Wednesday, November 17, 2010

American Sunset (2010) Now Available on DVD and Blu-ray

Last March Hollywood lost a great talent from the ranks. I speak of actor Corey Haim, whom during the height of his career (acting alongside best friend, Corey Feldman) was considered one of industry’s biggest child stars and teen ideal during the last years of the 80’s, but being on the top did not come with a price at such a young age as he struggled with the harsh truth of decline in popularity as the times changed due to substance abuse throughout most of his adult life which plagued his career and haunted his personal life. But before the final curtain call he was able to bring hope and satisfaction to his devoted and loyal fan base with the film American Sunset, which is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.




Los Angeles, CA – (WORLD STOCK WIRE) – Global Entertainment Holdings, Inc. a publicly traded entertainment Company (OTCBB: GBHL), and its Canadian affiliate, Global Universal Pictures (“Global Pictures”), announces the on-line distribution of the Company’s action thriller, American Sunset, exclusively on the film’s website: AmericanSunsetTheMovie.com, operated by Global Universal Film Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GBHL.

Due to an overwhelming demand from moviegoers, predominantly the late Corey Haim’s loyal fan base, Global Universal has launched the Company’s DVD sales division. With the Company having experienced a number of orders far in excess of what it had anticipated, just on the first day of availability, it was necessary for the Company to outsource the production of additional copies of the film.

“As is frequently the case with mainstream Hollywood, the movie has met its fair share of resistance. Corey Haim was a much admired Child Actor and Teen Heartthrob. His extraordinary talent was well recognized by distinguished critics at a very young age, firmly planting the establishment of his persona as the adorable little boy next door.” stated Jackie Giroux, American Sunset’s Producer.

“It’s well known how unforgiving Hollywood can be to grown up child stars, but the fans emphatically embrace him still… We have received abundant correspondence demanding an opportunity to see his final contribution to the film industry and the world. In the exclusive behind the scenes footage, Corey stated “I Want Everyone to See This Movie”, and his public will now have the opportunity to enjoy his exceptional performance in American Sunset. It is in his memory, and with this resolve that we move forward, passionately, to make this production, and others still to come, a smashing success.” concluded Ms. Giroux.

The Highly Acclaimed Film, American Sunset, features Corey Haim in his final performance as an adult leading actor. “Corey brought American Sunset to life with his outstanding performance.” stated Gary Rasmussen, CEO of Global Universal Film Group. He continues: “Between the talented cast, the exceptional directing, and the spellbinding plot of this film, it leaves nothing to be desired but a need to watch it again. We expect our internet sales to reflect these factors, as the popularity of this film continues to grow.”

American Sunset unravels a mysterious conspiracy with numerous spellbinding plot twists revolving around a kidnapping ploy that robs a devoted husband of his true love, while playing a game that prolongs her safety by correctly responding to the kidnapper’s riddles. One wrong answer means fatal consequences. As the pursuit to save his wife plunges Haim’s character deeper into a corrupt world, the greedy, deceptive and immoral motives become increasingly obvious; this is not just a random kidnapping for money, this is deadly personal.

The Movie, American Sunset, is NOW AVAILABLE in DVD and Blu-ray for distribution worldwide on the film’s Official website:
AmericanSunsetTheMovie.com. Please visit the site and view the trailer.


Here's a clip of Corey talking about American Sunset



This film will make for the ultimate gift of the holiday season for any fan of Corey Haim as it generously displays his graceful comeback before his unfortunate passing.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Review: Unstoppable (2010) [Reviewed By David Deminic Dimichele]

Directed by: Tony Scott
Written By: Mark Bomback
Starring: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine and Rosario Dawson
Release Date: 12 November 2010 (USA)
Rated: PG-13 for sequences of action and peril, and some language.

Review: *** out of ****

Depending on relentless action has been for director Tony Scott a necessity, almost to the point where his films are never able to prevail over the impertinent unless he succumbs, and yet again embraces, a gallant spectacle of improbable explosions. Some fancy this style of direction. But once all the booms, fires and crashes have dissipated there is a feeling of disengagement. Previous films from Scott are like this (“Déjà Vu”); they are forgetful because he abates humanity, unhinging his audience from any opportunity that could grant us the slightest semblance of emotion. With his latest film “Unstoppable,” humanity is permeating the entire picture, evident in every frame right alongside Scott’s fervent obsession with unrelenting action. The results surprise us.

