"Ever notice how Alex Mack could morph into Capri Sun?"
[by Phillip Handy]
Ava DuVernay
Guest Contributor
Reel Artsy Outdoors
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Green Tea
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Holistic Living
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Interviews and more.
Labels:
contributors,
Digital Art by Phillip Handy
Meet our newest contributor!
Phillip Handy is a painfully corny 23-year-old from New Jersey. Recently he's been combining two of his favorite things: 90s pop culture and digital art. He spends most of his time as a diversity trainer & youth center program assistant and plans on getting his Ph.D in sociology... cuz he's cool like that.
He'll be giving Reel Artsy a splash of animation/comics.
Favorite quote: "This is just a ride." - Bill Hicks
Favorite movies: The Matrix, Fight Club, Any Given Sunday, (500) Days of Summer, etc.
Links: DeviantArt / Facebook
Welcome to the team!
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comments
Introducing Phillip Handy
Phillip Handy is a painfully corny 23-year-old from New Jersey. Recently he's been combining two of his favorite things: 90s pop culture and digital art. He spends most of his time as a diversity trainer & youth center program assistant and plans on getting his Ph.D in sociology... cuz he's cool like that.
He'll be giving Reel Artsy a splash of animation/comics.
Favorite quote: "This is just a ride." - Bill Hicks
Favorite movies: The Matrix, Fight Club, Any Given Sunday, (500) Days of Summer, etc.
Links: DeviantArt / Facebook
Welcome to the team!
Labels:
Kristen Stewart,
women and film
Can the world handle a film with both Megan Fox and Kristen Stewart?
They're the young starlets that movie critics love to bash on. They're easy targets thanks to their respective box office franchises (Twilight and Transformers) and they're both known to make headlines with "outlandish" quotes. But would they be good in a movie together? I think so. Here's why...
1. They're awkward, but in different ways. Stewart stumbles with her words, and Fox makes up all kinds of stories to keep people away from her true self. If they were to do a film together their characters would have to center around awkwardness.
2. Indie film, right director. In order for this collaboration to work they'll need someone like Aaron Katz, the Duplass Brothers or Jason Reitman at the helm to make sure the story finds the rhythmic balance of heartfelt and humorous with a bittersweet tone. Cold Weather, Cyrus and Up in the Air all achieve that blend. The Stewart-Fox project should be a movie about sisters who take a road trip before they head in opposite life directions or something like that.
3. Now is the time! If this project were to happen, it would have to be soon. Strike while the iron's hot and Twilight is still very much pop sensation, especially amongst teen girls. But would the Twilight-Transformers audience show up for an indie film like this? Maybe so, maybe not. But that's not the point. As Charlie Kaufman puts it:
With the right material it's possible that a Stewart-Fox movie could give us something interesting and dare I say... real.
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Megan Fox & Kristen Stewart in A Movie Together?
They're the young starlets that movie critics love to bash on. They're easy targets thanks to their respective box office franchises (Twilight and Transformers) and they're both known to make headlines with "outlandish" quotes. But would they be good in a movie together? I think so. Here's why...
1. They're awkward, but in different ways. Stewart stumbles with her words, and Fox makes up all kinds of stories to keep people away from her true self. If they were to do a film together their characters would have to center around awkwardness.
2. Indie film, right director. In order for this collaboration to work they'll need someone like Aaron Katz, the Duplass Brothers or Jason Reitman at the helm to make sure the story finds the rhythmic balance of heartfelt and humorous with a bittersweet tone. Cold Weather, Cyrus and Up in the Air all achieve that blend. The Stewart-Fox project should be a movie about sisters who take a road trip before they head in opposite life directions or something like that.
3. Now is the time! If this project were to happen, it would have to be soon. Strike while the iron's hot and Twilight is still very much pop sensation, especially amongst teen girls. But would the Twilight-Transformers audience show up for an indie film like this? Maybe so, maybe not. But that's not the point. As Charlie Kaufman puts it:
When you go in with the intention of exploring something real, then that's what you'll get no matter what's around it. It may not even be successful—people may not like it and it may make no money—but that is what you'll have. And if you go into something with the intention of showing off and just being absurd for absurdity's sake, then hey, that's what you'll get. I'm interested in trying to find a real moment between people.
