Reel Artsy

Interview with Ty Hodges

2012-02-17T02:23:00.002-05:00

Ty Hodges is an indie filmmaker with roots that stretch back to The Disney Channel. He shared the small screen alongside Shia LaBeouf in the popular tween show Even Stevens, and has had various roles in television series including Felicity, NYPD Blue and Boston Public. Most recently he's been making a name for himself as a writer/director.

Hodges kindly answered some questions for Reel Artsy about his craft, upcoming projects and the state of black cinema.

1. Coming from an acting background, what's your approach as a director? How would you describe your filmmaking style?

I think with me being an actor and growing up in this industry I've always been fascinated with the whole big picture of what it takes to get a project done and the details. From television to film... It's one industry where all different types of people, from all different walks of life come together with their talents to work towards one common goal... It's beautiful. When I was growing up on set, I would talk to everyone and learn about every department that makes up a production. Instead of going back into my dressing room between takes, I would just stay on set and talk to whoever. I also paid attention to the director at all times and who he would talk to. At the time I didn't have any ideas that directing will be in my deck of cards but I've always loved everything about the film making experience and this is one industry that everyone is important and valuable to a production.

When it comes to my film making style, I think it just stems from my personality. I'm very much about detail and subtext but I pay attention to human interaction. The details. I guess you can say I love people and paying attention to what makes them special. On my sets I always encourage everyone to work as a team and lets make a great movie. To me every detail of a person and the way you communicate you are responsible. With my storytelling... I make sure that I am responsible for the story and its details.

2. Are you a fan of doing several rehearsals or do you like to limit rehearsal time and "save it" for camera?

I like to work shop the script with actors. Not really into rehearsals. Once we get on set, lets just be present in the moment.


Ty Hodges & Meagan Good

3. How did your creative collaboration with Meagan Good take birth? What was it that you and her connected on deeply enough to forge a camaraderie to last over the years that lead to Miles from Home and Video Girl?

Meagan and I grew up together in the business. She was on Nickelodeon and the time and I was on Disney. I respected her as an artist and I encouraged her to get into producing. At the time I wrote a script Miles From Home and the lead role Natasha I offered it to her. At the time she was starting to get type casted and knowing her as a friend I wanted to support her and let her show audiences she was more than a pretty face.

4. I feel like Meagan Good is a bit misunderstood in the realm of black cinema... Could share a bit on what it's like directing her in those dramatic scenes?

I know her so it's kind of easy for me. It's like when you know a person so well.... You know when they are not telling the truth and when they are being honest. I'm also an actor myself that really studies and respect the craft. It's all about being present.

5. You did a short video with Christel Khalil (from Young & The Restless) set to the music of Drake's "Shot For Me." There were some interesting visuals going on. I couldn't help but notice your chemistry with Christel, and hope that this was some kind of strange promo for an upcoming project. Do you and her have anything in the works?

Yes, that short video was shot/directed by my talented director/DP friend Dez Davis. We are actually starting a commercial and music video production company. Soon you all will see more of her work but she had this vision and was inspired by Drake's song and asked Christel and I to do it. LOL... I think Christel is a beautiful girl and I'm sure we will work together in the near future.

6. You have experience working in TV and film. In front, and behind the camera. A bit of producing and promoting. With all your skills I'm surprised that you haven't jumped into the web series arena. I could see you crafting out your niche in the digital landscape like Felicia Day. She has a lot of creative control with The Guild and has built a strong fan base. Does the idea of doing a web series appeal to you?

I think its important to master your craft. I think the digital world is progressive and I'm looking forward to getting involved with some creative content but as of now I am enjoying my evolution as an actor and filmmaker.

7. Growing up which filmmakers inspired you the most? Was there a specific character that stuck with you? Perhaps, a scene you liked to act out in the mirror (as a kid).

I love directors that have a voice. My favorites are Alfred Hitchcock, Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee, Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen and one of my favorite new filmmakers Nicolas Winding Refn.

8. There's a shift happening among black filmmakers, a home-grown DIY type vibe. I've labeled it as "Subtle Core" where we're seeing a burst of indie films with fresh perspectives hitting the scene (i.e. Ava DuVernay's I Will Follow, Dee Rees' Pariah). Your film Video Girl was four-walled through AMC. What would you like to see happen in black cinema? And how do see yourself within its context?

There are some innovative stories that are being told that reflect the black experience. From a intimate truth. It's fresh. So I think its great that these voices are being put on platforms for the masses. I would just like to see it to keep growing and evolving. For me I just love making films. I think there is a culture that is out there searching for films that mirror their life experiences. The human experience. That's want I'm really into. Each filmmaker has their voice and they are entitled to tell the stories they want to tell.

9. The trailer for You, Me &The Circus looks promising. Could you tell us a little about that film and what the plans are in regards to distribution?

You, Me & The Circus (YMC) is a special film for me. It's playful and fearless. I learned a lot from making that film. I mean, it's a original musical about love and relationships so I'm interested to see what audiences think. It will be distributed through GO DIGITAL late Spring.

10. The film industry is full of highs and lows, ups and downs. What drives you, keeps you going on those days when you don't get the part, or a film project gets indefinitely put on the back-burner?

I think life is full of highs, lows ups and downs but when you're an artist you can be super sensitive to it especially because its a industry full of gifted dreamers. For me it's important to not let my career to define me. But, to have fun and be challenged always. I keep my faith in my purpose and God willing I will continue to create honest work.

11. Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you for the interview and to all the dreamers out there. Love yourself more and be patient with yourself. God Bless!

Poster - The Kid with a Bike

2012-02-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Trailer - Salmon Fishing in the Yemen

2012-02-15T16:39:00.000-05:00

Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt and Kristin Scott Thomas star in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.

A visionary sheik believes his passion for the peaceful pastime of salmon fishing can enrich the lives of his people, and he dreams of bringing the sport to the not so fish-friendly desert. Willing to spare no expense, he instructs his representative to turn the dream into reality, an extraordinary feat that will require the involvement of Britain's leading fisheries expert who happens to think the project both absurd and unachievable.

It's from the screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire so you can expect plenty of heart-warming moments.

In theaters March 9th.

Official Site: www.fishingintheyemen.com

Trailer - Damsels in Distress

2012-02-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Greta Gerwig (Greenberg, No Strings Attached) stars in a comedy about "a trio of girls set out to change the male-dominated environment of the Seven Oaks college campus, and to rescue their fellow students from depression, grunge and low standards of every kind." It also features Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Recreation), Adam Brody (Jennifer's Body) and Zach Woods (The Office).

It hits theaters April 6th (NYC & L.A.).

Official Site: www.sonyclassics.com/damselsindistress

Thoughts on Valentine's Day...

2012-02-14T18:05:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Valentine's Day we have a couple YouTube shorts from our latest Reel Artsy contributor Katherine Clark. The first video is a stop-motion romance and the second is about two sisters and their dates/non-dates.

Katherine was born in Arizona and has lived the majority of her life in Washington. She's inspired by the different landscapes in both states and has a unusual attachment to trees; she feels that they are majestic and wise, and if they could they would tell amazing stories. She loves to paint, draw, sing, write, and models.

Favorite movies: Mozart and The Whale, Cry-Baby, Edward Scissorhands, The Game

Links: Twitter / website

Welcome to the team!

Poster - On The Ice

2012-02-14T16:22:00.000-05:00

Official Site: www.ontheicethemovie.com

Zooey Deschanel on SNL (Super Quirky)

2012-02-13T02:48:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it! Zooey Deschanel brings an extra dose of quirky to SNL with her signature New Girl cuteness.

There's a special segment where "Michael Cera" gets thrown in the mix.

Whitney Houston Remembered

2012-02-11T23:54:00.000-05:00

There will never be another Whitney Houston.

Let that sink in. Process it for a moment. She's gone. Her voice is a memory... a story of what once was. Her melodies linger on in the hearts of her family, friends and fans.

Whitney's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" is the kind of song that gives you goosebumps no matter how many times you hear it. Her voice was that powerful, heavenly, simple, real.

There will never be another Whitney Houston.

Her soundtracks are some the finest examples of the beauty and grace. Exquisite. Magical. I'm at a loss for words. Here are a few of my favorites:

Trailer - Seeking A Friend for the End of the World

2012-02-10T12:47:00.001-05:00

Screenwriter Lorene Scafaria (Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist) makes her directorial debut with this apocalyptic comedy. Set in a too-near future, the movie explores what people will do when humanity's last days are at hand. As the respective journeys of Dodge (Steve Carell) and his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightley) converge, the two spark to each other and their outlooks brighten. It looks original, fun, and has a stellar supporting cast (Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Rob Corddry, Rob Huebel, Gillian Jacobs, Melanie Lynskey, T.J. Miller, Patton Oswalt!). In theaters June 22.