Everything is augmented to a tremendous magnitude. Everything! Scott takes full advantage of a huge steel monster of a train (consisting of 39 cars) that is unmanned and carrying highly explosive materials, torpedoing down the rural Pennsylvania railroad tracks on its way toward Scranton, a highly populated city of about 70,000. Scott does not hesitate to cash in on this incident based on true life events (originally occurring in Ohio in 2001). Surely some fabrication has been used which can be accounted for due to some insanely implausible occurrences.

This entire catastrophe is ignited by Dewey (Ethan Suplee), a lazy railroad worker who is unforgivable in his doings. This human error sends in motion a series of potential cataclysmic events (school children onboard train!) that are unabashed in its approach to incite the crowd. But what outshines all the carnage, explosions and unceasing adrenaline rushes is Scott’s newly found ability to locate what truly makes cinema pure: Humanity.



Scenes are many where we have dialogue that does not feel like it is being shoved down our throats. Instead it feels voluble and unforced, evoking the atmosphere of blue-collar workers who are comfortable in their environment. The potent dialogue begins and ends with the 28-year veteran train engineer Frank (Denzel Washington) and Will (Chris Pine), a four month rookie with connections in the business. They are currently on a job. It is early in the morning. We see the fog dissipating; discern their breath as it hits the cold air; and are immersed in the cold, brisk atmosphere that is surrounded by trees of multiple colors and some that have fallen victim to the coldness, bearing no leaves at all. This is all beautifully captured and can even be seen as another character as the runaway train will plow through this gorgeous environment promising to decimate all in its path.

Frank and Chris are conducting a single car train. Frank initiates the conversation by asking Will about his love life. Typical guy talk. Will tells him it is a long story. Frank replies by telling him that they have all day. They do have a long work day ahead of them. Frank sees this as being an opportunity to bond with Will; the older generation willing to talk and engage, while the younger generation more mute and stand-offish.



Little does time pass before Frank is told that an unmanned train is heading his direction. He communicates with an overwhelmed traffic control officer played by Rosario Dawson who urges him to play it safe. But come on, this is Denzel Washington; we know he is not going to shrink away from saving the day. With all the commotion occurring outside the train of Frank and Will - the insatiable news stations, the train company’s money-hungry CEOs, the near fatal crashes and close calls of derailment by the runaway train - we find shelter from the storm. Scott distinguishes two separate environments. He balances the quarrelsome behavior with the serenely calmness found within the single car train. It is a juxtaposition of the panic-stricken society with the assurance of two men who are not afraid to die.

But what is even more appealing than this juxtaposition of environments is the communication emerging between two distinct generations (veteran/rookie, old/young). We see the differences of Frank and Chris decrease over time partly because they actually listen and talk to each other without any preconceived judgments or prejudices and, secondly, their initial considerably distanced relationship becomes condensed because they realize humanity is at stake. It would help that people were on the same page while trying to save a town from complete devastation.



Scott needs to be fortunate to have Washington and Pine onboard. They are both the embodiments of their respective generations; Washington is the protector and we feel safe when in his presence; Pine is the rebel (as seen in “Star Trek”) who wants to do it his way but still smart enough to adhere to a more experienced individual. Surprisingly enough Scott sees the potential here. Such prodigious potential it is. Many of Scott’s movies are incommunicable and not participating in human personalities that are integral to the picture he is making. With “Unstoppable” he shows a sincere reverence for dialogue. And as we listen to Denzel and Chris talk, as they fly 70mph down the Pennsylvania railroad tracks, we do not want to leave their train. It is the only place where reality is occurring and communication flourishing. Once we leave their company, no matter how entertaining it can be, that flame of reality is extinguished by the overbearing force of things that have the tendency to explode into thousands of pieces.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Review: The Red Hours (2008) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

Directed by: John Fallon
Written by: John Fallon (written by)
Genre: Short / Horror
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 2008
Starring: Deke Richards, Heather Westwood, Amy Wickenheiser.

Plot: On one fateful night at a lowly dive bar, the tension between two lovers finally explodes resulting in a soirée of blood, chainsaw and bullets.

Review: 8/10

The Story is about: A quiet war is transpiring between lovers Marc (Deke Richards) and Natasha (Amy Wickenheiser). The more mature and old fashion Marc can't come to terms with his better half being bisexual hence he's constantly feeling hurt and resentful. On her end, Natasha feels criticized and un-accepted, consequently finding comfort in the arms of her lover Drew (Heather Westwood). The tension between them all reach a critical mass as the boiling point of their relationship results into chaos.