With the right material it's possible that a Stewart-Fox movie could give us something interesting and dare I say... real.
Labels:
Blu-ray,
DVDs,
notable new releases
Hot Tub Time Machine
Best title ever? I can't wait to check out Steve Pink's ode to the 80's. Great cast including Crispin Glover!
Extras include:
The Crazies
Missed it but have heard good things about this Romero remake and I dig Olyphant.
Extras include:
The White Ribbon
This Oscar-nominated German WW1 film by Michael Haneke (Funny Games) is supposed to be amazing.
Extras include:
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Notable New Releases
Best title ever? I can't wait to check out Steve Pink's ode to the 80's. Great cast including Crispin Glover!
Extras include:
- Deleted Scenes
- Production: Acting Like Idiots
- Chevy Chase: The Nicest Guy in Hollywood
- Totally Radical Outfits: Dayna Pink
- Crispin Glover: One Armed Bellhop
Missed it but have heard good things about this Romero remake and I dig Olyphant.
Extras include:
- Commentary
- The Romero Template Featurette
- Paranormal Pandemics
- Behind-the-Scenes Featurette
- Rob Hall Makeup Featurette
- Still Gallery
This Oscar-nominated German WW1 film by Michael Haneke (Funny Games) is supposed to be amazing.
Extras include:
- Making of The White Ribbon
- My Life
- Cannes Film Festival Premiere
Labels:
comedy,
indie films
Writer/directors Bob Pulchini & Shari Springer-Berman (American Splendor) have a new film starring Paul Dano as Louis Ives, a lonely dreamer who rents a room in the apartment of Henry Harrison (Kevin Kline), an eccentric playwright who is an 'extra man', a social escort for the wealthy widows of Manhattan high society. I will definitely be checking this out. Kline looks hilarious and I wanna know what's up with John C. Reilly's crazy beard character. It is currently available on demand and opens in theaters on July 30th.
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The Extra Man
Labels:
Native Actors
So we've all heard by know that Megan Fox's dream role is to be a Native lesbian superhero. She said that she would love to be Sarah Rainmaker of 'Gen 13'. This Apache character from the comic series is able to manipulate weather and the movement of water with her thoughts, as well as being good at combat. Rainmaker is also a peace-seeking activist.
“She’s a Native American and I have a little bit of that blood in me,” she said. “It would be a bit of a stretch – but if Jake Gyllenhaal can be the Prince of Persia, I think that I can do that.”
How about we not repeat a history of Hollywood casting white people into ethnic roles (anybody remember Micky Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi?). I'm not saying no one can play an ethnicity outside of their own, but casting obviously Caucasian people as playing other ethnicities is not a step toward inclusion in Hollywood.
My first vote is for Q'orianka Kilcher, and yes I know she's not Cherokee and of Indigenous Peruvian ancestry, but I think she makes a real fit. She has proven she's strong enough as an actor to carry a lead role in a Hollywood film, she's young, beautiful and yes, an activist.
My second vote is for Melanie McLaren, an Ojibway actor also of French descent. Her role as Jolene Peltier in the indie flick 'Tkaronto' won her the Best Actress Award at the 2008 Talking Stick Film Festival. She is very sultry on screen and I am sure she could take on any physical challenges this role could give her.
My third vote (last but not least) is for Crystle Lightning. This Cree actor is the daughter of director and actor Georgina Lightning and is used to being on set, as she has already been working for over sixteen years. This 29-year-old beauty has serious sex appeal and a little bit of edge that might be just what is required of a Rainmaker. I mean her last name is already perfect for the role, isn't it?
Who do you think would be perfect for this role if it came to fruition?
-Posted by Lisa Charleyboy of Urban Native Girl Stuff.
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Who Should Play Rainmaker?