Music Video - OK Go 'Needing/Getting'

2012-02-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

The always innovative OK Go partnered with Chevrolet for their new video. They set up over 1000 instruments over two miles of desert outside Los Angeles. A Chevy Sonic was then outfitted with retractable pneumatic arms designed to play the instruments, and the band recorded this version of 'Needing/Getting', singing as they played the instrument array with the car. The video took 4 months of preparation and 4 days of shooting and recording. It was directed by Brian L. Perkins & Damian Kulash, Jr.

Poster - Seeking A Friend For The End of the World

2012-02-08T20:50:00.000-05:00

IMDb

The Nightmare Before French Fries

2012-02-08T19:47:00.001-05:00

A splash of pop culture art from Reel Artsy contributor Phillip Handy. Jack meets Jack.

Music Spotlight: Kelsey Byrne // Part 4

2012-02-07T14:09:00.000-05:00

Watch Part 4 in Austin Abbott's (@numerochair) music series we're featuring on Reel Artsy. In this session Kelsey Byrne and Matthew Politoski perform "Good Morning."

HBO's The Loving Story

2012-02-03T16:41:00.000-05:00

I'm intrigued by this slice of bittersweet American history. It seems like the kind of story that, when fictionalized, would become Oscar-bait for its starring actors. Something like The Help. Regardless of that, I'm curious to see what fresh point-of-views the director uncovered in this real-life saga.

The Loving Story is a documentary about Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple living in Virginia in the 1950s, and their landmark Supreme Court Case, Loving v. Virginia, that changed history.

It premieres Feb. 14th (Valentine's Day) on HBO at 9pm.

Official Site: www.lovingfilm.com

Poster - Boy

2012-02-02T04:37:00.001-05:00

Official Site

Subtle Core Spotlight: 3 Things Happening in Black Cinema's #SubtleCore

2012-02-02T04:05:00.001-05:00

Congratulations are in order!

1. Big Sundance Win - Ava DuVernay was honored with a Best Directing award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for her film Middle of Nowhere. Her sophomore film tells the story of a woman dealing with the heart-break of a distant husband.

2. Last Fall at SXSW - Matthew A. Cherry's feature film debut The Last Fall was accepted at the upcoming SXSW film festival. Some of you may recall him from Ava's GUEST POST on Reel Artsy where she highlighted her "5 Favorites."

3. Cinema in Noir - Over the weekend I was a guest on Cinema in Noir's weekly podcast where I chatted about "the rise of Black Cinema's Subtle Core." I've embedded the episode below.

Also, I created a Subtle Core 101 list on Twitter so you can stay updated with the conversation in real-time. Use the #SubtleCore hashtag to add your voice to the mix. Relevant comments and links will be retweeted.

If you're new to the movement check out PART ONE of my spotlight on Black Cinema's Subtle Core.

Game Change

2012-02-01T19:23:00.000-05:00

Directed by Emmy winner Jay Roach (Recount, the Austin Powers films), HBO's Game Change follows John McCain (Ed Harris), Sarah Palin (Julianne Moore), and their unsuccessful bid for the White House. Moore looks spot on here and I can't wait to see her and Harris clash on the campaign trail. The script was written by Roach’s Emmy-nominated Recount writer Danny Strong, who adapted it from John Heilemann and Mark Halperin‘s bestselling book of the same title. Game Change premieres on HBO Saturday, March 10 at 9PM.

Music Spotlight: Mausi

2012-02-01T15:38:00.000-05:00

This UK four-piece creates undeniably catchy indie pop. Check out 'sol', their single for ATG Records. Anchored by a simple piano melody, it's a fun summer track that will make you want to dance dance dance! The accompanying video shows the band playfully bounding across Europe intercut with Disney clips. For more info go to wearemausi.com

DOWNLOAD sol

DOWNLOAD sol (Polarsets Remix)

Trailer - Return

2012-01-31T13:07:00.000-05:00

Writer/director Liza Johnson's debut film has been earning rave reviews for Linda Cardellini's harrowing performance. Back from a tour of duty, Kelli (Cardellini) can't wait to rejoin her family in the Rust Belt town she's always known. She's ready to experience the feelings of everyday life but slowly her world comes to feel unfamiliar. Her friends love her but seem preoccupied with trifles. Her children need more focused attention than she can give, and as much as he tries, her husband Mike (Michael Shannon) doesn't understand what she's been through. It will open in select theaters on February 10th and will available on iTunes February 28th.

Trailer - God Bless America

2012-01-30T14:16:00.000-05:00

If you have always had an urge to punch reality TV brats and people who text in movies then writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait's new film is for you. I loved Goldthwait's last film (World's Greatest Dad, available now on watch instantly) and if you saw it you know what kind of dark twisted comedy to expect. Loveless, jobless and possibly terminally ill, Frank (Joel Murray) has had enough of the downward spiral of America. With nothing left to lose, Frank takes his gun and decides to off the stupidest, cruelest, and most repellent members of society with an unusual accomplice: 16-year-old Roxy (Tara Lynne Barr), who shares his sense of rage and disenfranchisement. God Bless America opens in theaters on May 11th, and will be available on VOD and digital platforms starting April 6th.

Reel Artsy Fashion: Eyeballs!

2012-01-28T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! Aspen here, I hope you're all doing well. I thought I'd do a little post on something I've becoming obsessed with and it seems a lot of other people are following suit. That certain something is... eyeballs!

There is something extremely cool and creepy about wearing a few extra eyeballs on your body. Maybe it's the sense of more eyes looking out for you, which can be a good or bad thing.

The photo above would be a photo of myself in some really awesome hologram eyeball glasses. I have to say that I was elated when I found them in a small vintage shop.

This would be a really neat eyeball/skeleton pin I bought in a small shop. The mix of the two growing trends caught my eye as I was walking by the shop. It was in a little corner of a shop window and I HAD to have it as soon as I laid eyes upon it.

Here is another picture of my ever-so-awesome hologram glasses. I've been yearning for a pair ever since I was about 14 and I realized I had lost all the pairs I had bought when I was younger. I'm really happy that these glasses have been everywhere.They've gotten huge over the last few months. They're so cool and I'm so happy to see them on so many faces. A little bit of nostalgia.

And last but not least, my hand knit eyeball purse. I almost passed out when I saw this beauty in a little shop just hanging there. It's so lovely and every stitch is beautiful. There's something about the pairing of such a loving craft like knitting and an odd thing like an eyeball that just makes me happy. I plan to have better photos of this bag on my personal blog sometime soon so be on the lookout for that.

I'm really happy to see eyeballs so rapidly taking over! I think the creepy coolness of it is just great and I can't wait to see more eyeballs on clothing, hairpins, shoes, bags and whatever else!

Thanks for reading.

-Aspen

Music Spotlight: Kelsey Byrne // Part 3

2012-01-28T02:48:00.000-05:00

Watch Part 3 in Austin Abbott's (@numerochair) music series we're featuring on Reel Artsy. In this session Kelsey Byrne and Matthew Politoski perform "Knife." Wonderful! Amazing! And all sorts of awesome!

Music Video - Wilco 'Dawned On Me'

2012-01-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

Popeye and crew return in the awesome new animated video for the single 'Dawned On Me' off Wilco's new album 'The Whole Love'. Watch as Jeff Tweedy competes with Popeye for the hand of Olive Oyl. This video collaboration with King Features presents the first hand-drawn Popeye cartoon in more than 30 years! It was directed by Darren Romanelli.

Poster - Wrong

2012-01-26T16:58:00.000-05:00

IMDb

TV Tonight - Touch

2012-01-25T17:23:00.000-05:00

Kiefer Sutherland returns to TV in a new hour-long drama created by Tim Kring (Heroes). Martin (Sutherland) is a widower who struggles to connect with his mute son Jake (David Mazouz) until he learns that the boy has the special ability to divine and perhaps direct hidden patterns and connections across the globe. In the pilot, Martin gets help from a social worker and an educator in an attempt to bond with his son, whose obsession with numbers appears to enable him to predict the future. Martin slowly recognizes Jake's gift, which plays out in a plot involving a lottery winner (Titus Welliver, the Man in Black from Lost), and a globally traveling cell phone. It was written by Kring and directed by Francis Lawrence (Water for Elephants, I Am Legend). Premieres tonight at 9/8c on FOX.

