Had a wonderful chat with Portia Doubleday (CARRIE, YOUTH IN REVOLT, K-11) about her new dual comedy role in AFTER THE BALL. She talks about fashion, comedy, and becoming "Nate". LISTEN NOW
AFTER THE BALL now in theaters! Kate Kassell's (Doublday) dream is to design couture clothing, but after graduating at the head of her class in fashion school the harsh reality hits -- no one will hire her. Sure, she's got a fantastic eye, but she's also the daughter of retail guru and knockoff pioneer Lee Kassell (Noth), whose stores sell clothes "inspired" by the very designers Kate wants to work for. Kate is left with no choice but to join Kassell Clothing, where she must navigate around a duplicitous stepmother and two wicked stepsisters, whose aim is to discredit her at every turn. But through a budding romance with a prince of a guy in the shoe department, her godmother's vintage clothes and a fall down funny switch of identities, Kate is able to expose the evil trio, save Kassell Clothing -- and prove that it's what's on the inside that counts.
I spoke with Writer/Director Scott Brown (Larry King Now, Blue Movies, Asylum) about his dark comedy short THE OTHER SIDE.Give a listen.
THE OTHER SIDE Saturday, April 25, 7:30pm at the USA FILM FESTIVAL. TRIBUTE TO MARGO MARTINDALE SHORT FILM SHOWCASE. You can watch the trailer at www.OtherSideFilm.com Work is hard, love is tough, and bullets are cheap. At a perilous crossroads in their relationship, Kate and Abby find themselves embroiled in a botched burial job in the desert. Pitted against each other, a bloodthirsty gang of meth-heads, and bodies that just won't stay dead, our lovers must face the ultimate trial to prove themselves worthy in the face of imminent danger, death... and chicken.
Had a chance to chat with Director Salome Breziner who is in town for her new comedy HELICOPTER MOM. Give a listen.
HELICOPTER MOM Friday, April 24 7:30pm at the USA FILM FESTIVAL
Single mom Maggie (Nia Vardalos, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) suspects her 17-year-old son Lloyd (Jason Dolley) might be gay: He’s the smart, sensitive type, and hasn’t had a relationship despite being pursued by stunning cheerleader Carrie (Skyler Samuels). Maggie isn’t bothered by the possibility, in fact she goes so far as to set her son up on dates and apply for a scholarship for gay students in his name. The thing is, Lloyd has no idea where he falls on the broad spectrum of human sexuality, and tries to find himself while navigating the pressures of his final year of high school, reconnecting with his father (Mark Boone Junior, “Sons of Anarchy”), and suffering through the machinations of his well-meaning but over-bearing mother. A touching comedy written by Duke Tran and directed by Salomé Breziner, with a great cast that also includes Kate Flannery (“The Office”) and Dallas native, singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb who contributes several songs to the film. 84 mins.
Every now and then a movie comes along that captures the heart and imagination so much that the feeling stays with you long after the credits roll. LITTLE BOY is one such film. It is possibly the greatest father/son movie ever made and one of the best films I have seen in decades. It is destined to be a classic and one that generations will watch and treasure. Pepper "Little Boy" Busbee (Jakob Salvati) has struggled all of his 8 years with being small. He is picked on, made fun of, and literally looked over. But one person has always made him feel larger than life and that is his father, James (Michael Rapaport). The two are best friends and together there is nothing they can't do; if they simply believe the impossible. When World War II breaks out James must go off to war leaving a devastated Pepper back home. The Little Boy makes it his sole mission to bring his father back home; whatever it takes. This film is the perfect balance of whimsical story, heart stirring themes, emotional drama, and inspirational teachings. Pepper hears from a local priest that if you have the faith of a mustard seed you can move mountains. That is all the motivation he needs. Taking that lesson to heart he begins a journey of blending faith with action. The love he has for his father drives him daily to tackle insurmountable odds. He must block out the naysayers and hold on to what is in his heart. LITTLE BOY is also a serious look at how we see others around us. WWII was a time when Japanese Americans where not well received. If Pepper wants to truly fulfill his calling he has to befriend a local Japanese man the rest of the town rejects. This causes Pepper to see beyond hate and prejudice. It is powerful to watch this change of heart take place through a young child. Amid all the drama and emotion is a light whimsical tone that warms the film. It moves much like a Tim Burton movie might. The characters have large personalities and writer/director Alejandro Monteverde makes them pop off the screen in magical wonder. It truly captures the 1940's in every way imaginable. The supporting cast includes Emily Watson, Tom Wilkinson, Kevin James, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. But the sole of this film is the dynamic performance of Salvati. He will truly steal your heart as he transforms into this little boy who desperately wants his father back home. LITTLE BOY is rated PG-13 for some mature thematic material and violence. There is nothing at all objectionable about this film. Younger viewers may find the themes of war, prejudice, and loss a bit much to comprehend but all others will find this a remarkable and lovable movie. I seldom give a 5 out of 5 rating but this one earned it on s many levels. One that I cant wait to watch with my son again and again.