So we've all heard by know that Megan Fox's dream role is to be a Native lesbian superhero. She said that she would love to be Sarah Rainmaker of 'Gen 13'. This Apache character from the comic series is able to manipulate weather and the movement of water with her thoughts, as well as being good at combat. Rainmaker is also a peace-seeking activist.
“She’s a Native American and I have a little bit of that blood in me,” she said. “It would be a bit of a stretch – but if Jake Gyllenhaal can be the Prince of Persia, I think that I can do that.”
How about we not repeat a history of Hollywood casting white people into ethnic roles (anybody remember Micky Rooney as Mr. Yunioshi?). I'm not saying no one can play an ethnicity outside of their own, but casting obviously Caucasian people as playing other ethnicities is not a step toward inclusion in Hollywood.
My first vote is for Q'orianka Kilcher, and yes I know she's not Cherokee and of Indigenous Peruvian ancestry, but I think she makes a real fit. She has proven she's strong enough as an actor to carry a lead role in a Hollywood film, she's young, beautiful and yes, an activist.
My second vote is for Melanie McLaren, an Ojibway actor also of French descent. Her role as Jolene Peltier in the indie flick 'Tkaronto' won her the Best Actress Award at the 2008 Talking Stick Film Festival. She is very sultry on screen and I am sure she could take on any physical challenges this role could give her.
My third vote (last but not least) is for Crystle Lightning. This Cree actor is the daughter of director and actor Georgina Lightning and is used to being on set, as she has already been working for over sixteen years. This 29-year-old beauty has serious sex appeal and a little bit of edge that might be just what is required of a Rainmaker. I mean her last name is already perfect for the role, isn't it?
Who do you think would be perfect for this role if it came to fruition?
-Posted by Lisa Charleyboy of Urban Native Girl Stuff.
Labels:
film festivals,
indie films,
Trieste Kelly Dunn
Cold Weather has set a new bar for quirky buddy movies. I wasn't sure how mumblecore and mystery were going to mix but it far exceeded my expectations. Aaron Katz has crafted something delightfully humorous, suspenseful, and earnest. Not only does it feature a solid cast in Cris Lankenau, Trieste Kelly Dunn and Raul Castillo it's also a well-shot ode to Portland. Every time the camera lingers on the landscape it was a pleasant visual treat.
As the LA Film Fest nears its close, Cold Weather is one of the standout films and I'm already looking forward to seeing it again (and eventually buying the DVD). It's that good! IFC will distribute the film in theaters and on-demand.
Official Site: www.coldweatherthemovie.com
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Cold Weather (LAFF)
A brother, a sister, an ice factory, and Sherlock Holmes.
As an added bonus the movie poster is equally clever.
Labels:
action,
comic books
Like action movies? Wanna see Helen 'The Queen' Mirren firing machine guns? Then check out the trailer for Red, based on Warren Ellis' graphic novel about a group of retired CIA agents who get back together. It hits theaters on October 15th.
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Trailer - Red
Labels:
film festivals
Cyrus is a beautifully crafted film about love, loneliness and family directed by Mark and Jay Duplass. Their mumblecore roots have served them well, giving the story the simplicity it needs to shine. Cyrus has humor and heart, with a superb cast able to deliver poignant scenes from start to finish.
Here are some photos from the L.A. Film Fest premiere:
[READ MORE...]
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LAFF: Cyrus Premiere [Photos]
Here are some photos from the L.A. Film Fest premiere:
Labels:
film festivals,
indie films,
Trieste Kelly Dunn
You can add Trieste Kelly Dunn to your list of quirky leading ladies. In The New Year Dunn gives a noteworthy performance as a small town woman stuck in a dead-end job at a bowling alley. Yet somehow Dunn makes simple acts, like washing the dishes, cinematic and heartfelt. Much of the story is a mood piece colored with melancholy and fleeting moments of happiness, but there lies its brilliance, it's unapolegtically character-driven. Dunn and writer/director Brett Haley make a good team. Hopefully they continue to make films together as well as branch out on their own.