Mariages! (2004)

2012-01-25T16:05:00.002-05:00

[Editor's Note: This is the first review from our latest French contributor Marc Omeyer]

In a charming little village in the south of France, on a sunny week end, all is set for the mariage of Johanna and Benjamin. Both young and charming. All is going to be fine, the kind of perfect ceremony every girl dreams of. Nothing must break the romantic atmosphere of this wonderful moment. Nothing. Except the best man, Jean Dujardin. Has he forgotten the rings? What about discovering his wife having an affair at the very moment he should go on stage for his congrats speech?

While all goes out of control, in an exhilirating twister of wonderfully written scenes, the two young lovers will face the tornado of hopes, delusions, revelations and bitterness of everyone around them. Will they find their own way to love? Will they marry at all, with the full understanding of what it takes to engage oneself on this adventurous trip?

Besides a brilliant cast of some of the best French actors, Mariages! is a movie you'll want to see again. Great lines, beautiful characters and a perfect pace. Writer and director Valérie Guignabodet offers French romantic comedy at its best. A wildly comic, acid and meaningful observation of men and women confronted to love, sex, time and truth.

Watch the trailer: click here

***

By Marc Omeyer. French-and-friendly screenwriter, movies lover, blogger, passionate thinker and coach. Would have loved a script by Einstein, or the theories of Wilder on quantum mechanics. Life is a movie, love is a smile. Blog: Les histoires font la loi Twitter: @marc_omeyer

Download This - XXYYXX 'Breeze'

2012-01-24T18:50:00.001-05:00

Check out this track from young upcoming electronic producer XXYYXX aka 15-year-old Orlando native Marcel Everett, who makes minimal beats into epic tracks you can chill to. He is definitely someone to watch this year. For more visit his Soundcloud

DOWNLOAD MP3 (via EarMilk)

Poster - Jeff Who Lives At Home

2012-01-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Music Spotlight: Low Leaf

2012-01-23T15:40:00.000-05:00

LA artist Low Leaf is a singer, harp player, and piano player. All at the same time. She also produces her own beats. Pretty impressive. This is her performing a track called 'Take Time'. Check out her EP for more.

Trailer - I Am Not A Hipster

2012-01-23T14:19:00.001-05:00

Writer/director Destin Daniel Cretton's film just premiered at Sundance. It stars Dominic Bogart as a San Diego musician who has to deal with himself and his family during not entirely welcome visits from his father and sisters. The film has been garnering strong buzz and comparisons to Once. A teaser has been released and hopefully it will get a distributor soon.

Poster - Friends With Kids

2012-01-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Music Spotlight: Kelsey Byrne // Part 2

2012-01-19T23:34:00.000-05:00

Watch Part 2 in Austin Abbott's (@numerochair) music series we're featuring on Reel Artsy. In this session Kelsey Byrne and Matthew Politoski cover "Every Time You Go" by Ellie Goulding.

Poster - Red Tails

2012-01-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Dating Rules From My Future Self

2012-01-18T16:54:00.000-05:00

Shiri Appleby stars in a new web series about "a twenty-something looking for love with the help of her two best friends who receives secret texts from her future self." It's a cute spin on the sci-fi/romance genre set in a romanticized version of L.A's hipster-friendly Silver Lake. The series co-stars Martin Starr (Party Down, Freaks & Geeks) and Taylor Kinney (Vampire Diaries).

I've been a fan of Appleby since Roswell and followed her work on The CW's Life Unexpected. She's been one of my favorite small screen actresses and this new material fits her nicely. Below is the first episode. For more info visit their official Facebook page.

Music Spotlight: Kelsey Byrne

2012-01-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

We'll be featuring Austin Abbott's (@numerochair) music series on Reel Artsy. He's an upcoming director based out of New York with an eye for spotting music talent. First up "Winter" by Kelsey Byrne and Matthew Politoski.

Byrne describes her style as "an ecstatic jazz-pop-indie-folk-rock explosion" and I agree. There's something special to her sound, it's simply delicious, warm and toasty like a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup... oozing emotion in a familiar but pleasant way.

Poster - The Words

2012-01-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Film Movement of 2011: Ava DuVernay, AFFRM & Black Cinema's Subtle Core

2012-01-17T05:46:00.000-05:00

There's a stir taking place in black cinema. It's quiet. Indie. And it's happening in theaters, and social networks all around.

What is black film? Does it exist outside of Tyler Perry movies? Is there such a thing as "art house" when it comes to black film? Sure, people know Will Smith and Denzel Washington but I'm not talking about movie stars... what's happening in black cinema is much more subtle, under-the-radar, ground-breaking.

I won't attempt to sum up a whole movement in one post. This is more of a quick version. A starter-kit. An unofficial "Part 1" documenting a shift in black cinema. Independent film is going through some amazing changes with new talent bursting on the scene like Brit Marling and Another Earth, platforms like Kickstarter and several other examples that Reel Artsy has spotlighted throughout the year. If the Subtle Core were a music genre, it would be a version of Dream-Pop because of its "focus on ethereal textures and moods... almost whispered... lyrical delivery."

Black Cinema & The New Subtle Core (or Subtle is What We Aim For)

In the Subtle Core, tone is key. These films ask hard questions. They're character driven and invoke a sense of emotion, revealing unexplored spheres of black life. Sometimes they're funny. But at their core, they reach for the dramatic moments. I like to think of them as descendents of French New Wave, in an offbeat modernized hybrid way.

A look at three black films that capture the spirit of the movement.

1. Medicine for Melancholy - Barry Jenkins is a leader in the pack. Watching Medicine for Melancholy was one of those magical movie moments. I saw his film at a theater that served vegan movie snacks and I remember having several conversations about it being the kind of movie that "black cinema needed." While not released in 2011, it marks a substantial awakening among "art house" black cinema goers. It featured a noteworthy soundtrack with bands like Au Revoir Simone (if you're not familar with their synth-pop style you're missing out) and it was nominated for a couple Independent Spirit Awards.

2. I Will Follow - This film rocked the black cinema world with its tender story and brilliant marketing plan. A new name in black cinema emerged as Ava DuVernay's AFFRM got movie critics and fans buzzing about Salli Richardson's breakout performance.

3. Restless City - I saw this film at the AFI Film Fest last year and I automatically knew it belonged in a category alongside Medicine for Melancholy and I Will Follow. It's a story about an African immigrant living in NYC, and it's a beautiful step forward in what I've affectionately labeled as "Subtle Core."

Other films associated with the movement: Pariah, Mooz-lum, Yelling to the Sky

Actors/ filmmakers/ innovators: Barry Jenkins, Ava DuVernay, Evan Ross, Wyatt Cenac, Tracey Heggins, Salli Richardson, Omari Hardwick, Ty Hodges, Pete Chatmon, ShadowAndAct.com, Chinonye Chukwu, Cinema In Noir

#SubtleCore Twitter list:
@bandrybarry
@avadva
@MatthewACherry
@chinonyec
@VictoriaMahoney
@PeteChatmon
@FilmFatale_NYC
@ShadowAndAct
@Nikyatu
@AFFRM
@MilesMaker
@OmarMoore
@LawrenceLamont
@SalliRichardson
@FilmTVDiversity
@MrTyHodges
@ReelArtsy

For those familiar with these films please share your comments. How would you describe the movement in black cinema? New to these films? Check out the trailers below.

#MilitaryMonday Movie Review, G.I. Samurai.

2012-01-16T19:44:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone, I'm @TopAbbott, retired Marine Master Sergeant and video/movie/book enthusiast. I've known Karen for a few years and she recently invited me to start vlogging about my favorite subjects for this site. I couldn't be happier! I spent twenty years in the Corps and everywhere I was stationed I had opportunities to be involved in some local media, whether community theater, radio, TV or films, somehow I always had a chance to do a little something. I hope to be posting here often about subjects that are if interest to media lovers with a bent towards the military.

You can find me on twitter, Facebook and lots of other places too, Google me with TopAbbott or follow me @TopAbbott and Facebook Cary.Abbott

Teaser Trailer - Middle of Nowhere

2012-01-13T16:15:00.000-05:00

Ava DuVernay made a big splash in indie cinema last year with her debut film I Will Follow and her film promotion company AFFRM which released Kinyarwanda. DuVernay is shaping into a creative force and now her second feature Middle of Nowhere will be playing at the Sundance Film Fest this month. Here's the teaser trailer...

Official Site: www.facebook.com/MiddleofNowhereMovie

TODAY: Live Q&A chat with Angelina Jolie for 'In The Land of Blood and Honey'

2012-01-12T14:48:00.000-05:00

Angelina Jolie will be answering your questions today about her new film In The Land of Blood and Honey which she wrote and directed. Tune in, right here on ReelArtsy.com, at 8pm EST/5pm PST to watch the live feed. You can follow the hashtag #AngelinaJolieFilmChat Twitter to join in with other film fans.

