5 turns into a rest day for me. But simply because I had to spend some time taking my daughter to her dance class in the middle of the shows. So instead of talking about specific movies today I wanted to focus on something a bit different.

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Participating in a festival on your home turf makes things easy in some ways. You can run home for a bite to eat and aren’t relegated to a hotel room. But you are also tied to responsibilities at home. You can have a home cooked meal, but don’t do so much of the after party things.

It’s easy and quick to get to a film, but you also find yourself running it at the last minute from time to time just because you can.

The Milwaukee Film Festival has done a great thing by including a full lineup of films at the Ridge Cinema. Although it seems like the crowds are a bit smaller than down on the East Side of Milwaukee they are well behaved and are full of questions during the Q and A sessions.

And while I’m at it – kudos to the MFF 2011 volunteers that have worked at the Ridge. They have been kind and very helpful for the festival thus far – the Marcus staff has been wonderful as well – and so far all things considered this has been a great experience.

Now I DO have some suggestions on marketing the festival to get even bigger crowds come next year – but that’s another topic.

My Tuesday schedule – a double dip of docs at the Ridge for myself first the story of country music’s Chely Wright as she struggles with her plan to come out called Wish Me Away and followed by The Redemption of General Butt Naked a story of ruthless Liberian warlord. Sure another funny night at the movies! JIf you’re there and you see me say hi…no worries I have a name badge on so even if you don’t know me…you can find me. Save Me A Seat.

Milwaukee Film Festival - Day 4

Milwaukee Film Festival – Day 4

Sunday and after church it’s a quick change into some shorts and over to the Ridge Cinema (hey people…you don’t have to go down to the Oriental to see many of these great films!)

And great is the applicable word as another of those films I had circled on the calendar was ready to start my day at HIGH NOON!

The Interrupters had shown the night before to a packed house at the Oriental theater and I couldn’t wait for my chance to experience the documentary that I’d heard so much about.

The film follows the story of members of Cease Fire Chicago as they try to “interrupt” retaliatory killings on the streets in their city. It is there goal to get to the problem, before it explodes. Within the course of the film we are introduced to a number of these brave men and women who always throw caution to the wind and get in between whenever possible.

The Cease Fire team is not filled with goody two shoes individuals. Some of them have a real past, they have street cred as they stood in the same shoes as the individuals they are trying to stop. There are people who have done time, people have run with the gangs an people who know what it’s like to want to pull a trigger in retaliation. They are folks that the kids listen to and whose voices they are willing to examine. Not everything works out for them, but preventing just a couple of killings can make a world of difference.

The stories are emotionally draining. What has a child that is just 13 ever done to deserve a bullet? What has a youngster done to deserve to be beaten to death? What can we do to legitimately intervene?

This film set the bar, off the charts, for the remainder of the docs I see this year. I was visually moved. I cried. I got angry. I felt Ameena and her impassioned cries to the youth in Chicago. I was nervous as Cobe confronted some kids on the verge of running out in front of him and shooting someone. My heart broke as Eddie comes to grips with his own past while working with kids in the present.

These stories moved me and meant something. These are the stories that will move you. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, where you’ve grown up, who you know; NO child should have to endure sleeping with one eye open. NO child should fear who will be shot in their neighborhood next.

See The Interrupters – you will NOT be disappointed – One of the Best Documentaries this year. If I was throwing grades out here – this is a solid A.

http://interrupters.kartemquin.com

One LAST chance to check out the film – Tuesday 9/27 at 4:15PM at the North Shore Cinema

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From there I quickly ran home to take in at least the first half of the Packers / Bears and Chiefs / Chargers games. I am, alas, the “Common Guy” and NFL Sunday Ticket was calling my name. But as we rolled into halftime of the games – it was time to head back to the 5PM screening I had circled…Somewhere Between.

Somewhere Between tells the story of 4 girls that were adopted from China and their lives as Americans. It comes from the perspective of a filmmaker who, herself, was looking to adopt and wanted some understanding of some of the struggles that exist for these special children. What she found will leave you emotionally drained but uplifted all at the same time.

