Me and Orson Welles (2008)

Directed By: Richard Linklater

Written By: Holly Gent Palmo (screenplay), Robert Kaplow (novel)

Starring: Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay, Ben Chaplin, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, James Tupper, Zoe Kazan

Review:

Me and Orson Welles is one of the best comedic dramas I have seen lately. It feels like a wonderful play that is unfolding before your eyes but on the big screen. Luckily this was playing near me this holiday in Tampa at an AMC Select theater. I was worried that I would not like this movie because I am not a huge fan of Zac Efron. I should say that I "was" not a fan of Efron because that has changed.

The film follows high school student Richard Samuels played by Zac Efron on his frenzied brush with fame and the stage during his portrayal of Lucius in the production of "Julius Ceasar" by a young Orson Welles, played by Christian McKay, at the Mercury Theater. Along his meteoric brush with stardom Richard falls for the hard-to-get Sonja Jones played by Claire Danes.

This film is a work of magic and Christian Mckay IS Orson Welles. He has nailed his performance for Welles in everything from the way he walked to the way he talked. I am hopeful that he will receive an Oscar nomination. Zac Efron really stands out in this performance. This is his most likeable and real role to date. He has fully captured the emotion of the moment in every scene and passes that on in his performance. I hope that this is what we have to look forward to in future performances from him. I thought Claire Danes looked amazing and had an excellent presence on screen amongst the rest of the cast.

The film follows the production of the play during the final week of rehersal up until opening night. Having been in a couple of plays myself I know how hectic, tiring yet energizing that time can be, it is almost magical. The mad dash to rehearse the lines and prepare the stage and props creates a euphoric mood amongst the cast and crew and everyone is running on adrenaline. These feelings and emotions are not lost in this film. Richard Linklater has deftly captured this feeling and put it to film. The audience feels as though they are right there watching everything unfold on stage and off.

The costuming and production for this film is astounding. I love the feel of New York City in 1937 that was clearly portrayed on screen. I wonder how many stages were actually used. Whatever the number they did a phenomenal job of production. Every detail was thought for and in place properly. I could not notice any mistakes in the film which is a good sign.

The Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a great comedy/drama with wonderful characters and excellent acting then Me and Orson Welles is for you.

Do They Know It's Christmas? - F*%CKED UP

Happy Holidays to everyone! Here is a remake of the Bob Geldof classic from the 80's. This song features: Andrew W.K., Bob Mould, David Cross, Ezra Koenig, GZA, Kevin Drew, Kyp Malone, Tegan and Sara, Yo La Tengo!



Buy this song today! It is for a good cause, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/do-they-know-its-christmas-feat/id345126169

For good measure I decided to throw in the original version from Band Aid below:

The Music of...The Middle East - "Blood"

This song is so beautiful and the video is pretty darn amazing. For more information about The Middle East visit their MySpace page HERE

The 67th Annual Golden Globe Nominees

Below are the nominees for the Golden Globes. What are your thoughts of the nominations this year?

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
AVATAR
THE HURT LOCKER
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS
PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE
UP IN THE AIR

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
EMILY BLUNT THE YOUNG VICTORIA
SANDRA BULLOCK THE BLIND SIDE
HELEN MIRREN THE LAST STATION
CAREY MULLIGAN AN EDUCATION
GABOUREY SIDIBE PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
JEFF BRIDGES CRAZY HEART
GEORGE CLOONEY UP IN THE AIR
COLIN FIRTH A SINGLE MAN
MORGAN FREEMAN INVICTUS
TOBEY MAGUIRE BROTHERS

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
(500) DAYS OF SUMMER
THE HANGOVER
IT’S COMPLICATED
JULIE & JULIA
NINE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
SANDRA BULLOCK THE PROPOSAL
MARION COTILLARD NINE
JULIA ROBERTS DUPLICITY
MERYL STREEP IT’S COMPLICATED
MERYL STREEP JULIE & JULIA

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
MATT DAMON THE INFORMANT!
DANIEL DAY-LEWIS NINE
ROBERT DOWNEY JR. SHERLOCK HOLMES
JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT (500) DAYS OF SUMMER
MICHAEL STUHLBARG A SERIOUS MAN