Official Site: www.thenewyearfilm.com
LA Film Fest (LAFF): www.lafilmfest.com
1 comments
The New Year (LAFF)
Official Site: www.thenewyearfilm.com
LA Film Fest (LAFF): www.lafilmfest.com
Labels:
action,
comedy
Indie director Michel Gondry teaming up with Seth Rogen for a big mainstream action movie? Sounds strange but this trailer has me excited. They will be at Comic-Con next month to promote it and demo Gondry's 'Kato Vision' effect in 3D.
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comments
Trailer - The Green Hornet
Labels:
Blu-ray,
DVDs,
notable new releases
Green Zone
Damon and Greengrass' Iraq war film was a big disappointment for me. You don't get to know a single character and the plot has no suspense since you already know how the whole WMD situation ends.
Extras include:
The Last Station
I really enjoyed this indie about Leo Tolstoy's final days. James McAvoy is great in a role very similar to his in The Last King of Scotland.
Extras include:
She's Out of My League
Looks decent and Apatow-regular Jay Baruchel always delivers.
Extras include:
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comments
Notable New Releases
Damon and Greengrass' Iraq war film was a big disappointment for me. You don't get to know a single character and the plot has no suspense since you already know how the whole WMD situation ends.
Extras include:
- Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Matt Damon: Ready for Action
- Inside the Green Zone
I really enjoyed this indie about Leo Tolstoy's final days. James McAvoy is great in a role very similar to his in The Last King of Scotland.
Extras include:
- Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
Looks decent and Apatow-regular Jay Baruchel always delivers.
Extras include:
- Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Blooper Reel
- Devon's Dating Show!
Labels:
animation,
giveaways,
TV
Neighbors From Hell is a new animated show starring Patton Oswalt, Will Sasso, and Molly Shannon. When Satan learns that Petromundo, a huge global conglomerate, has created a super-drill that could potentially burrow to the center of the earth and expose Hell, he sends one of demons to eliminate the problem. The demon is Balthazor, a low-level torturer who has amassed an encyclopedic knowledge of the human condition thanks to his love of classic TV sitcoms. Balathazor and his family head to earth with one mission: to blend in with the humans and figure out how to destroy the drill, thus protecting Hell. It was created by writer Pam Brady (Team America: World Police, South Park) who also did the underrated show The Loop. Check it out mondays on TBS.
We will be giving away 1 prize package which includes:
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comments
Giveaway - Neighbors From Hell
We will be giving away 1 prize package which includes:
- A container of 200 Atomic Fireballs and a Devil Rubber Ducky Toy
Labels:
film festivals
The SXSW hit Tiny Furniture comes to the Los Angeles Film Fest this evening. Tiny Furniture is about "an awkward film studies grad who leaves the shelter of her Ohio art school after her hippie boyfriend leaves to seek his destiny." 7pm at Regal Cinemas including a Q&A with writer/director/actress Lena Dunham.
In a retro mood? Watch an outdoor screening of Desperately Seeking Susan, starring Madonna in all her 80s glory. 8:30pm at 7th & Fig (Ernst Young Plaza) including a Q&A with Rosanna Arquette.
If you're a mumblecore fan you'll want to catch Aaron Katz's Cold Weather about "a self-styled Sherlock Holmes who leads an unlikely team of irregulars in this charming comic mystery." 10pm at the Downtown Independent theater including a Q&A with Katz, producer Brendan McFadden and actor Raul Castillo.
Trailers after the jump:
[READ MORE...]
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Los Angeles Film Fest (Tonight's Picks)
Trailers after the jump:
[READ MORE...]
Labels:
music
The innovative band has created yet another great video this time using stop-motion photography, color-coded hoodies, and an impressive continuous shot. "The fastest we go is 172,800x, compressing 24 hours of real time into a blazing 1/2 second. The slowest is 1/32x speed, stretching a mere 1/2 second of real time into a whopping 16 seconds. This gives us a fastest to slowest ratio of 5.5 million. If you like averages, the average speed up factor of the band dancing is 270x. In total we shot 18 hours of the band dancing and 192 hours of LA skyline timelapse – over a million frames of video – and compressed it all down to 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Oh and don’t forget, it’s one continuous camera shot.” -Jeff Lieberman, Director. These guys always impress and I look forward to what they will do next.