The young girls were in different parts of the country and each had their own goals and dreams. They had assimilated to the families they had become a part of but some still wanted to know where their journey began. While it can be impossible to get information in many of these cases, that doesn’t stop all of them from digging deeper.

There are organizations that help these girls cope somewhat, but they still struggle with being the “Asian Girl” within an all white neighborhood or family. As teenagers, they are just like other teens, but with a story that is yet to help them define their life before America.

It is truly an emotionally draining movie that has many highs along with a few lows as well. The story centers on the girls, their thoughts and dreams and their goals and aspirations. And with that you become part of the life of a teenage girl with more on their mind than social networks, boyfriends, or schoolwork.

It was a pleasure to experience and share the story of these girls. With a successful beginning, a successful future is all but assured.

http://www.somewherebetweenmovie.com

No ADDITIONAL showings during the festival.

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And I was going to go back for two additional films, but I decided at that point to call it a weekend. Lots of writing to finish, columns to submit – and off I went. So that was the end of Day 4. (I’m taking Day 5 off for family obligations – back on Day 6)

HOWEVER – if I were to give recommendations for Day 5 – I would head to the Oriental to check out The Redemption of General Butt Naked and 445PM followed by We Need To Talk About Kevin at 7PM (Though the 7PM show is currently SOLD OUT).

Milwaukee Film Festival Day 3 - Give Up Tomorrow, When the Drum is Beating

I had a full day at the Ridge Cinema on this dreary Saturday.

Lucky for me, a cold is setting which will make for a long day -- but I have 4 films targeted for the day. We'll see what I can get through.

The nice thing about the Milwaukee Film Festival is they have brought the festival to the suburbs and the wait is not outside in the rain, rather in a hallway inside.

That said let's get to what I did get a chance to see...

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First up was The Human Resources Manager.

This fascinating film comes to the festival with roots from Israel. It’s the story of a human resource manager who is tasked with finding some answers to an impending scandal. One of the bakery workers has been killed in a bombing and no one knows how she is involved. His task to take the body to her family gets harder by the minute. His journey is filled with a reporter who wants the story, a family of his own that he continues to let down, and a family of the girl who was killed that can’t decide where the body should be buried. Humorous moments are speckled within the serious journey to make for a solid ride.

This film was a nice kick off to the day as the comedy that was interspersed found a way to lighten up the mood. The Human Resource Manager brings together a solid, though unspectacular look into the life of this one man.

If you are a fan of the intricate foreign film that is a journey, this is for you.

Check it out at the festival on Tuesday, 9/27 at 4:45 PM at the Oriental and Sunday, October 2 at 4:30 PM at the North Shore Cinema

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Preceding my next film, Give Up Tomorrow, was short film Library of Dust. A story of individuals left behind when no one claimed their remains after passing away. They were in copper canisters that took on their own personalities. The footage is just amazing. There is more of a story to be told as so many didn’t even know these relatives existed. Their canisters live on and in away so do the souls that were lost.

Give Up Tomorrow is the story of Paco Larranga and 6 other boys that were charged with the murder of 2 young girls in the Philippines. The story that’s told is one of an unusual miscarriage of justice. Paco was just a boy as he was framed for the murder of 2 girls whose bodies truly have never been found. And despite 42 students and teachers that could testify that he was on an island hundreds of miles away, photographs of him on the day with his friends and more evidence than you’ve seen in an episode of Columbo…he’s found guilty with the other boys of these heinous crimes.

A woman that lost her two daughters will stop at nothing to find “justice” for their deaths, even a justice that leaves so many things to question. While not painted as an angel, Paco’s crimes have been minor at best. But even individuals with a background more checkered than his get a fair shake when it comes to the evidence. Will Paco ever find his justice?

An amazing film that plays as part crime drama, part mystery and ALL reality; Give Up Tomorrow will make you want justice for Paco. The filmmakers long, intense efforts to follow this case makes for an ride that leaves you shaking your head at every turn. Even with the still image they show you that he was not an innocent youth, but he WAS innocent of this crime…and that is all that matters.

I really loved this film and took the time to sign a postcard on leaving the theater. As a critic we can remain neutral, but there is a point where we must act. Is Paco innocent of the crime he has been accused of? If the evidence in this film doesn’t give you reasonable doubt, I don’t know how reasonable you are.