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
CORALINE
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
UP

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
BAARIA (ITALY)
BROKEN EMBRACES (SPAIN)
THE MAID (CHILE)
A PROPHET (FRANCE)
THE WHITE RIBBON (GERMANY)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
PENÉLOPE CRUZ NINE
VERA FARMIGA UP IN THE AIR
ANNA KENDRICK UP IN THE AIR
MO’NIQUE PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE
JULIANNE MOORE A SINGLE MAN

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
MATT DAMON INVICTUS
WOODY HARRELSON THE MESSENGER
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER THE LAST STATION
STANLEY TUCCI THE LOVELY BONES
CHRISTOPH WALTZ INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE
KATHRYN BIGELOW THE HURT LOCKER
JAMES CAMERON AVATAR
CLINT EASTWOOD INVICTUS
JASON REITMAN UP IN THE AIR
QUENTIN TARANTINO INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE
NEILL BLOMKAMP, DISTRICT 9
TERRI TATCHELL
MARK BOAL THE HURT LOCKER
NANCY MEYERS IT'S COMPLICATED
JASON REITMAN, UP IN THE AIR
SHELDON TURNER
QUENTIN TARANTINO INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE
MICHAEL GIACCHINO UP
MARVIN HAMLISCH THE INFORMANT!
JAMES HORNER AVATAR
ABEL KORZENIOWSKI A SINGLE MAN
KAREN O,
CARTER BURWELL WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE
“CINEMA ITALIANO” — NINE
Music & Lyrics by: Maury Yeston
“I WANT TO COME HOME” — EVERYBODY'S FINE
Music & Lyrics by: Paul McCartney
“I WILL SEE YOU” — AVATAR
Music by: James Horner, Simon Franglen
Lyrics by: James Horner, Simon Franglen, Kuk Harrell
“THE WEARY KIND (THEME FROM CRAZY HEART)” — CRAZY HEART
Music & Lyrics by: Ryan Bingham, T Bone Burnett
“WINTER” — BROTHERS
Music by: U2
Lyrics by: Bono

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
BIG LOVE (HBO)
DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
HOUSE (FOX)
MAD MEN (AMC)
TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
GLENN CLOSE DAMAGES
JANUARY JONES MAD MEN
JULIANNA MARGULIES THE GOOD WIFE
ANNA PAQUIN TRUE BLOOD
KYRA SEDGWICK THE CLOSER

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA
SIMON BAKER THE MENTALIST
MICHAEL C. HALL DEXTER
JON HAMM MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE HOUSE
BILL PAXTON BIG LOVE

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
30 ROCK (NBC)
ENTOURAGE (HBO)
GLEE (FOX)
MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
THE OFFICE (NBC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
TONI COLLETTE UNITED STATES OF TARA
COURTENEY COX COUGAR TOWN
EDIE FALCO NURSE JACKIE
TINA FEY 30 ROCK
LEA MICHELE GLEE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL
ALEC BALDWIN 30 ROCK
STEVE CARELL THE OFFICE
DAVID DUCHOVNY CALIFORNICATION
THOMAS JANE HUNG
MATTHEW MORRISON GLEE

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
GEORGIA O'KEEFFE (LIFETIME TELEVISION)
GREY GARDENS (HBO)
INTO THE STORM (HBO)
LITTLE DORRIT (PBS)
TAKING CHANCE (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
JOAN ALLEN GEORGIA O'KEEFFE
DREW BARRYMORE GREY GARDENS
JESSICA LANGE GREY GARDENS
ANNA PAQUIN THE COURAGEOUS HEART OF IRENA SENDLER
SIGOURNEY WEAVER PRAYERS FOR BOBBY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
KEVIN BACON TAKING CHANCE
KENNETH BRANAGH WALLANDER: ONE STEP BEHIND
CHIWETEL EJIOFOR ENDGAME
BRENDAN GLEESON INTO THE STORM
JEREMY IRONS GEORGIA O'KEEFFE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
JANE ADAMS HUNG
ROSE BYRNE DAMAGES
JANE LYNCH GLEE
JANET McTEER INTO THE STORM
CHLOË SEVIGNY BIG LOVE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
MICHAEL EMERSON LOST
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
WILLIAM HURT DAMAGES
JOHN LITHGOW DEXTER
JEREMY PIVEN ENTOURAGE

World's Greatest Dad (2009)

Rated R for language, crude and sexual content, some drug use and disturbing images.