Poster - Thin Ice

2012-01-10T19:39:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Poster - Norwegian Wood

2012-01-07T17:03:00.000-05:00

Official Site

Live Q&A with Angelina Jolie for 'In The Land of Blood and Honey'

2012-01-06T18:59:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't want to ask Angelina Jolie a question or two? Here's your chance...

We are proud to present Angelina Jolie in a Live online Q&A on Jan 12th. In The Land of Blood and Honey is the first film Angelina has written and directed. Fans will be able to ask Angelina questions LIVE!

We would love to extend the opportunity for you to host the live Q&A on your blog. In addition we would love to send you and one of your readers a Blood and Honey poster!

Get that? Ask a question and you could win a poster. Since I'm a fan of foreign films (especially love stories) and Angelina Jolie it makes sense to participate.

I posted the image of the poster last year and it looks pretty sweet. I appreciate when posters aim for a creative concept instead of just sticking a bunch of faces everywhere.

How to enter: Submit your questions in the comments section and be sure to include your email address. If you tweet about this giveaway via @ReelArtsy that will count as an extra entry in the hat. Winners will be picked at random.

Poster - Girl in Progress

2012-01-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Poster - Return

2012-01-04T04:51:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Top 3 Films of 2011 (Karen's List)

2011-12-30T18:56:00.000-05:00

Three powerful female-driven stories stood out the most because of their complexity, gut-wrenching scenes and stylistic tones.

These films may not be the conventional picks of the awards season, but they mark compelling voices in the cinematic landscape both in front of and behind the camera. It is also noteworthy that all three movies were written or co-written by female screenwriters which is a step in the right direction when it comes Hollywood's lack of diversity. I didn't choose these movies because they were about women, but merely because these films lingered with me, provoked emotional and sparked conversation, and after I saw them I couldn't help but say to other people: "You gotta see this movie!"

1. We Need to Talk About Kevin - This movie will rock you. Every scene of it holds weight, and Tilda Swinton is perfectly cast in this twisted tale of a problem child.

2. Young Adult - I won't say which film this movie knocked off my Top 3 list, but Charlize Theron is a remarkable force in Young Adult. I can see why Jason Reitman was set on having her play the role. This collaboration only further confirms that Diablo Cody and Reitman should do another project together; they make a dream team.

3. Another Earth - This is the movie I suggested most when people asked me about indie films. It's part scif-fi and part drama, and yet it's much more than that. Another Earth tip-toes on greatness with its quiet scenes are break-out performance by Brit Marling, who also co-wrote the script.

For previous lists check out my Top 3 Films of 2010 and Top 3 Films of 2009.

Reel Artsy's Screenwriter of the Year 2011: Elizabeth Meriwether

2011-12-29T18:35:00.000-05:00

Who's that girl? It's Liz.

1. She's the show-runner of the hit TV show New Girl, that gives us weekly doses of Zooey Deschanel being "adorkable" in laugh-out-loud episodes like "Bad in Bed."

2. No Strings Attached was one of the most downloaded movies on iTunes. Opened at #1 in theaters and made over $70 million.

3. Long live The Fempire! - When a certain NY Times article about Diablo Cody's screenwriting buddies hit the web she was the newbie of the bunch. Now she's emerged into her own spotlight. Her unique writing voice shows signs of life (and originality) for aspiring screenwriters everywhere.

Poster - The Paperboy

2011-12-28T16:40:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Poster - Albatross

2011-12-28T16:21:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Interview with Elenowen

2011-12-27T16:12:00.002-05:00

A guy, a girl and a singing contest.

Elenowen (Josh & Nicole Johnson) had a stand-out performance on NBC's The Voice with their dreamy rendition of The Swell Season's Oscar-winning song "Falling Slowly." The couple radiated a tender sincerity further magnified by their luminous harmonies. They didn't make it to the final round but Elenowen is on the path to carving out their own brand of success.

Their single "Honey Come Home" rose to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart. They launched a web series, The Basement Sessions, that chronicles their music journey and recorded a new studio album. With lyrics like "let me pour you a glass of red / to get your mind off the things I said" layered with depth and maturity, and steeped in bittersweet storytelling, Elenowen is one of the best duos to emerge from the 2011 music scene.

I chatted with Nicole about her quest for authenticity in her music, fashion and beyond.

On watching the Oscar-winning Irish film Once:

It was a really special moment when Josh and I saw the movie for the first time.

...Sitting in the theater and when that scene comes up when they're in the music shop and singing that song ["Falling Slowly"] it's just so real and passionate and we just, both of us started crying, in the theater, like man, this is what we want, this is who we want to be, real artists. And... shortly after that we started Elenowen.

What does authenticity mean to you and how does it influence your art?

A lot of it is a matter of opinion. One song, one movie can stir you, can move you and can really change you. And then for someone else it doesn't do anything for them, so I think Josh and I's goal has really been to make sure our music is really moving us.

It's meaningful to us but not everybody is gonna understand it. We're not expecting everybody that hears our music to become a mega fan because everyone's entitled to their own opinion. We're just always trying to make sure that we're writing genuine music. Whether it sparks from an idea that we get from a story we heard ...or whether we're writing literally from a story that happened to us today, whether we're writing about an argument we just went through, a hard time, a great time, whatever it is we're writing about we really try to make sure that it moves us. And that at the end of the day when we listen to our music that it's real. That's the way we try to stay authentic and stay true to ourselves.

What core beliefs did you and Josh promise to stay true to, whether or not fame came into play?

Before we went out to L.A. for The Voice we honestly did not see it coming. We were kind of plowing through our plan which was make music, put out a new record and just kind of do our own thing. When our management company was contacted by NBC to see if they had any new upcoming talent and our manager said 'Would you guys be interested in this?' And we're like 'Sure, why not, we'll just see what happens.'

It became real when we got the callback and knew we were actually going to be on the show and that's when it got, 'okay this really happening'. We talked a lot, obviously when something is put on the table in front of you, this could happen to you, you could win this show, becoming a recording artist and start this mega-huge dream. Of course we're gonna talk about it. It was the same then as it was now. Our core belief is that our marriage is always number one. That is such a huge part of Elenowen's identity. The fact that we really believe in marriage and believe that it can work no matter what. That if both parties are willing to forgive and work with each other there's always going to be heartache, there's always going to be struggles but before music, before fame, before whatever you want to call it, it's me and Josh. No matter what that comes first. And that's something that will always be our values for sure.

Before The Voice you were working at a coffee shop in Tennessee. What did you do to cheer yourself up on days when it felt like your music hadn't quite found an audience?

A couple different things. I'm a big chocolate person so whenever I've had a bad day, you know, I usually go to Kroger and get some chocolate and some wine. As far as to keep me inspired, umm, and to keep plowing through, would be I love discovering new artists and new music. It can be anywhere from Beyonce to Ryan Adams. It all leads back to if it's real music it doesn't matter the genre. It can be any kind of genre if it's real... there's gonna be passion behind it. I love discovering whether it's new or old artists, that finding a song that's like 'Man, I want to get there. I want to be able to be that person.' How do i explain it? I want to be the artist that is inspiring another person or another artist to continue plow through a hard time, a hardship, whatever it may be and that's kind of what always get me going.

I really believe that I'm called to do music and this is what I'm supposed to do so I'm just gonna keep trucking through and see what happens.

What music do you listen to when you're in an introspective mood?

...I'm a huge Ryan Adams fan. He always just puts me in the right place.

LaRue in the studio with Elenowen

What was the recording process like? How was it working with Phillip LaRue as a producer in the studio?

Working with Philip is truly an inspiration because I've never met anybody who can literally crank out more genuine, creative awesome ideas than Phil. He's full of ideas. He can bring new life to old songs and he can bring a classic timeless sound to new songs.

...We'd toss them [ideas] around and Phil always had the best idea. It was like I would have a great idea or Josh would have a great idea and Phil would spill his out and 'okay you win that's just what we need to do.' Josh and I are really great friends with Phil so it was fun. It was laid-back and relaxed.

...We kinda picked apart the songs before we actually got in the studio, and figured out what we wanted to do. It was kind of fast. It was a whirlwind, you know, we only had a certain amount of time and got in there like four days straight and just pounded them out. It was great. Studio time is always challenging for me because I get really claustrophobic and you're like cooped in this one room for hours on end, but this last time was really, really, really great. I thoroughly enjoyed it and probably got more into than I have any other time.