Give Up Tomorrow is also playing Sunday 9/25 at 7 PM at the Oriental and Friday, 9/30 at 4:45PM.

http://pacodocu.com

After the film – I got to speak with Producer Marty Syjuco briefly about the project. It’s amazing the dedication that he and Director Michael Collins have had to the project. They make no bones about the fact that there is a family relation angle in the movie for them, but the story they present is nonetheless amazing. As they move to show the film at future festivals the story is still constantly developing. Will Paco gain his freedom? If Marty and Michael and the folks they are sharing the film with have anything to say about it, I can imagine nothing less than success.

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So after two heavier films…I may a 180 and decided to catch the Shorts program, World’s Best Commercials. I admit, it was an attempt to lighten my day – plus I had an ulterior motive…it would let me run home and say goodnight to my daughter before the final film of the evening.

The Shorts program had some humor, some seriousness but left a bit to be desired. It just wasn’t the same watching 90 minutes worth of commercials, some of which seemed amazingly out of place.  It was a fun diversion for the period, but it wasn’t my best choice to this point.

Shorts: World’s Best Commercials is also playing Sunday 9/25 at 2:45PM at the North Shore, Monday 9/26 5PM at the Downer and Friday 9/30 at 7:15PM at the Oriental.
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After a quick run home to tuck my little girl into bed and say goodnight to my wife I was able to catch another film that I had circled early on in my festival program, When the Drum is Beating.

And I was not to be disappointed.

With Director Whitney Dow in attendance, the film on Haiti and the Septentrional band gives us a different look at Haiti and the Haitian people. From archival footage of Haiti at the height of prosperity to the depths of a variety of regime changes both in the government and the band, the Haitian people are survivors. Most of the footage is in a pre-Earthquake timeframe and it just reinforces the strength of the Haitians. If they could survive all of the challenges put in front of them throughout the 65 years the band has existed, there is not one of us that should be betting against them after this crisis.

The island is full of poverty and a plethora of issues. However they are still strong at their core. When the Drum is Beating all of their problems melt away and the drum will continue to beat, and the people will continue to endure.

http://whenthedrumisbeating.com

Also playing Tuesday 9/27 at 9:45PM at the North Shore and Saturday 10/1 at 5:30PM at the Oriental.

Mad props go to Director Whitney Dow. First, he stuck around despite a small crowd to have some one on one time discussing his labor. He told us how he took the film from strictly about the band to going deeper and telling a deeper story. I respect him for his efforts to make a film that not only told a compelling story, but also entertained the audience. He believes in the film and that belief is reflected in his passion for all things surrounding it.

And so the Saturday schedule ended – whew…I’ve got Sunday films and then Monday off for personal reasons. Save Me A Seat.

Milwaukee Film Festival Day 2 - Make Believe

So, given the fact that I'm still here now...I'm guessing that the satellite didn't hit me...PHEW.

Anyway, Day 2 was actually Day 1 for yours truly...but I'm not here to confuse you like that.

I headed out to my local Ridge Theater to take in Make Believe from director J. Clay Tweel with an appreciative crowd in attendance for the first film at this location.

Make Believe is a fascinating story of teens going to the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. The story takes us into the lives of kids from around the world that have a passion and desire to entertain through magic.

And the cool thing is the featured players come from not only US cities like Chicago, Malibu and Littleton (a suburb of Denver). But they also feature magicians from Japan and South Africa to name a few.

The drive is simple, and not less intense for these kids than for the aspiring Olympian or the next American Idol. Hard work and dedication to their craft are the centerpieces for these kids that once may have felt alone, but now have become kids with friends around the world.

As we witness Bill crafting his own magic props, Derek working hard in the magic store or Krystyn honing her craft at the Magic Castle in LA, one thing is clear. These kids want you to be entertained, and that...well is kinda cool.

But they are also introduced to Hiroki from Japan who is at one with nature and bring some of the natural surroundings into his act. And we see the friends from South Africa that make the performances as much about comedy and showmanship as the magic tricks themselves.