99 Minutes

Written and Directed By: Bobcat Goldthwait
Staring: Robin Williams, Alexie Gilmore, Daryl Sabara, Evan Martin

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone. - Lance Clayton

Review:

This is one of the most unique comedies I have seen in a while. It is extremely crude an dark and hilarious all rolled up into one great film. This is Robin Williams best work in a long time. Bobcat Goldthwait did a great job at writing and directing this and I for one hope that he continues in this arena. I remember growing up seeing him in the Police Academy films and One Crazy Summer and laughing myself silly. This movie deals with many topical social issues in a real and meaningful way that everyone can relate to.

Lance Clayton, played by Robin Williams, is a failed author, teacher and pushover father who is raising his son Kyle by himself. Kyle is played by Daryl Sabara, in one of his most mature roles to date. Initially I did not recognize him, but he was the kid in Spy Kids. This role is a dark departure from his past roles I think you will agree. Kyle is a loaner whose only friend Andrew, played by Evan Martin, is very soft spoken and lets Kyle boss him around. Kyle has no friends at school, is constantly talking about sex and looking at porn on his computer and getting into fights at school. He is a fathers worst nightmare and he walks all over his father as well.

Lance on the other hand is miserable over his lack of success as an author. He is a poetry teacher at a private school and no one takes his class seriously. He is having a secret relationship with the art teacher who he fears has eyes for the super successful creative writing teacher. His only escape from his dismal life is watching movies and smoking pot on occasion.

You may be thinking, is this film funny. The answer to your question is YES. It is something that anyone can relate to in a number of ways. Each of us may either be at a job we hate, have to deal with people that make our lives hell. The scenes in Worlds Greatest Dad are real and for that reason we can relate to them and laugh to ourselves because they are so truthful. I can't go into greater detail about the plot for fear of giving away the film. I would rather you watch things unfold for yourself and get caught up in the movie. Trust me though, this film is different and unique and you will not be expecting it.

To me, the best part of the film is Robin Williams. His facial expressions and line delivery are fabulous. What makes this film work is that it is simple and yet very well scripted. The character development is excellent. There are no cheesy gimmicks like many comedies out there today, it is just pure dark humor. If dark humor is not your thing then this may not be the film for you. I myself, thoroughly enjoyed it and think you should definitely rent it.

Invictus (2009)

Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Written By: Anthony Peckham, John Carlin
Staring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge

Review:

Clint Eastwood is a great actor but is also a phenomenal director who truly knows have to craft films that are not only entertaining, but moving as well. Invictus is a film that is inspirational, unifying, and very intense at times. I personally feel as though Eastwood, Freeman and Damon should receive an Academy Award nomination for this film. Morgan Freeman is a mirror image of Nelson Mandela. This is very fitting since Mandela is a very commanding person, you have a very commanding screen presence in Freeman. Damon is also very good and has definitely gotten in shape after starring in The Informant, where he had to bulk up a bit. He fits the role of a rugby player perfectly and I think you will be happy with his acting both on and off the rugby field in this film.

The film follows Nelson Mandela after he took office as President of South Africa. After spending 30 years imprisoned by South Africa as a terrorist, Mandela emerged with love for his country and wanted to make a difference. In the first election where blacks were allowed to vote alongside whites, Mandela was elected President and was faced with some almost insurmountable tasks ahead. As President, Mandela wanted knew that he had to unify the people of South Africa to make a stronger country. Oddly enough, he saw rugby and Francois Pienaar as his hopes to win the 1995 World Cup.