My Thoughts: As an online film critic, I enjoyed closely following the critiques of other fellow columnists and critics in my field, one that easily comes to mind is Actor/film critic John Fallon (AKA Arrow in The Head from Joblo.com.) a film critic who’s own 2 cents caught my attention early on when I was still a voiceless moviegoer in the overwhelming crowds. I often at times found myself concurring with his critiques 60 to 65% of the time (I’ve highly disagreed with him on a few films in the past, but luckily this should remain as proof of my unbiased nature on the matter). Since than I’ve had the opportunity of interviewing him personally which was both an honor and a pleasure. I’ve also had the chance to review a film in which he starred in (DEADEN (2006)) which aside from a few flaws I found quite enjoyable especially with how he handled himself as an actor in the film. so seeing that he’s taped into the field of critiquing, acting, and producing it was only a matter of time, in my opinion, before he’d have his hand at directing and writing, luckily for me, he’s done both in a little known sort film called THE RED HOURS (2008).

THE RED HOURS is a film which proved to be strangely alluring. The film’s tone is set from the start of the very first frame which gives it’s viewers an insight into shear madness. We are shown Mark, a man who‘s in the bathroom of a rave party looking into a mirror at himself, while at quick glance it seems he‘s just looking at himself, it becomes clear that Mark is doing much more, he is starring into his own soul which is obviously filled with rage and discontent regarding his relationship status with his girlfriend and is un-doubtable suspicions. From this moment on the line between reality and delusion begins to blur and we are taken to a chaotically horrific setting where Mark is awaken tide to a char while his girlfriend and another woman make out while holding a human heart (or at least that‘s what it looked like to me) from here the story takes a dramatically pulse pounding race for survival leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat wondering how will it all end. Some will argue that this film is an art house piece while others say it’s surrealist piece. I say it’s the type of short film that filmmaker’s Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock would have cooked up had they ever worked together [Laughs]. But seriously, TRH is a marvelous surrealist piece that really digs deep into the human psyche and shows the war that we fight within ourselves and the meaningful concept of doomed relationships and how we’re all sort of on a one way rollercoaster ride down the rabbit hole of insanity and the best thing most can do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Fallon defiantly took point from the formulated ideas of some of the greats when making this and I respect him greatly for it. The film’s plot doesn’t try to makes sense of itself (so don‘t bother attempting to do so) but rather explains to you the moral of the story, not through dialog but through it’s individual impulsive actions which are mirrored though the emotions of the main character creating a horrific delusion full of pain, fear, misery and utter chaos that leads up to the ultimate punch line, a kiss of death. Some of what I’ve said may not make much sense to you but make no mistake about it that TRH is a remarkable piece of film art that speaks to a generation living a lost cause of failing relationships and trying to understand that which is meant to die.

As for the acting: well what can I say, the acting was for the most part professional but a bit of a mix bag, but despite having a run time of only 10 minutes in length the actors manage to create an atmospheric overtone that brought an alluring sense to these characters which proved to be both entertaining and fulfilling. Deke Richards who’s worked with John Fallon numerously in the past as co-stars on a number of previous projects, is now working together once more but this time as star and director. Richards pulls off a fine performance which was both edgy and thought provoking because most of the film’s foundation is built upon his physical reactions and impulses. I’m not very familiar with Heather Westwood or Amy Wickenheiser’s past works so there’s no chance at me giving a proper comparisons, but, their performance was passable to say the least in my opinion and help add some depth to the story working opposites of Richards.

Final Say: If a picture is worth a thousand words, then THE RED HOURS is worth that amount tenfold as it’s without a doubt clear that Fallon’s put a lot of effort and hard work into developing this sort into nothing sort of creative art at it‘s best. Though it may not be for everyone it‘s highly recommended taking a look at. I highly recommend it!

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All Rights Reserved

Jessica Alba Photo Scandal!

The other day while covering the Kat Dennings photo scandal I failed to take notice of another photo scandal that was amidst in the web that I had no clue of until recently (forgive me dear readers but sometimes things will slip through the cracks, or I‘ll just simply not want to cover them. This being the latter of course).

Anyway, it appears that actress Jessica Alba has found herself in the middle of a photo scandal frenzy! Topless photos of the actress, who’s refusal to do on screen nude scenes have been leaked onto the adult website ‘Fleshbot.’ The photos are cell phone pictures that she had sent to close friends which documents her pregnancy shortly before the birth of her daughter Honor Marie. The photos couldn’t have arrived at a better time for the actress’s career as she is facing some backlash for her recent interview in Elle Magazine which has been met with tough criticism by some around the blogosphere.