Each has their own specialty, each has their own drive and each has their own motivations. Most are finishing regular studies alongside of their passion just like the athletes. All of them show you how talented and hardworking kids "can" be when they find their niche.

It is refreshing to see the drive and devotion by the kids here. It is heartwrenching to see their loneliness early in the film, but it is also gratifying to learn that they have become friends and even the most isolated are now connected as they are part of a unique community. This will encourage kids (and save a couple bad words, is fine for most). This should show the youth of today that things need to be worked for to reach the highest level. And the reward will take some heartbreak along the way, but if you really want to be great, YOU CAN BE!

Bill's father shares the quote that "The Goal Is Excellence, Nothing Less". It would be great if more individuals would leave by that. While I could nitpick parts of this one, why? The subjects are awesome and have a great future, and Director J. Clay Tweel shares with us this intimate little glimpse into lives of some very motivated kids.

Don't let this film disappear without seeing for yourself -- but if you do...make sure to checkout http://www.makebelievefilm.comfor the soundtrack, the dvd, and so much more.

Make Believe will be showing again Sunday at the Oriental at 1:15pm (and Bill, Derek and Krystyn are scheduled to attend), Wednesday 9/28 at North Shore at 5PM, and Thursday 9/29 at 5PM at the Oriental.

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After the film, I got a chance to have a brief conversation with Bill, Derek and Clay -- Krystyn was so in demand I couldn't get to her. :-)

But -- these are all really great and level headed kids. They are using technology to become a part of their friends lives -- Twitter, Facebook and so much more -- hit them up and they will really chat with you.

Bill still enjoys performing and is willing to do anything, from the Birthday party to the corporate event.

Derek is traveling a lot....and has a super secret project coming (maybe he made the satellite disappear...just saying!!!)

Krystyn can be found with a cool series starting up at http://www.magicplace.com

Clay has more docs in the works...but I didn't get any more than that from him.

A great opening night (for me) of the Milwaukee Film Festival at the Ridge in New Berlin -- Now on to Day 3 (the first weekend day - and a 3 or 4 movie day...)

Review - Moneyball

A Home Run!

Baseball fans know Billy Beane (Brad Pitt). They know about his impact on the game of baseball and how he changed the game. Now the rest of the world gets to know Billy Beane. Here’s hoping they will enjoy him as much as baseball fans.

Beane had a promising pro baseball career. In fact scouts were beating down his door telling him how good he was and the player he could become. But the former first round draft pick could never quite live up to the expectations that were placed on him on the field. But he loved the game.

Fast forward to the next stage in his life as the General Manager of the Oakland A’s. The A’s had a knack for developing talent, but as a small market that talent was gobbled up by the franchises with deep pockets when the players were ready for free agency. Faced with rebuilding after losing some of the top young talent in baseball, Beane tries a different approach when he runs into Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) on a trip to Cleveland. Peter impresses Billy, and a friendship is formed. Together, they are about to change talent evaluations forever.

Pitt is wonderful in his role as the junk food eating devilishly clever general manager. Much like Beane in real life, he was an image when he was drafted. Pitt brings that image coupled with a unique passion to the forefront in his portrayal of this great character.

Although Jonah Hill’s character was fictional, it did have a basis in some of the great aspects of the brains behind the sea change that took place. Hill takes his comedy marks from Pitt and is able to play straight man when needed.

And then there were all the baseball aspects of the game. It takes all the “real” comedy of movies like Major League and Bull Durham and combines it with the dramatic flair from films like Field of Dreams and The Rookie. The mix works, and you not only get elated on the ride, but also are brought back to earth by the realism.

With the post season in baseball right around the corner, Moneyball reminds us of all the beauty that exists in the game of baseball. There is no question Moneyball is a Home Run for baseball fans and movie fans alike.

A-

Moneyball

Sony Pictures

Director: Bennett Miller

Cast: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright

Rating: PG-13 for some strong language.

Runtime: 2 hour 13 minutes

Real Milwaukee -- Moneyball, Dolphin Tale and Jig

Ok, This morning I visited the Real Milwaukee set to talk new movies (sorry to my St Louis listeners...I was decked out in Brewer Garb - to talk Money Ball).