What epitomizes a great live performance? And what's your approach to performing on stage? What do you do prepare yourself, does it all come natural, or is it a little bit of both?

I'd say it really is a little bit of both. Not every show is our best. We're still trying to figure out the formula for putting on your best show every time because you know circumstances will come into play. There's times when there's no air-conditioning in the venue and I'm sweating and I'm uncomfortable and you know there's just those kind of things that can give you a weird head trip. But every single time before Josh and I go out on the stage we say a quick prayer and tell each other that we love each other and remind each other that this is what we want to do. This is our dream and even though there's bumps along the road and there's times when you come off the stage and you go 'Man, that was not my best' there are lot more times when we come off stage on fire, amped up because we know we did a good job or the audience was just super into it. There's different things. But we really just try to have fun when we're on stage and you know, if something goes wrong and if we screw up a song or something happens and the sound goes out or throws us off course we just try to have a good time. You know things are gonna happen, you can't plan it all so we just try to roll with the punches.

In your web series you've made mention of fashion and style. Home and clothes. Is it something you'd like to do with your creativity outside of music?

Fashion is a huge, huge, huge part of, I don't really know what the word would be, it's a big deal to me. It's not just a 'I love to shop I'm a girl.' It's like I have a real passion for it and I really believe that how you dress can really influence how you feel about yourself and therefore can influence what people think of you. You know how when you walk into a room, whether you're an artist or... It doesn't matter who you are or what you do. I think everybody has their own style. I really love trying to figure out more ways to get new and old pieces working together and I have amazing friends who have amazing fashion sense as well so I don't get to help too many people out. But I do enjoy meeting people along the way who say 'Can you help me just figure out what would look good on my body and what do you think I would look good in?' I love that kind of stuff.

I'm more of a street fashion kind of person. The higher up the runway, the high-end fashion, I love it still but I'm more of a day-in, day-out. I get really into dressing to go to the movies.

I really enjoy mixing vintage old pieces that I found at a thrift store for, you know, 25 cents and then adding it with new modern sleek pieces... I have a kind of secret goal in my head to never wear the same outfit twice because I'm always intermingling different things. You know, never wear the same outfit with the same jewelery, or just whatever. I try to make sure I'm always doing something different, which is fun.

...I think I really struggled for a long time trying to figure out what style I was and what I like because I like so many different things. I thought you had to pick kind of one sense of fashion and I finally learned, at least for me, that's not the case. I mean, I love all types of fashion and so I feel like it's just been in the last two years that I've kind of really settled into who I am and what I love and that's been really fun. When I go out, when I'm looking for things whether it's thrifting or new stores... I have a better idea of what I like.

Any chance you'll do a fashion blog or fashion web series?

As far as computers and blogging and all that I'm a little bit intimidated. I want to try to figure out a way to start some sort of fashion blog. But I want to make sure it's good and it's kept up well. I'm kind of waiting to start one 'cause I want to make sure I do it right. But I'm hoping to start one soon, to start something like that.

Was there ever a time when you felt completely awkward in fashion?

Oh absolutely. [laughs] Pretty much my entire adolescence, and some of my adulthood. I remember being, gosh, probably 12-years-old and I was always wanting to be a hippie, always was barefoot and I would drag out my Mom's old clothes from the 60s and 70s... I always wanted to be different and to stand out but I didn't know how to do it in a way that made sense. I would wear two different colored shoes and I would paint my nails every color under the rainbow, every nail with a different color. I would wear crazy, crazy, things and my parents would say, 'okay, this is a new, interesting look. Rocking your individuality, we can get down with that.' But there was a definite lack of confidence and all through high school I was, um, like I said before I was still trying to figure out who I was.

Honestly I cannot pinpoint when it was that I kind of had that turnaround but it was about two years ago. Even the first year of Josh and I's marriage when we started making music and stuff, I felt I just didn't know what I was doing. I didn't know what looked right on my body and what to do. I think the thing that really probably turned it around and gave me some more confidence to be willing to try new things and try things I would pick up on the rack and go 'uhh, I could never wear that' was I had gained a lot of weight after we got married being fat happy and it really started to bother me. So I really made it a goal to lose weight. I lost 40 pounds and when I lost it all I was like 'wow, I can do this. I can set my mind to something and do it.' And so I started trying new things in fashion and I think that's when I was like 'wow, I can get into this' and I feel like I know who I am now and I'm settled into my body, into my skin. But everybody goes through those times of just feeling like you're awkward. You're not putting out that message that you feel in your heart. So yeah, I don't know, everybody's got it in them to settle in their own style for sure.

What do you hope people get from your music? What do you hope that people take away from Elenowen?

I really want people to see the genuine. The real and the genuineness of me and Josh. And it ties back into our marriage being #1, it's something that we want people to know. We want people to look up to in a way. We haven't been married very long but we've been together for eight years and married for three. At the end of the day, if I know that people walked away from our shows whether they liked the music or not could say that ‘I know that they were real and genuine and they loved what they do. And they weren't acting, they were passionate about what they were doing.' That's all I want. That's something that's really important to us, and of course I want people to like it. I want people to be fans of Elenowen. I want people to know that we're trying our best to be true and truthful to our audience and to each other. You know, we're gonna screw up and we're gonna fail but we really do love what we do with all our hearts and are just happy to be doing it. And blessed to be doing it, and just are grateful.

Would you and Josh like to do a soundtrack? Or a score? Have you been approached by any filmmakers?

We would love to do something like that. I really like the idea of not just being a traveling playing shows kind of artist. I like being the type of artist that's across the spectrum, that does a lot of different things. That's something I would be absolutely, super interested in going further into. That would be so much fun. No, we have not been approached by anybody. Not yet.

[Photo Credits via Elenowen's Facebook]

Poster - Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

2011-12-20T16:53:00.000-05:00

IMDb

Download This - Alston David 'Are We Like Family'

2011-12-19T04:11:00.000-05:00

A slice of Oklahoma City dream-pop. Alston David's debut album is available for free on NoiseTrade.com. Stand out tracks include "Are We Like Family" and "When California Falls Right Into the Ocean."

DOWNLOAD MP3

Jolene (2008)

2011-12-17T17:59:00.000-05:00

Jessica Chastain is having a good year; it seems like she's pushing out quality performances left and right (Take Shelter, The Help). But let's flashback to an earlier work.

In Jolene, Chastain plays a woman raised in foster care who sets off on the open road to find her place in the world. It's a sad story (as tales of foster kids tend to be) but the film showcases Chastain's talent. She can shift her character with ease from waitress to the wife of a millionaire in a natural evolution. It makes you imagine her in other potential roles, there's a depth she can pull from to transformer herself, something along the lines of the on-camera fierceness of say Kate Winslet. Chastain has that kind of awards potential. In some ways, this movie feels like an extended version of Stacie Orrico's "More to Life" music video, and I mean that as a compliment.

Available on Netflix.

Poster - Late Bloomers

2011-12-14T03:02:00.000-05:00

Official Site: http://trois-fois-20-ans.gaumont.fr/

Tahj Mowry & Jurnee Smollett Team Up for Quirky Romantic Drama, Set in London

2011-12-14T02:43:00.000-05:00

Okay... so that headline is more of a dream than a reality, but it's possible.

Will the former Full House buddies ever reunite for a movie, specifically an indie film? I want an edgy kind of romance where things get bittersweet... something along the lines of Blue Valentine or Once. I guess you can consider this part 2 of the Untitled Tahj Mowry Project that I wrote last year.

Who should direct it? Style and tone are key. Here are some candidates:

Patrick Coyle (Into Temptation) - His last film dug into the underworld of prostitution and struck a provocative balance between despair and redemption.

Darragh Byrne (Parked) - Parked showcased Byrne's skill for directing quiet moments with depth and beautiful cinematography.

Neil Armfield (Candy) - If you've seen Candy you understand how captivating a whirlwind romance can be.

Dana Adam Shapiro (Monogamy) - His documentary background is a great asset and he knows how to film a big city artfully.

Matthew Porterfield (Putty Hill) - Porterfield lingers with his characters in a very raw and natural flow.

Ty Hodges (Video Girl) - Black cinema needs filmmakers like Hodges to further emerge. He could bring out offbeat performances from Smollett and Mowry.

Remember the way they were?

Flashback: Overalls & tie-dye.

Jeff Who Lives at Home (AFI Fest 2011)

2011-12-13T16:50:00.000-05:00

Jason Segel and Ed Helms have loads of comedic chemistry in this heartfelt story about two brothers trying to find their place in the world. Writer/director/brother team Mark Duplass and Jay Duplass (Cyrus, The Puffy Chair) have found their stride; they are able to artfully blend comedy and poignancy while making normal activities (like fixing a closet door) seem epic. The film also features Susan Sarandon, Rae Dawn Chong and Evan Ross in interesting supporting roles.