The film does a fabulous job of representing the great divide that was present at the time between the people of South Africa. There was so much anger, distrust and uncertainty which was causing a lot of stress to the people. I am not one for enjoying a lot of historical dramas like Invictus on a regular basis. However, I am happy to say that this is truly a great film. I think that it has a bit of something for everyone in some respects. I hope and imagine that this film will be showed in History classes around the world to let people know about this great story.

One other aspect that makes Invictus unique is the fact that rugby is the main part of the film. There are not many films that capture rugby as a sport and for that there is a lot to be said. The scenes on the field during game play are extremely realistic and intense. The close up shots of the game play make you feel as if you are right on the field.

The Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a film to take the family to see that is not the traditional holiday movie then I recommend Invictus because it will not only entertain but inspire you!

1/2

The Music of...The Antlers - "Two"

This is a wonderful song by The Antlers from their album Hospice entitled "Two". The song is beautiful and so is the video. The guitar is infectious and the rythm melodic and I think you will love it.

Dave Matthews Giveaway

Dave Matthews Giveaway!

Since I also write for Movie Mobsters, I thought I would do a cross-post here for the contest we are running.

In promotion of this weeks release of Dave Matthews, "Larger Than Life........IN 3D", we at Movie Mobsters are giving away yet MORE free stuff. The first poster to answer each question correctly will receive one of our winning packets, including posters, t-shirts, authentic concert lanyards. We have four t-shirts, three posters, and four concert lanyards up for grabs here. Be quick to answer the questions though, this is only in theaters for ONE week.

1. Where is Dave originally from?

• Answer correctly and win Two T-Shirts, One Poster, and Two Concert Lanyards

2. What is the name of Dave's first solo album?

• Answer correctly and win One Poster and Two Concert Lanyards

3. Which of their albums is "The Song That Jane Likes" on?

• Answer correctly and win One Poster and Two T-Shirts

For more about "Larger Than Life........In 3D" you can go to the official website www.inconcert3d.com or check out the article here at Movie Mobsters.

Everybody's Fine (2009)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language.

100 Min.

Directed By: Kirk Jones

Written By: Kirk Jones, Massimo De Rita

Starring: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Katherine Moening, James Frain, Bendan Sexton III

Review:

Most holiday films that come to mind are heartwarming, cheery and even a bit silly. Everybody's Fine is not truly a holiday film, it just happens to come out during this time of year and have a small portion of it that relates to the holidays. What you have in reality is a drama/comedy/road movie. Usually these types of films have not always panned out so well. Luckily Robert De Niro is fantastic in this role. The rest of the cast is great as well, in fact they compliment each other so well they are very believable as brothers and sisters.

Imagine a sixty year old man whose daily uniform consists of wearing comfortable Rockport walking shoes a Members Only style jacket and slacks and you will have a good understanding of De Niro's character Frank. The audience can relate to him as a widower who is retired and living alone who spends most of his time working on the yard and is having to come to terms with the idea that he is going to spend the remainder of his life without his wife. His four kids are all grown up and when they decide to not visit him as planned for a weekend he decides to take to the road to visit each of them in one big trip.

Because of his ailing health he is forced to travel by bus and train for the entire trip at the orders of his doctor. His goal for the trip is to check up on everyone and make sure that his kids are happy and try to rekindle the relationship with his kids after years of focusing on work. Imagine feeling alone, isolated and regretting not building a relationship with your children and you may have an idea of what Frank feels like in this film.

I really loved the cinematography, there are some great shots during Frank's cross country travels via train and bus. It has a sense of taking the audience on the open road as well which is fun. I love watching movies road movies because it makes me want to get in my car and drive and experience road side eateries and small secluded towns. The characters that Frank encounters along his journey are very unique which brings a nice touch to the film. Be prepared to be emotional while watching this film so you may want to have your tissues ready.

The Bottom Line:

Everybody's Fine will take you on your own emotional journey if you let. I say let it, drive into it head on knowing that you will experience one of the most real, touching holiday films. I think you will agree that this film will have you doing some introspection on your own life which is a perfect thing. Just remember your family and friends are always there for you. It's the law during the holidays.