I even did "The Beast" before it was over along with mentioning the Milwaukee Film Festival AND had a giveaway to introduce for the movie JIG on DVD/Blu on October 4. Please Check that out too both HERE and on the FACEBOOK page.

Enjoy --

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Win Jig on DVD!

Win Jig on DVD -- (Releases on October 4 if you don't win!)
Jig is available on DVD or BLU/RAY DVD Combo pack and tells the story of the 40th Irish Dancing World Championships.

(Original Theatrical Release Commentary) -- (Blu-Ray review -- COMING SOON)

I know there are a lot of peoople out there that will enjoy this film and this is your chance to get a copy.

Enter by making a comment on this post or on the facebook JIG contest post -- You can enter ONCE per DAY with a new comment (can be as simple as I WANT TO WIN!). We'll take entries through October 3 and announce the winner on the Jig release date of October 4. Remember if you don't win here, it will be on sale October 4.

Good Luck!

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011 (MY Film Festival -- Day 1)

It’s Time For MyFilm Festival

Everyone and their brother it seems, other than me, has just returned from the wonderful Toronto International Film Festival, and of course I longed to have been there.

But despite the fact that I couldn’t get to Toronto; I have a festival to keep me busy for the next week PLUS. It’s the Milwaukee Film Festival and it’s running September 22 – October 2 at various theaters around the city.

Remember I wrote the piece earlier this year that even if you can make the biggies like Toronto, Sundance, SXSW, Telluride or Cannes – you CAN still get to a fest in your own backyard. (CHECK OUT THE PIECE FROM EARLIER THIS YEAR).

This year the Milwaukee Film Festival branches out a bit to have a full run at the Marcus Ridge cinema in the Milwaukee suburb of New Berlin. I happen to live in New Berlin…so…since I’m going to be spending a lot of time at that theater, I view this as MY film festival. (Even though I didn’t program it…my OTHER film festival is usually at home with a number of films that just I want to watch.)

The only bummer about a hometown film festival is that you still have regular responsibilities to family and other tasks and can’t fully engulf yourself in the festival. But that’s ok; it just means there are some days I had to cross off attending films this year. Disappointed, a little – but my tentative schedule has nearly 20 films in it…and that’s not bad at all.

Gala opening night is tonight with the feature Natural Selection (but alas this is one of the nights I can’t make).

Watch as the days pass by and I talk about a number of the films. I may even have some pictures, video and chats with directors and stars.

What am I looking forward to on my tentative schedule?

Lots and lots of documentaries!

What am I disappointed for on the schedule?

None of the Cream City films are showing out at the Ridge…I do have a chance to see Points of Interest via a link from director Jon Salimes (so I’ll have some comments on that)

Sad to miss?

Natural Selection and We Need To Talk About Kevin (both due to personal schedule conflicts.

First Film on my schedule?

Make Believe (makebelievefilm.com)

Last Film On My Schedule?

Who knows how much I make it through…but looking for Louder Than A Bomb and possibly Into Eternity.

If you go...please say HI to me...I won't bite, I promise! (As long as it's not in the middle of a movie either in person or on a cell phone.) I have a big pass on that you can see from a mile away so you'll know it's me.

Watch as the days go by and I give you a taste of some of the films in the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival.

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Home Screening Room - Bridesmaids meet Dumbo meet ???

This Week’s Big Releases

Bridesmaids – Rated R / Unrated (Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph)

We’ve never seen women quite like this in the movies, but we do now. And they ARE funny!!! The ability of the women here to carry the roles in Bridesmaids makes this one of the funniest films released in 2011. And it’s not just for women either…check it out.
READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

Also new this week…

Area 51 (Bruce Boxleitner)

Body of Proof: The Complete First Season

Breaking the Press (Drew Waters)

Castle: The Complete Third Season

Hawaii Five-O: The Complete First Season

The Kennedys Mini-Series

MAD: Season One, Part One

McMillan and Wife: Season 6

The Mentalist: The Complete Third Season

Mike and Molly: The Complete First Season

Raising Hope: The Complete First Season

The River Murders – Rated R (Ray Liotta, Ving Rhames, Christian Slater) I've got to check this out.

