Milwaukee Film Festival 2014 - 1971 Kicks It Off

Loved this photo by the MKE Film crew! Credit: MKE FILM

The sun rises on Milwaukee with some of the best weather summer weather we have had…since fall started. (then again that was Tuesday…and summer didn’t really exists here this year…but I digress).

With the dawning of the day, it is time to get things started for the 2014 edition of the Milwaukee
Film Festival.

Opening Night brings with it a documentary this year, one of my favorite things to check out during the festival. This film is 1971 and it is your only pick on opening night (well there is the big shindig after the film, but I’m only talking about the movies here.)

Here’s your breakdown for tonight.

FEATURED TITLE

1971

7PM Oriental Theatre (SOLD OUT - RUSH TIX MAY BE AVAILABLE)

The story of the 1971 break-in at the FBI office in Media, PA and the subsequent release of the confidential documents to the media came before Snowden, before Wikileaks and before Watergate. It is the first time that some of the individuals that carried out the brazen break-in had their story come out.

The story from director Johanna Hamiltion (Scheduled to appear for questions) turns into a skillfully crafted thriller.

There is a combination of interview footage (and some good stuff here), archival footage and reenactments to tell the story.

The journey comes from the protest backgrounds of the individuals through the break-in and on to the investigation.

In light of all that is going on in society today, it is interesting to see this look inside the entire process of what must have gone on with many a case through the year.

A fascinating and riveting film that shows one of the reasons I LOVE documentaries!

Get out and see it.

Welcome Johanna to our incredible city and welcome back Milwaukee Film Festival 2014 – We’ve missed you!

OTHER SHOWINGS
Saturday 9/27 – 1:45PM Oriental Theatre

Check out the 1971 Trailer, below!

Milwaukee Film Festival 2014 - What I'VE Missed

Look...

Sometimes doing what I do, you get caught up in everything and you just miss things when you first find out about them - my pile of DVD's to catch up on is a testament to that. So today I decided YOU NEED TO BE CAUGHT UP on what is happening with Milwaukee Film.

Today they made their latest announcement...their Sound Vision lineup for this year's festival.

Always a favorite for me...this is the series that always will have you tapping your toes in the aisles, remembering some of your favorite acts, and learning about other special musical visionaries that you may never have known about.

From the Milwaukee Film Release...

Stop Making Sense

Blyth Meier, Marketing Director for Milwaukee Film and programmer for Sound Vision is ecstatic about this year’s riveting lineup:

“20,000 Days on Earth–about the enigmatic musician, writer and poet Nick Cave­–is one I’m incredibly excited to bring to Milwaukee. The timing on this is fantastic as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds recently performed here and left us all in awe. What makes it even more special to me on a personal level is that the first time I watched 20,000 Dayswas at Sundance, sitting across from Cave himself. It was surreal,” shares Blyth. On why she programmed The Talking Heads documentary for the second year in a row, Blyth explains, “Last year's screening of Stop Making Sense became a gigantic dance party–how could we not show it again this year for its 30th anniversary?”

And Blyth has been someone I trust!

The program is sponsored this year by WMSE 91.7FM and The Pabst Theater

See the full list on the Milwaukee Film website - Sound Vision Lineup
along with Trailers and More!

But they haven't just announced Sound Vision recently...also they announce a REALLY Cool food related program.

Let's face it food at the box office has produced some totally memorable films this year. From the recently released The Hundred-Foot Journey to the inspired Chef ... food on the bigscreen has been truly appetizing.

So it makes PERFECT sense that the place where I was introduced to the magical film about wine (SOMM) and the indepth and emotional film about the love with food in all types of restaurants (Spinning Plates).

From the Milwaukee Film Release

Starfish Throwers

“We have such a strong food heritage in Milwaukee thanks to the diverse communities that settled here­–it only seems fitting to introduce Film Feast to the Festival. The films screening as part of the program are as much about the food itself­–the preparation and consumption­–as they are about the incredible life and culture around them. We’re acknowledging both with an incredible range of films that go beyond standard food documentaries,” shares Jonathan Jackson, Artistic and Executive Director for Milwaukee Film. 

The Program will include such culinary delights as A Year in Burgundy for all the SOMM fans out there, Cesar's Grill, Slow Food Story, Soul of a Banquet and The Starfish Throwers to name a few. Check out the Milwaukee Film website for the full list along with trailers for the featured titles by clicking here. 

The program is presented by The Bartlotta Restaurants and the Media Sponsor is OnMilwaukee.com

That's just the last two announcements from Milwaukee Film.  I love the festival, but know that by the time it hits, since we missed summer here, it will be on the way to cooler days....and I don't want to let summer go. But if I have to...there's nothing better than to get me in the theater with a great festival.

The 6^th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival will be held September 25-October 9, 2014.

