The new independent dramedy Loitering with Intent focuses on two friends (Ivan Martin and Michael Godere), who are tasked with writing a screenplay in just 10 days. During their writing period, they are met with distractions, from an old flame (Marisa Tomei), a potential new flame (Isabelle McNally), and slightly unstable individuals (Sam Rockwell and Brian Geraghty). I recently had the amazing opportunity to interview Marisa Tomei, Sam Rockwell, Ivan Martin, Michael Godere, and director Adam Rapp. It was a lovely discussion as the stars and director spoke about the film’s origins and the different themes explored. Ms. Tomei and Mr. Rockwell also spoke about their favorite roles from the past and potential future projects. All in all, it was a truly wonderful interview. Loitering With Intent will be released January 16, 2015.
The independent dramedy is one of filmdom’s most interesting and reliable genres. With stories and actors that are grounded very much in reality, movies that fall under this genre provide for the most honest pieces of cinema to ever come to fruition. Loitering with Intent is one such film and while it has two notable stars headlining it, it feels like any other indie production, not flashy or anything huge. It is a bittersweet tale that features some very talented people and it is a movie that everyone should get around to seeing at some point.
The great thing about science fiction films is that they can pretty much take you anywhere. From action-adventures to romantic comedies, sci-fi can serve as the perfect backdrop for truly riveting cinema. The new Ethan Hawke film Predestination is science fiction for sure but it also has a bunch of other genres that it falls under and sadly this mishmash of genres creates some confusion as to what the true identity of the film is. Is it a big budget production and one of its leading actors turns in a superb performance but the film suffers from a severe lack of direction. Audiences may leave the theater scratching their heads and eventually forget this average sci-fi picture.
In 1958, English author Michael Bond introduced the world to Paddington Bear, a kind-hearted young bear who speaks, wears a slightly oversized hat, has a taste for marmalade as well as a penchant for adventure. Paddington has appeared in numerous books, animated programs, toys, and for purposes for this review, a feature-length film. Paddington is a charming movie that showcases the beloved bear and tells his story in an intelligent, fun, and visually-striking way. It is a film for the whole family and the perfect way to start off 2015.
Power can be achieved one of two ways. It can be achieved through hard work and honesty or it can be achieved by intimidation and tons of publicity. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has made a name for himself through the latter technique and with a career spanning over half a century, he is a force to be reckoned with, mostly because he knows how to work a camera and engage his audience. The new documentary The Joe Show focuses on the camera-happy sheriff and it is an honest, sometimes cringe-worthy look at a man who either doesn’t seem to know the impact he’s causing or knows all too well. The results are documentary filmmaking at its best and shine even more light on a man who has all the lights on him already.
The horror film genre has been on the decline in recent years. Sure, the Paranormal Activity series and various demon possession flicks grace the cineplex every now and then but they are simply the same premise recycled over and over again. Originality is a rarity these days and that is a real shame. That is of course until a film like the Australian psychological fright fest The Babadook comes along and turns the genre right on its head. A random scary movie which seems to be making a powerful impact, it is a film that relies on old fashioned storytelling, superb performances, a tight script, and even tighter direction. This is one horror film destined to become a genre classic.
Throughout the history of mankind, there have been many great men. There have been those who have changed the world and those who have improved the quality of life for everyone around them. Leonardo da Vinci was one such individual and his work as an artist and his revolutionary ideas and inventions have left a significant mark on the world. His life and creations have been examined before but the new documentary Inside the Mind of Leonardo takes it one step further, not only by having talented actor Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) portray DaVinci but the film is available in 3D. With such an innovative format in which to view the film, audiences are certainly in for a different take on the man’s life, though not a stellar take.
The main purpose of a documentary is a two-pronged one: to educate, as well as to entertain. If a documentary can pull off both of those missions, then that documentary has fulfilled its purpose. The new HBO doc Saving My Tomorrow is a powerful statement about the Earth and protecting the environment at all costs. Told through song, art, and the voices of deeply passionate children, the film delivers an extremely important message in a way that is fun, easy to digest, and suitable for the entire family.
The adventures of the elderly are unfortunately rarely captured on film. With so much experience and a strong sense of wisdom, older people can provide some of the more entertaining films out there. Gena Rowlands is an actress whose been around a while and once the camera go on, she lights up like a bright star. With so many credits to her name, she is arguably a film legend. Her latest film Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is yet another example of the actress’ immense talent and though this is a film that will probably not get a lot of attention, it is an adorable little dramedy that will either find its way on the Hallmark Channel, your heart, or both.
Films about abducted children often yield the strongest results. One of the great fears a parent has is that his or her child might go missing. This is a very real fear and films have been exploring that fear time and time again. In the new Canadian thriller The Captive, the missing child premise is presented in its usual bleak and highly disturbing manner. The film features a strong cast, breathtaking visuals, and tight direction from a filmmaker who has impressed in the past with his subtle style and thought-provoking subjects. Atom Egoyan is that filmmaker and The Captive is another of man’s probing works.
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