May 3rd, 2013 7:48am EDT
It’s fairly safe to say, that few filmmakers would attempt to shoot a found footage movie like Bobcat Goldthwait’s “Willow Creek.” There aren’t many writer/directors who could make an absurd combination mockumentary/horror flick even remotely watchable. That’s why Goldthwait is one of the bravest, most uncompromising voices in independent film right now. When he decides to experiment with a specific type of story, he’s dedicated to seeing the project through, no matter how strange the idea is. He gracefully accepts that not everyone loves what he’s doing, and focuses on creating fresh pictu...
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Bobcat Goldthwait
May 1st, 2013 10:00pm EDT
When the creators of last year’s wicked horror anthology “V/H/S” sat down to make a sequel, it seems like they were reading from an audience suggestion box. That’s because “V/H/S/2” addresses many of the major complaints people had with its predecessor. And although the movie still isn’t perfect, it vastly improves upon the formula established by the first film, to tell more engaging stories.
For those who missed “V/H/S,” here’s the setup: People break into a house and stumble upon piles of mysterious VHS tapes. In this particular case they’re a couple of private investigators checking on ...
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V/H/S/2, VHS
April 30th, 2013 7:41am EDT
Shakespeare has never been as accessible on the big screen as he is in Joss Whedon’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Sure, there have been plenty of modern Shakespearean film adaptations, but they often rely on well-known actors or massive stylistic updates to connect with audiences. Whedon’s version bridges that gap because it features his stable of performers and includes modern technology, while maintaining the essence of The Bard’s work.
Just because Whedon changes some aspects of the tale to suit our time however, doesn’t mean that he throws tradition completely out the window. If you’re ...
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Much Ado About Nothing
April 28th, 2013 6:01pm EDT
The British can make almost anything funny with their dry, cheeky sense of humor, including murder. Sounds messed up, right? You might be wondering, “How could murder ever be humorous?” Well, it can be hilarious, if it’s for all the wrong, outrageous reasons in Ben Wheatley’s dark road-comedy “Sightseers.”
All of the violence and chaos in the film seems logical and amusing, because you find out quickly, that the main characters each have a screw loose. First there’s Carol (Eileen Davis), an overbearing, melodramatic, mother who can’t stand the thought of her 34-year-old daughter Tina (Alic...
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Director Ben Wheatley Talks 'Sightseers,' Lethal Locations and The Cult Success Of 'Kill List'
Sightseers
April 28th, 2013 11:21am EDT
Last night, the Tribeca Film Festival held its annual invitational wrap party hosted by Heineken. This has been dubbed the best party of the festival this side of Vanity Fair. I had fun floating through the crowds and capturing some great moments. Big thanks to Tammie Rosen for the official invite. Check out the photos from the event!
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April 27th, 2013 4:25pm EDT
If Nat Faxon and Jim Rash’s directorial debut “The Way, Way Back” had a theme song, it would be Bonnie Tyler’s “I Need a Hero.” Why a tune from the ‘80s film “Footloose?” A couple of reasons.
First, when facing a ridiculous dilemma in the movie, the character Owen (Sam Rockwell) looks out into a crowd, and jokingly asks for assistance by quoting it. The amusing kicker is that no one gets the reference, even after he tries to mention the recent “Footloose” remake. The gag and the impending laughs from its failure are indicative of this picture’s delightful retro style.
Second, and more imp...
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The Way Way Back
April 27th, 2013 12:52pm EDT
If you’re a fan indie rock or the live music scene at large, you will like this film. If you’re a fan of Radiohead’s Meeting People is Easy, you will like this film. If you are a fan of The National, you will really like this film. And if you find the Zach Galifianakis brand of humor funny, not only will you love this film, but you should mark it down as a must see.
Granted, Galifianakis is nowhere to be found in this 80 minute rockumentary, but his doppelganger is surely manifested in the form of one Tom Berninger, whose much-older brother Matt happens to be the lead singer of the band. T...
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2013 Tribeca Film Festival Kicks Off With Premiere Of 'Mistaken For Strangers'
Kanye West Headlining Coachella 2011
Matt Berninger, The National
April 26th, 2013 11:23am EDT
The Tribeca Film Festival starts its final weekend with a full slate of screening for your movie going pleasure. Today is the best day to hit up that film you’ve been eyeballing in the programs—after today the rush queues get SUPER long. Here are some of the more talked about selections that will be playing today.
Note: all three films will be showing today at Clearview Cinemas in Chelsea. For rush tickets, it's best to arrive at the venue one hour prior to show time.
Trials of Mohammed Ali
Directed by Bill Siegel and executive produced by Academy Award-winner Leon Gast, The Trials of Mu...
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'Grindhouse' Feature 'Death Proof' (Unrated & Extended Version) Comes To DVD Sept. 18
Gore Vidal, Rachel Nichols, Zoe Bell
April 26th, 2013 9:12am EDT
Independent Film Festival Boston opened Wednesday night with a screening of “The Spectacular Now,” which I was lucky enough to attend.
James Ponsoldt’s film “The Spectacular Now,” draws inspiration from John Hughes and Cameron Crowe ‘80s teen flicks, to tell an unabashedly earnest tale of young love. In fact, Ponsoldt’s movie is so unapologetically honest, that his lead actors don’t even wear make-up. This decision keeps the picture grounded and relatable though, because when you see their imperfections up close, you actually feel like you’re watching real kids in high school.
One of thos...
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James Ponsoldt, Spectacular Now
April 25th, 2013 11:46am EDT
The Tribeca Film Festival marches on today (Thursday) with a full slate of films that will be screening at several locations downtown in New York. If you're one of the lucky people who aren't tied down to an office desk today, you may want to try your hand at one of the many matinee shows (since everyone will be at work, your chances of getting rush tickets are much, much better). With that, note that two of the three films screening today are matinees!
Note: all three films will be showing today at Clearview Cinemas in Chelsea. For rush tickets, it's best to arrive at the venue one hour p...
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Review: 'Ruby Sparks' An Off Beat, Funny, Touching, Fantasy About Love
'Happythankyoumoreplease' On DVD & Blu-ray June 21
Zoe Kazan