Home Screening Room -The Muppets are Most Wanted but The Railway Man is a Hidden Gem

It's a good week to bring home some Muppet adventures. Plus my hidden gem is truly a great little film that is not to be missed anywhere.

Pick Of The Week

If you pick one movie this week … this is it.

Muppets Most Wanted / Rated PG / Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey

What’s next for The Muppets? Why, a fancy world tour booked by new tour manager Dominic Badguy. Of course, his name is “bad guy,” so something is afoot. And so the caper begins. Where is the real Kermit? With what seems to be an increased musical-number presence, this effort still finds a way to use the wide cast of characters, creating a fun romp for the whole family. If you like the Muppets, you must check it out. I'm disappointed that Disney didn't send along a copy, because I could go in more depth about what you get with the Blu-ray. (Grade: B)

Also This Week

Bears / Rated G / Narrated by John C. Reilly

Disneynature’s latest follows a mother bear named Sky and her cubs as they journey in the Alaskan wilderness. You’ll see the bears work to find food and avoid a predator wolf, among other slice-of-nature moments.

A Haunted House 2 / Rated R / Marlon Wayans, Jaime Pressly

Malcolm is starting life over with his new girlfriend, Megan, in a new house. Only the paranormal forces that plagued him in the first house are back, too, and he must try to protect his new family against the craziness that ensues.

Plus

Batman: Assault on Arkham / Rated PG-13 / Voices of Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong

Breathe In / Rated R / Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones
The Blacklist: The Complete First Season / Not Rated / James Spader, Megan Boone

Filth / Rated R / James McAvoy, Jamie Bell

Frankie and Alice / Rated R / Halle Berry, Stellan Skarsgard

Hateship Loveship / Rated R / Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce

Heatstroke / Not Rated / Stephen Dorff

Low Winter Sun: The Complete Series / Not Rated / Mark Strong

Locke / Rated R / Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman

Rage / Not Rated / Nicolas Cage, Rachel Nichols

Summer in February / Not Rated / Dominic Cooper

Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Rated PG / 

Hidden Gem

The Railway Man / Rated R / Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman

He was an officer in the British Army who was tortured during World War II. Now, having met the woman of his dreams riding the rails, he is confronted with his past demons. Can he get beyond his horrific experiences in time to save his relationship?  This is truly a touching and at times heartbreaking film that caught me off guard. Didn't know a thing about it when I sat down to screen the film and the performance by Colin Firth alone will make you feel the gravity of what he is dealing with. Amazing and well worth a look now on Blu-ray and DVD. This WOULD be my pick of the week if you were looking for a film for just adults.

Remember – all release dates are subject to change.


Trailers, Trailers,Trailers

Bears / Rated G / Narrated by John C. Reilly

A Haunted House 2 / Rated R / Marlon Wayans, Jaime Pressly

Batman: Assault on Arkham / Rated PG-13 / Voices of Kevin Conroy, Tara Strong

Breathe In / Rated R / Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones

 

Filth / Rated R / James McAvoy, Jamie Bell

Frankie and Alice / Rated R / Halle Berry, Stellan Skarsgard

Hateship Loveship / Rated R / Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce

Heatstroke / Not Rated / Stephen Dorff

Locke / Rated R / Tom Hardy, Olivia Colman

Rage / Not Rated / Nicolas Cage, Rachel Nichols


Summer in February / Not Rated / Dominic Cooper

Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Rated PG / 

 

Home Screening Room - Be Divergent with your Need For Speed, God's NOT Dead

  The week is filled with fun, fun, and more fun. I like a number of these titles that are NOT blockbusters but make for great viewing in your home. Even though the Pick of the Week is a blockbuster....the rest of the titles this week are REALLY worth it as well.



Pick Of The Week

If you pick one movie this week … this is it.

Divergent / Rated PG-13 / Shailene Woodley, Theo James

In this future, the world is divided and you are placed into a faction that best aligns with your virtues. Those who don’t fit are divergent. That is where our story starts with the likable Tris. Can she survive where others have not? The first of a trilogy of movies based on the popular book series, this film plays as only the beginning of a much bigger story. Fans of The Hunger Games films should enjoy this with all the similarities. (Grade: B)

Also This Week

God’s Not Dead / Rated PG / Shane Harper, Kevin Sorbo

A college philosophy professor posits the belief that God is dead and asks his class to dismiss all talk to the contrary. That theory does not resonate with one of his students, Josh. As a Christian, he has a fundamental difference of opinion with his professor’s statement. Instead of running from the class, Josh decides to confront his professor.

Need for Speed / Rated PG-13 / Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper

When Tobey Marshall is released from prison after being framed for the death of his friend during a street race, revenge is the only thing on his mind. Now he will travel across the country in an attempt to get even with the man who framed him. A touch too long, but this film will put your high-definition television and surround sound through its paces and burn rubber.