Dispatched from his basement room on an errand for his mother, slacker Jeff might discover his destiny when he spends the day with his brother as he tracks his possibly adulterous wife.

No trailer yet, but here's a video of the Q&A at the AFI Fest presented by Audi.

In theaters March 2012.

PHOTOS: Rashida Jones in 'Celeste And Jesse Forever'

2011-12-06T20:15:00.001-05:00

The first look photos for the Rashida Jones' penned film starring her and Andy Samberg hit the web this week. They make a cute couple even though their characters break up.

Celeste and Jesse Forever is about a divorcing couple who tries to maintain their friendship while they both pursue other people.

The film will premiere at Sundance 2012.

More photos after the jump...

Poster - Being Flynn

2011-12-01T03:53:00.000-05:00

[click for bigger version]

Poster - Newlyweds

2011-11-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

[click for bigger version]

The Yellow Handkerchief (2010)

2011-11-28T18:09:00.000-05:00

The Yellow Handkerchief explores a realm of pain, hard-knocks and loneliness. Set in a southern town, three characters meet and unexpectedly go on a road-trip together. They struggle against self-fulfilling prophesies of fear and unworthiness and must look within to find the courage to live, love and to truly see and be seen by another person. The film offers solid performances across the board: William Hurt, Maria Bello, Kristen Stewart and Eddie Redmayne.

It's a road-trip movie that never ventures into the outlandish; The Yellow Handkerchief finds its groove, and walks the line, a nice balancing act that in the hands of another director or cast could have easily rested heavily on the melodramatic side but Hurt anchors the movie with his quiet rawness.

This kind of movie, with its delicate tone, gives Kristen Stewart the room to flex her artistic skills, to grow and blossom. Will the Twilight shadow fade away enough for her to be appreciated in projects like this? I hope so.

Available on Netflix.

We Need To Talk About Kevin (AFI Film Fest 2011)

2011-11-26T18:21:00.000-05:00

We Need To Talk About Kevin is brilliantly creepy. It inhabits a place that few films venture to, and even fewer successfully convey a subtle darkness in a real and believable way. Tilda Swinton gives a remarkable performance as a mother dealing with the upbringing and after-math of her child's devious behavior. The actors who play her son at various ages (Ezra Miller, Jasper Newell, Rock Duer) all give equally riveting portrayals of a wayward mind as it descends into a land of no return. If you're looking for a conventional, happy-ending kind of Hollywood movie, this isn't it. We Need To Talk About Kevin is a disturbingly memorable slice of cinema.

It opens in NYC and Los Angeles on December 9th.

Official Site: www.oscilloscope.net

Poster - In The Land Of Blood And Honey

2011-11-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

[click for bigger version]

The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch

2011-11-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

Tomer Sisley makes a compelling lead in the action-suspense The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch. Sisley plays the title character, an adopted son who rises from obscurity to reclaim his father's empire. This movie is the fast paced, high-voltage kind of variety, but when Kristin Scott Thomas is involved it adds a certain validity to the project (with her being one of the best working actresses). But back to Sisley... the guy is truly magnetic: handsome, bilingual and full of machismo. If it were a different movie, he would be James Bond. He's that smooth.

Now playing in select theaters.

Official Site: www.musicboxfilms.com/largo-winch

Oslo, August 31st (AFI Fest 2011)

2011-11-16T02:34:00.000-05:00

Oslo, Ausgust 31st is a depressingly good slice of Norwegian cinema. The film follows a 34-year-old rehabbing from drug abuse, who in one day, must decide between finding purpose and losing his grip on reality. Anders Danielsen Lie (Reprise) gives a powerful performance in this tragically moving story that highlights a city, a place and a decision.

Michael Nordine of NotComing.com captured it nicely...

"Oslo, August 31st has an ear for dialogue and an eye for natural movement; it employs a documentary-like approach that uses little but communicates much." [source]

The somber tone bleeds through the screen haunting every scene quite perfectly.

Young Goethe in Love

2011-11-13T02:08:00.002-05:00

Young Goethe soars with exquisite cinematography. Alexander Fehling (Inglorious Basterds) and Miriam Stein offer two charismatic performances in a delightful story about first love. Fehling plays Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous German poet, who nearly quits before his breakthrough work. Fans of Bright Star and Pride & Prejudice will find enjoyment in this spitfire romantic tale. It's one of my favorite movies of the year and the musical score accentuates its beauty.

Now playing in select theaters.

Official Site: www.younggoetheinlove.com

Green (AFI Fest 2011)

2011-11-05T01:45:00.000-04:00

Green is a peculiar film, oddly charming, eerie, lingering, I'm still digesting it. As I sat through the film I wasn't sure how it would end, and I liked that. There were times when I found certain characters annoyingly pretentious (the farmer-blogger boyfriend) but thankfully moments of depth surfaced, and eventually I found him likable enough. Sophia Takal is by far the stand-out actor of the piece, her character sparked the brightest, her performance kept me captivated through the lulls of the story. Takal also holds the title of writer/director and Green marks a noteworthy entrance. If you're looking for a conventional Hollywood love-triangle then be forewarned, Green travels more subtle waters. But if you're interested in something a little less neat, strangely potent and thought-provoking you're on the right boat.

An intimate friendship between two women dissolves as they are drawn into an irrational, destructive spiral of jealousy and paranoid fantasy in this haunting examination of the female psyche.

You can catch an encore screening of Green at the AFI Fest presented by Audi on Saturday, Nov. 5th at 10p.m. For more info visit www.afi.com/afifest

Official Site: www.themoviegreen.com

AFI Film Fest (Black Film Picks)

2011-11-03T17:57:00.000-04:00

The AFI Film Fest presented by Audi opens tonight with a gala screening of Leonardo DiCaprio in J. Edgar. One of the neat things about this festival are the smaller indie films that come from the U.S. and around the world. Two noteworthy films emerging from the the black cinema sphere are Restless City and Kinyarwanda.

Restless City tells the story of an Africa immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle, and falling in love is his greatest risk.

I've seen Restless City and it's exactly what black cinema needs. I'll talk more about the film later but it's a definite must-watch. It screens on Friday, Nov 4th at 4:45pm and Saturday at 4:15pm.

Kinyarwanda is the second film promoted by Ava DuVernay's AFFRM company which brought us I Will Follow (that played at last year's AFI Fest). I haven't seen this one yet but it looks promising. Kinyarwanda screens on Saturday, Nov. 5th at 1:15pm and Monday at 7pm.

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as the country became a slaughterhouse, mosques became places of refuge where Muslims and Christians, Hutus and Tutsis came together to protect each other. Inspired by true stories KINYARWANDA interweaves six tales that provide a complex and real depiction of life and human resilience in the face of unimaginable danger.

The AFI Fest presented by Audi runs November 3rd - 10th in Hollywood. For more info visit www.afi.com/afifest

Poster - London Boulevard

2011-10-27T12:29:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Poster - Haywire

2011-10-25T19:47:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Trailer - Janie Jones

2011-10-24T22:11:00.000-04:00

Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), Alessandro Nivola (Junebug) and Elisabeth Shue (Leaving Las Vegas) star in the music-centered Janie Jones.

A young girl who has been abandoned by her former-groupie mother who informs a fading rock star that she is his daughter.

It's hard for me buy Breslin as a leading actress even though I've enjoyed her work in Zombieland and Little Miss Sunshine. I'm not sure how her transition to adulthood will play out in film but this film looks like might hit the right notes.

Janie Jones hits theaters and VOD on October 28th.

Official Site: www.janiejonesmovie.com

Video Girl (2011)

2011-10-23T01:44:00.000-04:00

There are scenes in Video Girl where Meagan Good is captivating. I've seen her in films before, most notably Eve's Bayou and Stomp The Yard, but this is the first time I recall watching a story centered around her character, a true starring role.

Good is at her best in the quiet moments when a subtle glance of the eyes and a slice of unguarded shyness shine through. I'd like for Good to live in that space, really set down roots and explore that vulnerability in future projects. There's promise there. Video Girl is the second film that she and director Ty Hodges have collaborated on, and if this what their collaboration yields I'd like to see more.

Overall, I enjoyed the film and was pleasantly surprised but I would be remiss to not mention its flaws, especially when it reaches the latter part. I see what the director was trying to do but the ending would have been more effective if it was a little more ambiguous, open-ended. However, if one of your concerns is that you'll be bombarded by distasteful rap music you can rest assured that this film focuses more on story than "BET-type" music.