Setup – Rated R (Bruce Willis, Ryan Phillippe, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) I’d love to share this trailer, hey I’ve never seen the film and never heard of it. But alas…the trailer is only in red band form with a lot of language – really shouldn’t embed here – sorry.

Spooky Buddies – Rated G (Harland Williams, Elisa Donovan) - More to come on the "Buddies", one of my daughter's favorite set of dog stars!

TNA Wrestling: Destination X 2011

UFC: Ultimate Fighter Season 13

And Finally

Dumbo– Rated G

It’s now available on Blu Ray for you to own. There is nothing quite like the Disney classics to share with future generations, and now in glorious Blu Ray nothing could be quite the same! Check out the trailer below – and watch for more on this release from the Disney vaults.

Pick of the Week

Gotta have Dumbofor the library for my daughter AND must have Bridesmaids for me, one of the funniest movies of the year.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - Drive

Just Drive!

Hollywood stunt driving is difficult work and yet it really can’t pay the bills. One driver (Ryan Gosling) has taken it upon himself to also work as a part time wheelman for a variety of heists. His friend Shannon (Bryan Cranston) has bigger intentions for him but right now the driver is there for stunts, being a wheelman, and to work in Shannon’s shop.

Unfortunately, being in his profession, the driver or “Kid” as Shannon refers to him meets a number of shady people. But it’s the one that’s not shady, that lives down the hall that catches his eye. Irene (Carey Mulligan)is raising her little boy buy herself as it turns out her husband is in jail.

As their relationship grows, the “wheelman” part of driver’s life is kept secret. But life doesn’t always work out the way one might think and the news that Irene’s husband is getting out of prison changes everything.

Now as Standard (Oscar Isaacs) comes home we see that his seedy side has not really left either. Gosling’s “driver” will do a job, just for him in an effort to keep Irene and her son safe. But will this job change everything?

Ok, I’ll say it; Ryan Gosling is cool! And of course Carey Mulligan is adorable. Bryan Cranston is hip and cool. And oh Albert Brooks, you are so perfect as a mobster.

I’m fawning aren’t I? Well the first thing that works about Drive is its amazing cast. When you put together this type of talent, you never know if it will mesh or they will feel like individuals going their own way. In this film, they mesh perfectly. In fact the only criticism I have of things would be that Carey Mulligan seems underutilized in the attempts to show the connection between her and Gosling.

The story is intricately woven as a mob film with some interesting relationship twists. And it works. I wish there was more of Gosling’s career as a wheelman, as the first sequence of the movie held amazing tension without massive overblown action. But I can live without that.

I felt a connection with Drive and the internal struggle to identify yourself and your life. Don’t walk to the theater for this one, just DRIVE!

B+

Drive

FilmDistrict

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman

Rating: R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity.

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

A Closer Look - Why Warrior Couldn't Stand Up

I’ve seen a number of colleagues that I trust and read on a regular basis wonder aloud how a sensational title like Warrior couldn’t stand up to its box office competition.

While I don’t have all the answers, I can offer at least one possible reason – with a little bit to back things up.

Despite all the raves from my friends in the film business on both costs, Warrior was not show to those of us in Middle America. For some reason folks forget that there are a lot of us in the middle of the country that buy a lot of movie tickets.

It’s funny, but despite the large word of mouth population out here, studios sometimes think they don’t need the middle of the country.

Sure I do TV and radio in multiple markets, including the bigger markets of St. Louis and Seattle, and yet there are a number of films that aren’t offered for review.

It isn’t a perfect plan, but let’s look at the opening weekends.

Warrior opened to $5.2+ which would be a smaller number than over 80 other films saw during their opening weekend. (That is just a number, doesn’t talk to how good or bad the film is, just that it seems to have missed the opportunities it may have had).

What other movies didn’t screen for middle America? Mr. Popper’s Penguins ($18.4 million), Water for Elephants ($16.8 million) and The Lincoln Lawyer ($13.2 million) were all movies that did ok, but could have done better with some additional exposure. In fact they were, as of this writing, the 32^nd, 35^th and 36^th highest grossing films of the year.

