TCW Reviews

TCWReviews Bids Thee Farewell!

2012-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

Life is dictated through the many little moments we encounter in our journeys, each on its own is small and not particularly significant. But if you were to add each and every one of those tiny little insignificant moments up together you’ll discover just how greatly important they measure up in size. They say in life all things no matter how big or small must come to an end at some point. When I starting critiquing films in the summer of 2006 (under the persona “The Comic Whore” on the then popular social networking website MySpace) I had no direction in sight as to where I wanted to go with being a critic.

To be honest, the notion to call oneself a film “critic” wasn’t even on the table for discussion as I looked up to such a title reserved only for those of prestige and of a higher degree of education than myself. You wouldn’t call just anyone a scholar right? For me, such a title was reserved for intellectuals such as Roger Ebert or Gene Siskel. Such brilliant minds in the cinematic commentary field, they critique with such precision and accuracy that they laid down their judgment without hesitation and knew how to back it up, and I was no Siskel or Ebert, quite far from it to tell you the truth. It wasn’t until January of 2008 when part of me felt compelled to take the next big step regardless if I was prepared or not. It was time to grow, time to get moving on as both a writer and an individual. This of course led me to a terrifying, yet exhilarating gamble which you all know today as TCWReviews.

The principle idea behind the formation of this blog was to create a safe haven where the voice of the average Joe could earn a sense of respect among his peers, and to be free of the boundaries set before him, where films were not only watched but also critiqued by the very same diehard moviegoers who shared a common love for film, that equally matched that of the reader whom dropped by on occasion. So as things began to progress the mold began to take form, I also began to take a more serious tone with my writing and dropped the persona and repurposed the initials with more meaning. But all too soon did I realize that I had bitten much more than I could possibly chew, and so with that being said I began a vast hunt to locate folks who had great potential and talent waiting to seep out of them. And with great luck on my part I found them, these talented individuals who came to my aid when I needed them most and helped translate my dream into a reality. For their help, I am forever grateful.

This actually both saddens me and fills me with excitement to say, but this will be TCWReviews’ last official post from me the editor in chief, including the last of any new content on TCWReviews by our talented writers. We have moved to a webhosted location at: criticsword.com and would like to invite you to come join us!

As a group, we’ve seen great triumphs and successes over the years, but unfortunately the world does not operate on a one way street and to that end it wasn’t all good times either, along with our successes also came setbacks, controversies and even some failures; and admittedly even a shear moment of weakness where a poorly made decision made on my part nearly cost me an irreplaceable asset to the team… Till this day I still carry a great weight of regret on my shoulder for those actions. Over the years we’ve welcomed in new talents as well as seen some go. But one thing is certain; TCWReviews has been there through it all, the good times and the bad; we’ve endured quite a lot together as a team and will continue to do so as one in the next chapter of our adventure. And with that note to end on I would like to say; looking back on everything, I would not change a single moment, I would do it all over again if given that chance, because it was those tiny little moments that occurred here and there that led us to this very moment in time, because without the bitter the sweet would never taste so sweet, and when you add them all up together they formulate something truly magical.

So to answer the question I posed onto you, the reader, in the beginning; the answer is yes, all good things do in fact come to an end, but that also doesn’t mean it’s dead and gone forever, while TCWReviews is ending as a blog, it lives on as The Critic’s Word, evolved like a caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly. Now, come joins us in our new location and watch us sore to great new heights!

Sincerely
The Editor in Chief
Clifford Kiyabu

Words Like Knives a New Psychological Horror Announced!

2012-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

The most dreadful thing about a rumor is that it’s like a feather in the wind; once it gets momentum there’s no telling where or how far it will go, but the worst part about the existence of a rumor about you is the long term repercussions that comes with the territory. The more time passes by, the more the rumor becomes fact, and once that happens, it becomes truth. Words Like Knives is an up and coming psychological horror written, produced and starring Kelsey Zukowski (What They Say and Echo Lake) the WLK is a compelling short that deals with real world issues such as rumors and how dangerous they can be to someone’s life, and how far it can spiral a person down to the edge of sanity.

Synopsis: Emma has a loving family, caring boyfriend, and loyal best friend. One rumor might rip this all away from her though. She fights to hold on to her old life as one mean-spirited rumor becomes so real she can’t find the light through the encompassing darkness. Emma tries to run from it, but it becomes so real and takes on a life of its own. She finds herself powerless to it and unable to distinguish rumor from reality. What if she can’t escape it and hold on to her dwindling sanity?

Words Like Knives is a short dark drama written and starring Kelsey Zukowski and directed by Travis Legge. It also features Jeff Scaduto, Valerie Meachum, Myke Wilson, Melissa Revels, and Aley Kreinz. Shooting is scheduled for April 2012 in Rockford, IL.

Legge and Zukowski first worked together in March of 2011 on a Grindhouse trailer entitled, Monster Mash, which also starred Revels and Kitsie Duncan. Legge was a producer on the dark short, What They Say, which Zukowski wrote and acted in. The film was nominated for Best Short at The Chicago Horror Film Festival in September of 2011.