One of the many quotes she‘s being criticized for in her interview (among other things said in the interview) ‘I’m shy. I do not like being the center of attention. When it comes to comedy though I lose all of my inhibition and I no longer care’ said Alba in her interview. ‘The time that I don’t spend with my kid has to be worth it. Now I prefer not to be the lead. I like this better. It is a whole different approach.’

One of the photographs display Alba lifting her shirt and showing off her swollen, pregnant stomach. Another of the photographs also displays a fair shot of her exposed breasts. The pictures were meant for personal sentiment purposes in nature and were not taken to be explicitly sexual in any way, rather to simply document her pregnancy.

It’s also been made clear that the pictures were taken in the presence of her husband, Cash Warren, which only furthers proves the story behind these photos being meant for documentation.

Personal opinion on Alba’s interview aside, it’s obviously clear that these photo’s of the actress were not taken for sexual purposes nor where they planted by Alba to be leaked, anyone who observes the pics will take notice that these pics were undeniably meant for displaying her pregnancy and nothing else, it’s only unfortunate that certain other parts were also visible in the photos.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Uwe Boll's Blubberella Trailer Hits The Web!

There are only so many things in the world that is considered offensive. But director Uwe Boll would like to prove otherwise. Known for his work on video game based movies, the director has gone on to up the notch of offensiveness with every passing film. And some argued that he’d finally reached the limit - a low that any person could possibly go - until word of his latest project ‘BLUBBERELLA’, a story about an overweight superhero who fights Nazis while keeping her unquenchable hunger for food at bay.

For a while now some thought the project to be a horrible rumor, seeing that the synapses alone seemed too much of a joke to be taken seriously even by Boll’s standards and the only shred of proof was a poorly design poster that looked like a fan made it instead of a professional so have even said that the project itself was a rumor made up by a fan of the filmmaker, however the rumor has finally been debunked as a trailer for the feature project has hit the web and my is it ever so offensive to viewers everywhere! We at TCWreviews will not support this project by putting the video up on our site but will gladly redirect you to a site that does have it up online, so head on over to Joblo and check it out for yourself!

Despite not showing any support for his latest or past projects I have to say I at least respect director Uwe Boll for sticking to his ideals when making a film.

Jessica Alba Vs. John August!

They say all press is good press right? Well Actress Jessica Alba is known for many things, drop dead body, her pretty looks and unmatched charm both on and off camera which has proven quite profitable for her over the years, but outstanding performance skills in not one of them. Granted she’s gone far as an actress and have starred in some very notable roles (Dark Angel keeps coming to mind), however I seriously doubt she’d be accepting the award for best actress in the Oscars anytime soon. So in all the moment’s where all press is good press, this bit is far from being anywhere near to good press.

Recently quoted from her interview in Elle Magazine on the subject of acting, and how to be good at it she gave a piece of advice that should have been kept to herself, what was her advice? Ignore the screenwriters.

She was quoted for saying "Good actors never use the script unless it’s amazing writing. All the good actors I’ve worked with, they all say whatever they want to say."

Now it’s more then safe to say that there isn’t a respectable person in they’re right mind in the industry who would go bat-shit crazy on her for such a comment, however before many had the chance to attack her on her comment famed screenwriter John August (BIG FISH and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY) decided to be the knight in shining armor for his fellow screenwriters by saying this little tidbit on his blog following the events of her interview.

“Oh, Jessica

I have to believe she was misquoted, or excerpted in some unflattering way, because Jessica Alba couldn’t have actually said (the quote).
Oh, Jessica. Where to start?

Scripts aren’t just the dialogue. Screenplays reflect the entire movie in written form, including those moments when you don’t speak. Do you know the real reason we hold table readings in pre-production? So the actors will read the entire script at least once.
Following your logic, you’ve never been in a movie with both good actors and amazing writing. That may be true, but it might hurt the feelings of David Wain, Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller.

You’re saying your co-stars who delivered their lines as written are not “good actors.” Awkward.

You’re setting dangerous expectations. So if an aspiring actor wishes to be “good,” she should say whatever she wants to say? That’s pretty terrible advice.

Screenwriters can be your best friends. We are pushovers for attractive people who pay attention to us. I wrote that bathtub scene in Big Fish because Jessica Lange made brief eye contact with me. So if you’re not getting great writing — and honestly, you’re not — ask to have lunch with the screenwriter. I’ve seen you on interviews. You’re charming. That charm could work wonders.