Oculus / Rated R / Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites

Years ago, two horrific murders took place. A man killed his wife, and his son Tim killed him. When Tim is finally released from an institution, his sister Kaylie wants to prove his innocence. Can the two survive the night and eliminate the source of the paranormal past that Kaylie has traced to a seemingly simple mirror?

Plus

12 O’Clock Boys / Not Rated 

Californication: The Final Season / Not Rated / David Duchovny

Community: The Complete Fifth Season / Not Rated / Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs

I’ll Follow You Down / Not Rated / Haley Joel Osment, Gillian Anderson

Ping Pong Summer / Not Rated / Susan Sarandon, Lea Thompson

Remember – all release dates are subject to change.

Trailers, Trailers, Trailers

God’s Not Dead / Rated PG / Shane Harper, Kevin Sorbo

Need for Speed / Rated PG-13 / Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper

Oculus / Rated R / Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites

12 O’Clock Boys / Not Rated

I’ll Follow You Down / Not Rated / Haley Joel Osment, Gillian Anderson

Ping Pong Summer / Not Rated / Susan Sarandon, Lea Thompson

Win a copy of Rio 2 on Blu-ray

This weekend it's your chance to win a copy of the toe-tapping fun that is Rio 2.

Tell me what has you singing!

Do it on the facebook page! 

Or just comment on this post and tell me what has you singing...really I want to know.

And if you don't win - here....Rio 2 is now available to purchase from Fox Home Entertainment.

Home Screening Room - Heaven is for Real but watch out for Sabotage

Ahh, a slowish week this week with the new releases, but it's good to get a chance to see the films that didn't do big box office in the theaters. Heaven is for Real did big box office, and I will have more on that later. This week will have action on your mind though!

Pick of the Week

Sabotage / Rated R / Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington

When members of an elite DEA task force take down a cartel leader, they are able to seize a large sum of money. But when money goes missing, agents begin to die. Who is killing the members of Breacher’s team? Good to see Schwarzenegger back in films. Although he feels a bit old here in this one, he surrounds himself with talented young action stars that make the film go. Although not a perfect film by any means, it does give you a real throwback to the films that Schwarzenegger made famous.

Also This Week

Heaven Is for Real / Rated PG / Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly

Based on the No. 1 New York Timesbest-selling book, this is the true story of a boy in a small town who has a near-death experience and claims to have seen things in heaven that he couldn’t have known about. Now everyone, including his father, struggles with understanding what heaven is.

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Transcendence / Rated PG-13 / Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall

Dr. Will Caster leads the way in the research into artificial intelligence. His research looks to combine every piece of knowledge with human emotion. When extremists target him, will it actually be the catalyst for something much bigger? Though peppered with an incredible cast, this film gets lost along the way with a confusing story and meandering narrative.

Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms Club / Rated PG-13 / Nia Long, Amy Smart

Being single can be tough, but being a single mom can be brutal. Five ladies join forces to support each other in this challenging endeavor. They struggle, laugh, talk dates and cry together all in the hope of becoming better people.  

Plus

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn / Rated R / Robin Williams, Mila Kunis

Cesar Chavez / Rated PG-13 / Michael Peña, America Ferrera

Dom Hemingway / Rated R / Jude Law, Richard E. Grant

Make Your Move / Rated PG-13 / Derek Hough, BoA

Hidden Gem

Blue Ruin / Rated R / Macon Blair, Devin Ratray

Ok, I'm guessing you have never heard of this film. Very few have, despite having a strong pedigree of Film Festival wins and showings. Revenge is on the mind of Dwight as his childhood rears its ugly head with the release of the person he believes to have killed his family. Now it's time for revenge, but the story will lead you down many roads, can you find the answers? This is a violent and yet quiet journey though one man's quest to protect those he loves, and eliminate those that would hurt them. A beautiful vision onscreen that stands a look for those fans of the genre.

Pop some Popcorn, Do the Diet Dew, Bust Out the Blu and make sure you Save Me A Seat!  

Remember – all release dates are subject to change.

 Trailers, Trailers, Trailers

Heaven Is for Real / Rated PG / Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly

Transcendence / Rated PG-13 / Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall



Tyler Perry’s The Single Moms Club / Rated PG-13 / Nia Long, Amy Smart

The Angriest Man in Brooklyn / Rated R / Robin Williams, Mila Kunis


  
Cesar Chavez / Rated PG-13 / Michael Peña, America Ferrera

Dom Hemingway / Rated R / Jude Law, Richard E. Grant

Make Your Move / Rated PG-13 / Derek Hough, BoA

Take a peek at this week's releases and by all means have fun with the movies!

Win ... A Copy of Monster High: Clawsome Double Feature

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED.

I've got a couple copies of Monster High: Clawsome Double Feature to give away... and you could get one.

Log on to my Facebook Page and add to the post there for your chance to win one.

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Here's the link. Go...enter... like the page....and follow me on Twitter too while you are at it!

http://www.facebook.com/CommonGuyFilmReviews