But then there were those that really missed the boat. Colombiana ($10.4 million), Season of the Witch ($10.6 million), Monte Carlo ($7.4 million) and Glee The 3D Concert Movie ($5.96 million) all got some return, but were all films that would have been helped the working class middle of the country crowd.

In fact I saw very little promotion for Warrior here in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. No screenings, no free press, no reviews leads to little box office. Well at least Warrior beat Bucky Larson (another non-screened film, but probably for traditional reasons). Bucky got to 1.41 – million that is for it’s opening weekend.

I love movies, and no film needs to screen for me or anyone in middle America. I just want the good ones to do well, and it seems that screening the film is a good idea for the bottom line and well being of the best that are out there.

p

Trailer Thoughts -- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Ok...so we've got a trailer for this fall's big new Twilight Film...what are your thoughts?

Home Screening Room - Thor sees Conan O' Brien

This Week’s Big Releases

Thor – Rated PG-13 (Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman)

The superhero film that ripped open Summer 2011 at the box office. Well worth checking out as Hemsworth rocks and Portman puts in a really solid performance. Pure popcorn fun. target="_blank"READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

Also new this week…

35 and Ticking – Rated R (Kevin Hart, Nicole Ari Parker)

The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Fourth Season

Blue Mountain State: Season Two

Camelot: The Complete First Season

Conan O’ Brien Can’t Stop – Rated R (Conan O’Brien, Andy Richter) The days after the Tonight Show gig came to an end, saw Conan on tour.

The Dog Who Saved Halloween – Rated PG (Dean Cain, Gary Valentine and the voices of Joey Lawrence and Mayim Bialik)

Ghost Hunters: Season 6, Part 1

Glee: Season 2, Volume 2

Grey’s Anatomy: Complete Seventh Season

Hesher – Rated R (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson, Natalie Portman) Hesher loves loud music, fire and well adult things. Will you love Hesher?

Incendies – Rated R (Lubna Azabal, Remy Girard) Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 6

Love, Wedding, Marriage – Rated PG-13 (Mandy Moore, Kellan Lutz) Directed by Dermot Mulroney -- Check out the trailer below.

Meek’s Cutoff – Rated PG (Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano) 1845 Drama about the Oregon Trail.

Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown – Rated R wow, they made a sequel…really? And it’s directed by Michael Jai White.

Outsourced: The Complete Series

Private Practice: The Complete Fourth Season

Rescue Me: The Sixth and Final Season

Sanctuary: The Complete Third Season

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

Star Wars: The Complete Saga – On Blu Ray for the first time.

Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season

UFC 132

WWE: Summerslam 2011

And Finally

Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown – Rated R (Michael Jai White)
Really, a sequel to Never Back Down???? Check out the trailer below. Plus Michael Jai White DIRECTS too!

Pick of the Week

Thor is well worth the time and effort…pick it up today!  And come on, what Star Wars fan can resist picking up The Complete Saga on BluRay

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Thanks!

Real Milwaukee -- Contagion and Popcorn

Stopped by Real Milwaukee on Friday and brought some POPCORN for  their one year anniversary (yes I really bought it -- cheap ole me).

Watch the video to see rememberings some memorable moments and my thoughts on the new film contagion -- though I had to bring out the sanitizer to keep us all safe!



 
HA!

Thanks Real Milwaukee for making me a regular part of your first year!

Special Thanks to Sara and Anne for bringing me in for that first dry run on Labor Day one year ago....

And for the whole crew including Kat, Cassandra, Rob, Nicole, Keith and everyone else -- There's a lot of folks -- so I can't list them all.

And thanks to You who have watched, streamed or just enjoyed -- that's what makes it all worthwhile!

Here's to a wonderful 2nd year, then Third Year, then Fourth Year...etc...

Review - Contagion

Wash Your Hands…NOW!

Spreading germs has always been a little scary. I’ve seen men go to the bathroom and then leave without washing their hands. I’ve seen people pick up a bucket of popcorn as they leave the theater – and NOT the bucket they were eating, just digging in and munching away. Now the new movie, Contagion,will make you want to sanitize everything, everywhere!