Again: I know that quotes often come out in ways we never intended. It’s lacking context — though the photos are lovely. (Hi, Carter Smith!) I’m calling this out just so we can all hopefully learn something."


I’m just as optimistic as August on this subject too and hope it was taken out of context and she was misquoted, because if she wasn’t then she’s opened a Pandora's box of problems for herself which could potentially hurt the relationships she’s built with respectable filmmakers and screenplay writers she’s worked with in the past and possibly hindered future opportunities in the process.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Kat Dennings caught in nude photo scandal!

When will celebrities learn? No matter how cautious or how well hidden one’s sexy little secret’s may be (I believe all actresses should take note from none other then Paris Hilton on this subject) so long as there is compromising photos or video of yourself in existence it will eventually see the light of day, it’s only a matter of time.

Actress Kat Dennings is the latest celeb to find herself stuck in the middle of a nude photo scandal. The scandalous photos of the ‘Nick & Nora’ starlet were leaked onto the Web earlier last week. The snapshots show the actress in some very compromising poses in her underwear while exposing her breast.

No word on how the actress is taking the upsetting news on this but the site that released them as since taken them off and replaced with the message: "Unfortunately, we've had to remove the photos as her attorneys have confirmed the photos belong to Dennings.”

While this is truly unfortunate for Dennings, the recent turn up of these pics have had some question whether or not the photos were stolen from the actress or whether they were sent to the site intentionally to build hype around her latest film ‘Daydream Nation’ which got mixed reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Daydream Nation star’s Dennings as a seventeen-year-old who moves from the city to a small town in Canada where an industrial fire burns endlessly and everyone in her new high school seem to be permanently stoned.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Review: The Telephone Game (2010) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski]

Starring: Wes Tank, Haley Chamberlain
Directed By: Jason Schumacher
Written By: Jason Schumacher, Wes Tank (play)
Grade: B

The Telephone Game opens in a dramatic and ominous fashion, bringing us to a theater where most of the film takes place. Marco DeGarr (Tank) is holding auditions for his play. When Zelphia (Chamberlain) reads for him he knows she’s his leading lady and he becomes completely infatuated with her. Marco decides that he should be the one to play the lead, Zelphia’s romantic interest. He thinks he’s the only one who can understand and bring the necessary depth to the role. Zelphia and Marco start spending a lot of time together. A romance quickly develops with them, making many question whether this will complicate the show.

Before long the play quickly unravels as Marco’s sanity is questioned. Zelphia doubts if the man she fell in love with is still there anywhere. Despite everything, she is still trying to keep the play together since she knows Marco’s intentions are in the right place. She connected with the play and her character and she can’t bare to let it see fall to pieces. Then again as Marco said from the beginning, “It has to fall apart before it can come together again”.

The Telephone Game offers some interesting insight on writing, people, and the relationship between fiction and reality. Zelphia questions who Marco wrote himself after. He tells her there’s a little bit of him in every character; “everybody’s a little bit of everybody”. As a writer the whole world you create comes from your mind and those that surround you. If it’s not directly a piece of you in a character, it’s a piece of your experiences and how you see the world. The play is almost a character itself. It’s even bigger than its creator, having the ability to affect everyone involved for better or worse. The film really shows the struggles and hardships of putting on a production, just as how one can get so completely caught up in it.

The cast was incredible and really added another dimension to this character-based film. Wes Tank did a great job as Marco, showing the many layers of him. Having written the play that the film is based off of, it’s not surprising that he had an understanding and connection of the character and the material. Everyone involved could find some parallels, but it seems like this relationship would be stronger with Wes more than anyone else. Haley Chamberlain was a gem, simply glowing every minute she was on screen. She has a certain charm and grace to her that translated to her character and making it easy for us to see why Marco was so infatuated with her. Everyone who portrayed part of the theater cast and crew really did a great job creating a stellar group dynamic, some of the more notable performances by Rachel Grubb, Andrea White, Alisa Mattson, and a nice little cameo by Brooke Lemke.

The cinematography in the film is beautifully done. It’s all in black and white and really makes the most of the lighting and shading. There is great attention to detail, making for a very atmospheric and genuine film. It is questioned how genuine a piece of fiction can be since by definition it’s not real. Especially people like actors and writers who’s lives are wrapped up in bringing these stories to life, it can be hard to separate fiction from reality. We see it causing identity crisis’ as well as connecting people and giving them meaning.