Boxing is probably the most dangerous sport there is. It is an activity in which two individuals establish their dominance through sweaty and bloody competition. Many men (and women) have engaged in the sport and their personal stories often contribute to their punch for punch quest for glory. Not only are they fighting for a title but they are fighting for freedom, liberation from oppression and poor living conditions. The new documentary Champs is an exceptionally well-crafted film that highlights the struggles and the triumphs of boxers. Three of the greatest fighters to ever compete tell their stories and make for one very compelling documentary. It’s not just a film about the sport but a film showcasing the very best in humanity.
Interview: Star Jude Law and Director Kevin Macdonald Talk ‘Black Sea’ and Submarines
In acclaimed British actor Jude Law’s latest film Black Sea, the actor takes on one of his most challenging roles yet, that of a Scottish submarine captain bent on retrieving a large sum of gold buried beneath the sea. The film is a harrowing adventure that features a motley crew of English and Russian men all pursuing the same thing: fortune. It is an old fashioned thriller that explores a number of themes including greed, paranoia, and sacrifice. I recently had the great privilege of interviewing star Jude Law and Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, One Day in September). Here’s how the interview went:
Black Sea
The great thing about submarine films is that they usually evoke a strong sense of tension (Das Boot, The Hunt for Red October), mostly motivated by claustrophobia and/or paranoia. The setting is so tight that those onboard may begin to lose it, unravel, and the results can be pretty gripping. The new thriller Black Sea is a perfect example of this and with a brilliant cast led by charismatic leading man Jude Law plus expert direction from Academy Award-winning director Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland, One Day in September), it is a film that will definitely leave a profound impact on audiences. It’s just a fun film and almost everything about it clicks.
Interview: Screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski Talk Longtime Career and Recent ‘Big Eyes’
I recently had the exciting opportunity to sit down with ‘Big Eyes’ screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Enjoy the interview below!
You first met Tim Burton 20 years ago. You worked with him on Ed Wood. How did you first meet? What was that like?
We had, just through a sort of eccentric people who know people, six steps removed kind of thing. We had the idea to write a movie about Ed, and at the time, Ed was a figure of mockery. And after our Problem Child movies, we started identifying with Ed, and we sort of had this idea that nobody sets out to make a bad movie. It just kind of happens.
Interview: Greg Carter reveals the true story behind ‘Lap Dance’
I recently caught up with charming and personable director Greg Carter. Mr. Carter wrote and directed 2014’s Lap Dance, a film based on his own life that involves his fiancé taking a job as an exotic dancer.
I understand that ‘Lap Dance’ was inspired by actual events in your life.
Greg Carter: Yeah, it was, yeah. Crazy, crazy.
Continue reading Interview: Greg Carter reveals the true story behind ‘Lap Dance’
Interview: Filmmakers Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith talk ‘Penguins of Madagascar’
At one point in time, animated films catered to children almost exclusively. Wholesome messages and brilliant art propelled these films to great heights. Thankfully, for nearly two decades now, the animated film has evolved to include parents into the proceedings. The new Dreamworks spin-off adventure Penguins of Madagascar is a prime example of a cartoon made for both kids and adults and the results are actually really fun. I had a chance to speak with the directors of the film (Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith). Here’s how it went:
Continue reading Interview: Filmmakers Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith talk ‘Penguins of Madagascar’
Bypass
Trouble often comes in threes. It can sometimes comes in more increments than that and it can come fast and it can come furiously. It especially can come to those who are good deep down, people who have nothing but the best interests of their friends and families in mind. The new British thriller Bypass presents this dilemma to its viewers and it is a bleak and sobering look at the limits one man will go to provide for those he loves. Director Duane Hopkins, who gave us another depressing look at the British middle class in 2008’s Better Things, continues to provide a dark outlook in his premise and a story which is full of constant misery.
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
In 1969, the world was rocked by something so great, so monumental and so important that it is considered one of humanity’s greatest modern achievements. No, I’m not talking about man landing on the moon. I’m talking about Sesame Street, a show which revolutionized children’s TV programming forever. The highly popular program combined education and entertainment seamlessly through song, humor and lots of furry creatures. These creatures were puppets manipulated by a crack team of individuals who certainly knew what they were doing. One of these individuals was (and still is) Caroll Spinney, a man who has been a working member of Sesame Street since its inception. He is better known as Big Bird and he’s even responsible for giving life and voice to Oscar the Grouch. The documentary I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story shines a spotlight on the man inside the bird suit and it’s really quite moving.
Everly
There is really something truly great about female action heroes. Hot chicks with guns who kick ass provide for some of the more entertaining cinematic fare. Women scorned who get revenge on predominantly male oppressors has been a crowd-pleasing formula for decades. From the Pam Grier blaxploitation flicks of the 1970s to Sigourney Weaver in the Alien franchise to Jennifer Lawrence in the more recent The Hunger Games films, let’s face it, audiences like to see strong women on film strike back against evil. The new Salma Hayek actioner Everly is just what the people want and it is certainly a bloody good time. Sure, it bears a striking resemblance to Kill Bill but that’s okay because it delivers the goods and then some.
Out of the Dark
Ghosts on film provide for some of the more creepy modes of storytelling. Shadowy creatures combined with creaking floors and a fear of the unknown often make the moviegoing experience a genuinely scary one. The new B-movie thriller Out of the Dark has more of these elements and then some and while it isn’t of the utmost quality, it does offer some rather decent shocks and some pretty solid performances from it lead actors. Set and filmed in Colombia, it is an average spookfest that is good for a momentary chill but other than that, it’s just low grade thriller that doesn’t have much to offer other than fine acting.
Unger the Radar 