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comments
Music Video - OK Go 'End Love'
Labels:
Fashion
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comments
Summer Fashion Inspired by Music Videos
Summer is upon us once again. It's time for lounging poolside, making playlists and shopping 'til you drop (if you're me, anyway). Since there are a whole bunch of artists releasing great new music for our summer enjoyment, and since we all are breaking out the summer gear, here are some ensembles that blend the two.
In the Sun
If your style tends to be vintage inspired, Reel Artsy darling Zooey Deschanel and bandmate M. Ward are here for you to turn to. Channel Zooey in some charming, feminine outfits that allow you to beat the heat and look totally adorable at the same time. Guys, you adopt M. Ward's casual-chic style with khaki shorts, polos and cool sunglasses.
Tightrope
Perhaps you are on your way to a function that requires you to dress a little more formally. In this case, you should take your cue from Janelle Monae and her basic, timeless yet unique uniform. This look is classic and versatile. Guys and girls alike can take their inspiration from Janelle's ensemble which she explains is an homage to the working class uniform.
If you are looking for something edgier, Kate Nash can be your inspiration with her bright, sequined showgirl outfit. On the other hand, if you want to remain in keeping with popular trends, you can take notes on Kate's other outfit- a sweet floral dress.
Labels:
action,
fantasy
A trailer for the third C.S. Lewis film has been released. This time around – Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace Scrubb – find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the edges of the world. Joining forces once again with Prince Caspian and the warrior mouse Reepicheep, they are whisked away on a mysterious mission to the Lone Islands, and beyond. Only an entirely uncharted journey to Aslan’s Country can they save Narnia. I love this series and I'm so glad Fox picked it up after Disney passed on making another one. It hits theaters on December 10th.
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Trailer - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Labels:
animation,
French films
Oscar-nominated French director Sylvain Chomet (The Triplets of Belleville) has completed his new animated film. The Illusionist is one of a dying breed of stage entertainers. With emerging rock stars stealing his thunder, he is forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theatres, at garden parties and in bars and cafés. However, whilst performing in a village pub off the west coast of Scotland, he encounters Alice, an innocent young girl, who will change his life forever. It’s based on an unmade script by acclaimed director Jacques Tati, upon whom the main character is based. I love Chomet's offbeat style and this looks amazing.
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comments
Trailer - The Illusionist
Labels:
music
5
comments
Music Video - Mark Ronson 'Bang Bang Bang'
Labels:
drama,
women and film
Writer/director Sofia Coppola’s new film tells the story of Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff), a bad-boy actor stumbling through a life of excess while living at Hollywood’s legendary Chateau Marmont Hotel. Cocooned in this celebrity-induced artificial world, Johnny has lost all sense of his true self. Until, that is, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning) unexpectedly shows up and unwittingly begins to anchor him. Johnny’s fragile connection to real life slowly revives in her presence. It looks great and I love the use of the demo version of The Strokes' You Only Live Once, which has always been one of my favorite b-sides. It opens on December 22nd.
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comments
Somewhere
Labels:
Blu-ray,
DVDs,
notable new releases
The Book of Eli
The Hughes Brothers' post-apocalyptic journey is a badass action movie wrapped in a faith-based drama that really worked for me. It also features yet another great Gary Oldman villain and an effective score by former NIN member Atticus Ross.
Extras include:
Youth in Revolt
A really funny and underrated film. Cera finally gets to play another character and the supporting cast is uniformly great. How can I not love a movie about a guy from Oakland who recommends Fellini films?
Extras include:
Mystery Train (Criterion Collection)
Jim Jarmusch's quirky tribute to Memphis get the Criterion treatment.