Official Site: www.videogirl-themovie.com

Poster - Chronicle

2011-10-20T20:58:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Prime (2005)

2011-10-19T17:19:00.000-04:00

Prime is surprisingly enjoyable. When I saw the promo for this movie during the time it hit theaters the poster looked a little too much on the zany side, like one of those over-the-top romantic comedies so I never got around to seeing it. But when I finally watched Prime it was something more deep, something unexpectedly refreshing and now I see why Meryl Streep signed onto this film.

A career driven professional from Manhattan is wooed by a young painter, who also happens to be the son of her psychoanalyst.

Uma Thurman plays the woman who falls in love with a younger man. Bryan Greenberg (How to Make It In America) has glowing chemistry with Thurman and they creative some memorable scenes together. Another treat is the soundtrack especially the stand-out track "I Wish You Love" by Rachael Yamagata.

Available on Netflix.

Poster - Young Goethe in Love

2011-10-17T23:36:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Father of Invention

2011-10-15T02:59:00.002-04:00

If you enjoy the extremely quirky side of Kevin Spacey then Father of Invention is for you. The film is a little too quirky at times, but if you're a fan of his work then you'll enjoy his hispter-eque mustache, skinny jeans and bicycling scene. The real reason to see this film... Craig Robinson (The Office) is a true scene-stealer, his brand of comedy lights up the screen.

Now playing in theaters.

Official Site: www.father-of-invention.com

Zooey Deschanel Chats with Diablo Cody

2011-10-13T20:32:00.000-04:00

The second episode of Red Band Trailer's sophomore season features New Girl's Zooey Deschanel. The two chat about Almost Famous, HelloGiggles.com and brunettes with bangs. Yeah, it's quirky.

The Dance Lesson + alaskaLand

2011-10-12T03:06:00.000-04:00

Chinonye Chukwu is an emerging filmmaker to keep on your radar. Her short film The Dance Lesson is a fresh slice of storytelling with a memorable performance by the young lead actress (Chioma Dunkley) and some beautifully shot ballet scenes. You can watch it below:

And here's a sneak peek from her upcoming movie alaskaLand.

alaskaLand tells the story of Chukwuma, an Alaskan-raised Nigerian struggling to balance the expectations of his traditional Nigerian parents and the larger world around him. After his parents are killed in a tragic car crash, Chukwuma is separated from his younger sister, Chidinma, who moves to Nigeria with their Uncle until she becomes of legal age.

Official Site: www.alaskalandmovie.com

Parked (LA Irish Film Fest)

2011-10-10T00:09:00.000-04:00

Parked is one of the best films I've seen. It showcases the beauty of storytelling, quiet in tone but powerful in spirit. It's the kind of movie you feel, and feel deeply. The cinematography is dreamy, lots of ghostly shots by the water. But its richness comes in the subtle scenes between Colm Meaney (Law Abiding Citizen) and Colin Morgan (Merlin) who offer two solid performances.

Lonely and beleaguered Fred Daly (Meaney) returns to his native Ireland with no place to call home except his car. When pothead Cathal (Morgan) parks next to him, the two strike up an unlikely friendship. With Cathal’s help, Fred begins to put his life back together little by little, and starts by introducing himself to cute, unusual music teacher Jules.

In theaters March 2012. (For those in Ireland, it opens on October 14th)

Official Site: www.parkedmovie.com

Trailer - Young Adult

2011-10-06T17:20:00.000-04:00

Charlize Theron gets quirky in the trailer for Young Adult, scary quirky. The Oscar winning actress teams up an Oscar-winning wordsmith, Diablo Cody, and director Jason Reitman in what is sure to be a bright spot in the latter part of this film season. Reitman's films are marked by their keen rhythm that skillfully walk the fine line between comedy and heartfelt drama.

Soon after her divorce, a fiction writer returns to her home in small-town Minnesota, looking to rekindle a romance with her ex-boyfriend, who is now married with kids.

The film also stars Patton Oswalt (King of Queens, Big Fan).

In theaters December 16th.

Red Band Trailer Season 2 (Diablo Cody + John Krasinski)

2011-10-06T01:29:00.000-04:00

Diablo Cody's web series Red Band Trailer makes its season 2 premiere on LStudio.com and features a fun interview with John Krasinski (The Office) who "discusses his untitled Chateau Marmont project and his secret desire to dip one particular actress in gold."

Music Spotlight: The Shortcoats

2011-10-04T21:54:00.000-04:00

Lorene Scarfaria's latest effort offers a more refined sound, sliding into full-bodied indie rock. The screenwriter/director/singer teams up with Jonathan Sadoff and her boyfriend, Adam Brody, giving us a less devilish version of his Jennifer Body's character. Who will The Shortcoats have to sacrifice for success? Will Brody wear heaps of black eyeliner at shows? And more importantly will they lure concert-goers into creepy white vans? All jokes aside, The Shortcoats have potential, there's an earthy tone to Scafaria's voice that translates well with her new collaborators. It's the kind of music that radiates a year-round Autumn nostalgia, a warmth made perfect for one of those cloudy days.

The Shortcoats belong at Monday night residency at the Satellite or Echo. They're more Hollywood Hills but their music invokes a little Silver Lake charm.

The stand-out songs on This Time Last Year are "Too Late" and "So Long" which play as companion pieces, starting and ending the EP strong.

Not much is written on The Shortcoats, I don't even have an official site or Facebook to point you to, but if you're willing to jump down the rabbit hole you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised.

This Time Last Year is now available on iTunes.

Poster - Like Crazy

2011-10-04T03:11:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Trailer - Big Miracle

2011-10-01T15:55:00.001-04:00

Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski in a movie together seems right. Their comedic timing, and likability makes them a great pair. In Big Miracle they join forces to save whales. Sounds like a quirky comedy, but trailer aims for more of a heartfelt family movie (the film is inspired by a true story).

Local newsman Adam Carlson (Krasinski) can't wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market. But just when the story of his career breaks, the world comes chasing it, too. With an oil tycoon, heads of state and hungry journalists descending upon the frigid outpost, the one who worries Adam the most is Rachel Kramer (Barrymore). Not only is she an outspoken environmentalist, she's also his ex-girlfriend.

In theaters February 2012.

Official Site: www.everybodyloveswhales.com

Poster - New Year's Eve

2011-09-29T16:31:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Land of Destiny (2010)

2011-09-28T17:09:00.000-04:00

"What's the difference between wasting a life and spending a life?"

A Canadian musician asks that question in the documentary Land of Destiny. The film spotlights the city of Sarnia, in Ontario, Canada (just east of Port Huron, Michigan) and how the people are shaped by the presence of a chemical factory. The write-up on their website says it best...

Tattooed men serving fries, basement musicians, boilermakers and volunteer firemen, heartbroken widows and an optimistic mayor - the lives of a diverse medley of characters intersect to reveal the dramas and contradictions of an industrial town out of sync with a post-industrial world. As the dystopian architecture of the petrochemical plants, squatted like crushed space stations just meters away from homes and schoolyards, give way to the spaces that make this city a community, we begin to see what it is that everyone seems so afraid to lose. Land of Destiny is a tender portrait of a working-class city in paralysis and a devastating investigation into when and for what people fight for.

This documentary falls under the category of poignant and undeniably beautiful. And the soundtrack invokes that tone perfectly.

Official Site: www.bunburyfilms.com

Poster - Young Adult

2011-09-26T02:06:00.001-04:00

[click for bigger version]

TV Tonight - SNL

2011-09-24T16:11:00.000-04:00

The 37th season premiere of Saturday Night Live airs tonight at 11:30/10:30c on NBC. Alec Baldwin hosts (for a record breaking 16th time) with musical guest Radiohead!

Poster - Another Happy Day

2011-09-22T13:32:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Ingredients (2009)

2011-09-21T15:32:00.000-04:00

Ingredients is an interesting documentary about the state of food. It's a good place to continue the conversation about health and farming and what globalization is doing to our country and stomachs.With that said, this film is only one piece of the greater discussion and no matter how intriguing a documentary is... it could never cover every aspect. But in the case of Ingredients its focal point and tone are its strong points. It's worth a watch.

Available on Netflix.

Official Site: www.ingredientsfilm.com

Poster - Take Shelter

2011-09-20T13:50:00.002-04:00

[click for bigger version]

TV Tonight - 2 Broke Girls

2011-09-19T22:08:00.000-04:00

Kat Dennings (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) makes her TV premiere tonight. Set your DVRs and get ready to laugh.