The film starts innocently enough on Day 2 of the situation. Some individuals including Beth (Gwyneth Paltrow) have been getting sick. It seems like just a cold, but within days, the individuals are dead. Now the exposure that some have had to these first individuals have created a pandemic.

Some die, and some do not from exposure to infected individuals. There is no cure, though the staff of the CDC and the World Health Organization is working hard to find the origin and a cure all at the same time.

As time drifts by we get to experience the panic and fear that the world copes with. There are conspiracy theorists like Alan (Jude Law), worried Dad’s like Mitch (Matt Damon) and health experts played by the likes of Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle. All of the characters in this film are worried that they won’t be able to stop the spread quick enough.

Will anyone make it through an outbreak that is worse than anything we have seen?

Steven Soderbergh is truly a phenomenal director. It is with his guidance that this film becomes better than most. Despite a great cast, it is his ability to tell the story with a number of different tactics that will grab hold of the viewer.

And it doesn’t hurt that the cast is truly an award winning lot of some of the best actors in Hollywood. Despite all of the big names, it was probably Ehle as the Doctor that was getting to the bottom of an inoculation serum that stole the show. Her ability to show her conflict and passion was absolutely stunning.

The film is part thriller, part horror and part drama and it all works on virtually every level. Although I have some minor issues, Contagion is a winner and will lead you to one conclusion. Wash your hands, NOW!

A-

Contagion

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Cast: Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet

Rating: PG-13 for disturbing content and some language.

Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes

Eddie Murphy as Oscar Host?

Eddie Murphy is host of the Oscars this year -- I always think go ahead and get on record now -- is it a good idea and will it work? I say YES, I think this could be very good as long as they don't pigeon hole the jokes coming from him (and have the delay ready). Kudos for a bold choice....I still think Justin Timberlake will one day host -- and be the best. Tell me what you think!

I say YES it will work!

Home Screening Room -- Hanna says Everything Must Go!

Just From Theaters

Everything Must Go – Rated R (Will Ferrell, Rebecca Hall, Laura Dern)

After being a salesman his whole life, when you are at rock bottom a yard sale holds the key.

Hanna – Rated R (Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett)

A 16-year-old assassin is the perfect backdrop for a film about her travels across Europe. Will she survive?

X-Men: First Class– Rated PG-13 (James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence)

This is how Magneto and Professor X came to be and this is a movie you want to own if you are a fan of the X-Men. READ THE THEATRICAL REVIEW

Also new this week…

Airwolf: The Movie (Jan-Michael Vincent, Ernest Bornine) – How can I not say something about the great chopper!

A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song – Rated PG (Lucy Hale, Missi Pyle) Ok, so I didn’t know this movie existed, but I have a girl…so I would eventually.

Community:The Complete Second Season

Criminal Minds: Season 6

The Entitled – Rated R (Ray Liotta, Kevin Zegers) How did I miss a new Ray Liotta movie, how?

Fringe: The Complete Third Season (Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick) The Fox series comes home – it’s a personal favorite and imagine rolling through those Blu Rays and length to find some hidden meanings.

Ghost Adventures:Season 3 –Tthe gang from the Travel Channel series makes its way home for season 3.

The Good Wife: The Second Season

Hell’s Kitchen: Season Six – Chef Ramsey…I am NOT a DONKEY!

No Ordinary Family: The Complete First Season

The Office:Season 7

Parks & Recreation: Season Three

Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels The Movie – So why Paul? Why do you have Thomas the Tank Engine here – well my niece really likes it..so this one’s for you Samantha.

Two and a Half Men: The Complete Eighth Season

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie – Rated PG – Documentary

And Finally

Assassination Games – Rated R (Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins)

Ok, it’s JCVD, in a movie with a story about assassins. For a child that had my teen years right in the 80s, what else do you want to see but a new JCVD movie? I’m in…someone let me see it? 

Check out the Trailer

Pick of the Week

It's TV season week on DVD -- there are so many different shows with their full seasons to get you caught up before the September kickoff. Myself, I’ve got to have Fringe: Season 3 it is truly one of my favorites. Love Chef Ramsey as well. ON the movie side of things X-Men: First Class is a film that fans of X-Men are going to want to have.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!