Extras include:
2
comments
Notable New Releases
The Hughes Brothers' post-apocalyptic journey is a badass action movie wrapped in a faith-based drama that really worked for me. It also features yet another great Gary Oldman villain and an effective score by former NIN member Atticus Ross.
Extras include:
- WB Maximum Movie Mode
- A Lost Tale: Billy - short film in graphic novel style that tells a story of a young Carnegie
- Starting Over
- Eli's Journey
- 'The Book of Eli' Soundtrack
- Deleted and Alternate Scenes
A really funny and underrated film. Cera finally gets to play another character and the supporting cast is uniformly great. How can I not love a movie about a guy from Oakland who recommends Fellini films?
Extras include:
- Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Auditions
Jim Jarmusch's quirky tribute to Memphis get the Criterion treatment.
Extras include:
- Q & A with Jim - this is a rather long but very entertaining Q & A session with director Jim Jarmusch in which he addresses a number of questions sent to him from fans from all over the world
- I Put a Spell on Me - excerpts from the 2001 documentary Screaming' Jay Hawkins: I Put a Spell on Me
- Memphis Tour - a fascinating look at the city, its people, history, culture, as well as many of the locations seen in director Jim Jarmusch's Mystery Train
- Polaroids - a collection of photos from different locations seen throughout the film, actors, memorabilia, etc.
- Photo gallery
- Booklet - a 26-page illustrated booklet containing Denis Lim's essay "Strangers in the Night" (the author is a contributor to the New York Times and Los Angeles Times), as well as Peter Guralnick's "Memphis Blues Again"
Labels:
biracial films,
black films,
TV
Tia and Tamera Mowry tackle marriage in their upcoming Lifetime movie.
Double Wedding is about two sisters who fall in love with the same guy. Sure, the premise isn't extremely original but with romantic comedies if the leads are charismatic enough it can work. The Mowrys definitely have the likeable every-woman vibe (because what teen girl in the 90s didn't watch Sister, Sister), it's like watching your TV bffs all grown-up and getting married. And with British hottie O.T. Fagbenle as the object of their affection you can see why their characters want to rush down the aisle with him.
As mentioned last year, Tia Mowry talked about producing films with her sister and this is the first on their slate. Hopefully they branch out to other genres but for nostalgic reasons it will be fun seeing them reunite for some goofy misadventures. Double Wedding premieres this Sunday (June 20th) on Lifetime Movie Network at 8pm.
Official Site: www.mylifetime.com/movies/double-wedding
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comments
Double Wedding
Double Wedding is about two sisters who fall in love with the same guy. Sure, the premise isn't extremely original but with romantic comedies if the leads are charismatic enough it can work. The Mowrys definitely have the likeable every-woman vibe (because what teen girl in the 90s didn't watch Sister, Sister), it's like watching your TV bffs all grown-up and getting married. And with British hottie O.T. Fagbenle as the object of their affection you can see why their characters want to rush down the aisle with him.
Official Site: www.mylifetime.com/movies/double-wedding
Labels:
indie films
Romance at a mortuary? Of course that's quirky.
In Wake Bijou Phillips plays an emotionally detached 20-something who finds solace in attending random funerals. Things get complicated when she meets a grieving stranger, Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), and she inadvertently befriends him. Sure, it's outlandish at times but that's part of its appeal.
Danny Masterson (That 70s Show) has some comical supporting scenes and when paired with soundtracks like "Say A Lot" by Buddy, "Hear Me Sing" by AM, and "Madman" by Coby Brown it's worth a watch.
Available on Netflix.
Official Website: www.wakemovie.com
2
comments
Wake
In Wake Bijou Phillips plays an emotionally detached 20-something who finds solace in attending random funerals. Things get complicated when she meets a grieving stranger, Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), and she inadvertently befriends him. Sure, it's outlandish at times but that's part of its appeal.
Danny Masterson (That 70s Show) has some comical supporting scenes and when paired with soundtracks like "Say A Lot" by Buddy, "Hear Me Sing" by AM, and "Madman" by Coby Brown it's worth a watch.
Available on Netflix.
Official Website: www.wakemovie.com
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