2 Broke Girls is a comedy about two young women waitressing at a greasy spoon diner who strike up an unlikely friendship in the hopes of launching a successful business - if only they can raise the cash. Sassy, streetwise Max Black works two jobs just to get by, one of which is waiting tables during the night shift at the retro-hip Williamsburg Diner. Sophisticated Caroline Channing is an uptown trust fund princess who's having a run of bad luck that forces her to reluctantly give waitressing a shot.

Catch 2 Broke Girls at 9:30pm on CBS.

Trailer - Perfect Sense

2011-09-16T17:49:00.000-04:00

Perfect Sense stars Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge) and Eva Green (Casino Royale) in a story about "a chef and a scientist who fall in love as an epidemic begins to rob people of their sensory perceptions."

For some reason the trailer reminds of The Adjustment Bureau even though it's a completely different set-up. Maybe it's the theme of two people who fight all odds to be together, maybe it's the tone. Whatever the similarities (or lack thereof) I'm intrigued. McGregor is one of my favorite leading men and Green is on the path to become a stand-out actress which makes the pairing, well... perfect.

There's no set release date but it's definitely something worth looking forward to.

TV Tonight - The Secret Circle

2011-09-15T17:49:00.000-04:00

Watch Jessica Parker Kennedy in The CW's teen-witch drama The Secret Circle. We profiled Kennedy back in 2009 as an emerging talent, so hopefully this series becomes a success and leads to new gigs. The following is an interview where she talks about her role on the show.

The Secret Circle premieres at 9pm on The CW.

TV Tonight - 'Up All Night'

2011-09-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Set your DVRs for NBC's latest comedy Up All Night. This show has a lot of promise and it's especially nice to see Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph back on TV again.

Christina Applegate (Samantha Who?) stars as Reagan Brinkley: loving wife, successful career woman, life of the party and, most recently, mom. Determined not to compromise her career or cool reputation to the cliches of motherhood, Reagan adjusts to life with a baby and returns to work with the support of her stay-at-home husband.

Up All Night premieres at 10 p.m.

Into Temptation (2009)

2011-09-13T17:04:00.000-04:00

Into Temptation is a beautiful story about the power of human connection, faith and obsession. Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order) plays a Catholic priest who's last confession of the night includes a prostitute's planned suicide attempt. But before the priest gets a chance to offer help, she slips away, and he is on a race to save her life. Kristin Chenoweth (Glee, Wicked) also stars.

The soundtrack features a stand-out song by Abigail Washburn & The Sparrow Quartet called "It Ain't Easy." Its bluegrass soulfulness ends the film on a solid note.

Available on Netflix.

Poster - In Time

2011-09-12T14:32:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]

Teaser Trailer - The Last Fall

2011-09-09T03:06:00.000-04:00

I'm skeptical when it comes to sports films, but sometimes you see a story that pulls you in regardless of the genre. Such is the case with Matthew A. Cherry's The Last Fall. The quotes that pop up during the teaser trailer were shocking but for those well-versed in football they may be of no surprise.

After several years in the playing professional football, Kyle Bishop is released from his fourth team in three years and returns to his home town, broke and at a complete loss about what he will do for a living. After an initially cold reception, Kyle reconnects with Faith Davis, his old high school flame. Ready to leave football far in the past, Kyle gets a job at a local gym and starts planning a new life with Faith and her young son, Von. However, when Kyle unexpectedly gets a lucrative offer from another professional team, he is torn about what path to take .

Official Site: www.thelastfallfilm.com

La Chamade (1968)

2011-09-08T05:13:00.000-04:00

La Chamade is a stylish French film in the vein of Breakfast at Tiffany's about two "kept" people who meet and fall in love. Catherine Deneuve (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) stars in this beautifully crafted tale about the power of money vs. the allure of romance.

Available on Netflix.

Interview with Jason Rogel

2011-09-07T18:33:00.003-04:00

Comedy is an art, and Jason Rogel is on the road to mastering his own brand of funny. I first spotted him in the indie film Splinterheads, where he played a shameless landscaper full of laugh-out-loud moments. This summer he popped up on ABC Family's State of Georgia alongside Raven-Symoné showcasing his talent on the small screen.

Consider this your unofficial notice to add Rogel to your one-to-watch list.

1. What struck first: the acting bug or comedy?

Definitely the comedy. I got that from my parents at an early age. My dad was kind of a ham, but my mom is a total crack-up. She's always had this wicked, dry sense of humor. And she makes THE BEST faces. I recently found an old picture of my parents and me on my first trip to the snow when I was like 2 or 3 years old. My dad is smiling ear to ear, proud to introduce his son to nature's magical creation, and my mom just has this "over it" deadpan look on her face. I was like, "Ahh, yes. That's where I get it from."

2. What's your approach to playing a comedic character? How do you prepare?

I wish I had a more exciting method, but I pretty much prep for the comedic roles the same as I do the dramatic stuff--script work, character work, etc. With comedy, the "funny" usually comes out of the situation and delivery, so I make sure I have an understanding of the jokes & where the set-ups and punchlines are. After that, I'm ready to play and just have fun.

3. On State of Georgia, you play, Leo, a nerdy physics grad student. How would you describe your character? And what makes him an interesting character to play?

I love Leo. He's all kinds of inappropriate awesomeness. Leo kind of just says whatever and whenever, which was so much fun to play. We have an amazingly talented writing staff, so the best part for me was getting to see where they were going to take the character next. Initially, Leo was just another member of the "nerd herd" competing for Jo's affection, but I think once the writers saw the dynamic Hasan Minhaj and I created for Seth & Leo, they decided to have a little fun and spin things in a different direction--which definitely made for a more interesting storyline with his character.

4. How would describe the vibe on set?

State of Georgia was taped in front of a live studio audience, so the energy on set was always high and exciting. The entire cast and crew are such great people--so talented and so welcoming. It just really made for a fun atmosphere to work in. We'd hang out, crack each other up, sing and rap and do Loretta Devine voice impressions on our downtime. Then come showtime, we'd just go out there and have a blast together. I love those guys.

5. You were in the indie film Splinterheads. That scene where you threw Thomas Middleditch's burger out the car was all sorts of hilarious (and made me an instant fan). Let's talk your rapport with Middleditch while shooting the film.

Ha! Thanks--that was one of my favorite scenes to shoot! Thomas is comedy brilliance. What was cool was that most of our scenes together were shot toward the end of the filming schedule, so that gave us some time to actually develop our own little friendship. When it came time to shoot our stuff, the banter between us just came naturally, which was perfect for the Wayne and Justin characters.

6. I could see you two collaborating again, the chemistry is there, whether in another indie comedy or in a bigger budget Judd Apatow flick. Speaking of Apatow, is he one of the directors you'd like to work with? What other directors top your list?

Yes, it'd be great to work with Thomas again, especially in a Judd Apatow film! The Apatow crew is hilarious. I also love Christopher Guest's films. WAITING FOR GUFFMAN is one of my favorites--getting to work with him and that group of actors would be amazing. I'm also a huge horror movie fan, so Wes Craven is definitely on the list. M. Night Shyamalan usually has some unique storylines with interesting characters--it'd be awesome to play a part in one of his films. And of course, Steven Spielberg. I can die after that.

7. What's next for you? Would you like to carve out a solid niche in comedic acting or venture more into dramatic work?

I'm totally enjoying the comedic stuff, but I certainly wouldn't mind venturing into more dramatic roles or just mixing up genres. I'd love to get to play a villain, or hell, maybe a character in some epic action/adventure movie where I get to shoot guns, punch people and blow things up. That'd be awesome.

8. Where can all the Jason Rogel fans get their next fix? This is the part where you shamelessly plug your upcoming roles, shows, Twitter accounts, you know the deal.

I was lucky enough to work on some great projects this summer, so there are a few things to look out for this fall. I'll be on an episode of Nickelodeon's SUPAH NINJAS airing sometime soon, as well as an episode of the new comedy MAN UP! premiering in October on ABC. I also worked on the pilots ZACH STONE IS GONNA BE FAMOUS (MTV) and GULLIVER QUINN (Disney); hopefully we'll hear more about those two shows. And last but not least, SWAMP SHARK, a SyFy original movie I starred in with Kristy Swanson and DB Sweeney, is coming out on DVD next month. I play the quirky nerd who helps fight a prehistoric shark that, of course, has invaded the swamps of Louisiana--y'all should definitely check it out, it's cheesetastic!

9. That's gonna wrap it up. Anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you so much for having me on reelartsy.com! You can stay in touch and find more info on upcoming shows and events on my Facebook and Twitter (@jasonrogel).

Poster - Martha Marcy May Marlene

2011-09-02T14:21:00.000-04:00

[click for bigger version]