PG-13 ||Drama,
Romance
Review - Matt Mungle - @themungle
We have all fantasized about what it would be like to live forever. To never age. To be the same spry, tight skinned creature that we saw in the mirror of our youth. But what is the downside to all of that. Is it worth the price of seeing our loved ones come and go? To never have the chance to grow old with someone? In THE AGE OF ADELINE we see such a struggle play out before us.
Adeline Bowman (Blake Lively) has lived a full life. Several of them to be exact. Born at the turn of the 20th century she has watched wars come and go, technology advance, and all those she once loved surrender to the call of age. Through it all Adeline stays the same vibrant 20 year old she was when a terrible accident rendered her immortal. We aren't taking immortal like the superheros that plague the big screen. But rather her body had a reaction that froze her as she is. When she meets Ellis (Michiel Huisman) she has to decide if it is worth the risk to share her secret and her heart or to run as always.
This is a very sweet film that surprisingly has quite a bit of backbone. What you would expect to be dripping with soppy, cinematic syrup is actually a story of a strong woman who is taking her condition in stride. She is well educated, a lover of history, and at the same time able to embrace the modern. She doesn't fawn all over Ellis like you would predict but instead keep her emotions at bay. Over the centuries she has built up a wall to protect not only herself but those who would want a relationship. What you get is a well written story full of whimsical humor, sensual romance, and a depth of drama.
Lively is a beautiful woman but balances that with a sophistication that would be expected from a woman who was born in a more cultured era. She carries herself in a manner that is fitting for the character and that is what attracts Ellis to start with. Huisman is carefree and willing to put p with all of Adeline's stiff arming. He sees a prize that is worth fighting for.
There are plenty of twists in the story and even thought the premise could be a regurgitated mess it is actually fresh and entertaining. Once you think you have Adeline figured out she makes surprising choices. This keeps you guessing throughout. You want her to find love but understand her dilemma. This adds an emotional, heart stirring facet to the film.
THE AGE OF ADELINE is rated PG-13 for a suggestive comment. This is a fairly clean film. It is void of anything crude or offensive and is a wonderful love story of human emotion. Nicely written, solidly acted, and emotionally stirring. A perfect date night film or girls night out. I give it 4 out of 5 New Years Resolutions. Mainly for the fact that is was nothing like I expected but a pleasant surprise.
Had a chance to chat with Sons of Anarchy bad *ss Mark Boone Junior who will be in Dallas Friday night for the USA Film Festival promoting the film HELICOPTER MOM. Give a listen. http://www.mungleshow.com/booneusa.mp3
HELICOPTER MOM
Friday, April 24 7:30pm
Single mom Maggie (Nia Vardalos, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”)
suspects her 17-year-old son Lloyd (Jason Dolley) might be gay:
He’s the smart, sensitive type, and hasn’t had a relationship
despite being pursued by stunning cheerleader Carrie (Skyler
Samuels). Maggie isn’t bothered by the possibility, in fact she
goes so far as to set her son up on dates and apply for a scholarship
for gay students in his name. The thing is, Lloyd has no idea
where he falls on the broad spectrum of human sexuality, and
tries to find himself while navigating the pressures of his final year
of high school, reconnecting with his father (Mark Boone Junior,
“Sons of Anarchy”), and suffering through the machinations of his
well-meaning but over-bearing mother. A touching comedy written
by Duke Tran and directed by Salomé Breziner, with a great cast
that also includes Kate Flannery (“The Office”) and Dallas native,
singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb who contributes several songs to
the film. 84 mins.
UR ||Documentary
Review - Matt Mungle - @themungle
Opens in Dallas Thursday, April 23 7:15pm as part of the 45th Annual USA Film Festival. Plus opens for a theatrical release at the Angelika Dallas and Plano on April 24. The director, Frédéric Tcheng will be conducting Q&As at both screenings.
There are a few places mere mortals seldom get a chance to visit. Much less get a first hand, personal, in-depth view of. One of those is the Christian Dior fashion house. In DIOR AND I we get the privileged of meeting the staff along with the new artistic director Raf Simons as he prepares for his first haute couture collection.
This film is like Project Runway on steroids. It takes behind-the-scenes to extreme and offers every aspect of its house to the viewer. Simons has an amazing eye for not only fashion but editing. We stand alongside him as he painstakingly eyes each piece. Cutting here, pinning there; always on the lookout for the next forward thinking piece.
The pressure is on Raf as he has the burden of proving himself in a house that has gained the reputation of delivering the creme of Couture. How do you lead a team that speak a language you are not completely versed in? Raf must find out as his French is not his strong point. But he speaks the language of clothing better than anyone and at the end of the day that is the only thing that counts.
It is both intriguing and captivating to watch the team race against the clock to get everything ready for the runway. Full of humor, tension, and some of the most cutting edge designs ever seen, this film is a must see for anyone with a bent for this lucrative industry.
You will wonder why they would put themselves through such stressful situations and work so vigorously on something that is so open to scrutiny. Then you see the finished product and it all makes sense.
A colorful and fascinating look at the house of Dior.