Legge has worked with the entire primary cast before, being well aware of their abilities and how they work best. Valerie Meachum appeared in Legge’s twisted Christmas short, Holiday Carvings, as well as Legge’s first feature film, Raymond Did It. Myke Wilson directed one of Travis’ scripts, Event Invitation, which wrapped filming in October of 2011. Legge worked with Melissa Revels both in Monster Mash and Windershins along with a number of projects they have in the works.

“Words Like Knives deals with very disturbing material, but that’s part of the point. I like tackling uncomfortable material. I find it far more interesting. It’s a delicate balance between seeming exploitative and meaningfully bringing out the darker side of humanity. I’m thrilled with the team that has signed on for the project. Everyone involved really believes in what the film is trying to accomplish and will be a part in bringing this disquieting vision to life"

Said Zukowski while discussion the upcoming project.

Although, it tackles very taboo material it also deals with the universal themes of a rumor spinning out of control and how damaging idle gossip can be. It simply takes this to a more severe level and examines the possibility of the horrors that can be locked deep inside any one of us when pushed far enough.

Words Like Knives Teaser Trailer

You can show your support to Words Like Knives by going to their official IndieGoGo Page and show your support by donating to the project or by helping spread the word.

To learn more about this developing project and stay up to date visit the official Words Like Knives Facebook Page and click “Like.”

Also stay up to date on twitter by following the official Words Like Knives Twitter Page.

Side Tidbit: Words Like Knives (2012) will be the second film consecutively that Kelsey has written and starred in with a three word title, the first being What They Say (2011).

Looking Back On 2011 [Written By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-12-30T23:09:00.000-08:00

I know many of you were hoping to see the annual “Best Of” top ten list this month, but unfortunately this will not be the case this time around; TCWReviews has cancelled this year’s top ten list. While I would like to say there was a definitive reason or excuse behind the decision to cancel this year’s top ten list… truth be told there isn’t, just a string of bad luck and multiple events that transpired (Some of which you will hear about in due time). And though most of you were looking forward to it, not everything goes as planned. Heck, if wishes were horses, we'd all be eatin' steak (props to Adam Baldwin).

Now with that being said, I figured that instead of a top ten list we’d do something unprecedented for TCWReviews. I would like to reflect on the year’s pass events and what they meant to the world, and also to me. Looking back at 2011, it sure was an eventful year filled with some of the most historic moments the world has seen in the last 10 years. From unspeakable devastations to surprising moments that had us later questioning our own moral fabric that defines who we are. For personal reasons regarding the subjects I mention, I will try to maintain a nonbiased opinion.

From earthshattering earthquakes and fractured nuclear power plants to a devastating tsunami, the nation of Japan has seen a great deal of disastrous events sent her way in 2011. That left countless thousands dead and millions without a home or job to go back to. The whole world stood in shock over this heart wrenching event. I personally hold a great respect now more than ever for the Japanese people for their honor, strength, courage and unity. They mourned the loss of loved ones and the life they once had, but was still proud enough to stand back up on their two feet, dust themselves off and begin the unthinkable; rebuilding what was once lost to the devastation of mother nature, for this they shall forever have my undying respect.

2011 was a year of revolution, from the streets of Cairo, Egypt to the battlefields of Libya. Change was certainly in the air for people in the Mideast, and no longer were they going to stand quietly by and do nothing. They rose up and toppled tyranny where it stood and in some cases, the people won the change they so desperately yearned for and earned their freedoms. Regimes as old as 30 and 40 years collapsed within the wake of revolution this year, and also led to the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. All that remains unseen is with destiny at the people’s doorsteps; will they be able to hold on to that which they fought and died for?

2011 was also the year of the protester. With our global economy in the gutter, job availability becoming more and more scarce and the security of one’s livelihood threatened each and every day, people all over the globe has risen up in protest to the way those in power are doing business. From its start in Zuccotti Park in New York, it expanded to the streets of France, Spain, and even across vast regions like Greece, Italy and Germany then back to the states in which it made its way across to places like downtown Chicago and even the island state of Hawaii. The protests grew in size and its voice was made much loader. No matter what your beliefs are or on what side you stand on the political spectrum, you cannot deny that the people’s voice was heard this year, and though change has not come to those standing in protest, they have shown their resilience by hanging in there for the long hall. I personally don’t agree with most of their message but I respect their dire need to stand up for what they believe in to whatever end.

2011 marked the 10 year anniversary to one of the most horrific terror attacks in modern US history which easily became ground zero for the world we live in today. But to a great many surprise, it was also the year when those responsible for one of the greatest attacks of our time finally met their ultimate fate, and for a moment the world cheered in celebration and for a split second the world around us felt a little safer. But with the death of Osama Bin Laden, reality set in and many began to wonder, and contemplate if the end justified the means? Did we receive the justice we were promised or were we forever robbed of that luxury? Either way, I personally hope those affected by the tragedy that occurred 10 years ago can finally find some piece of mind. And I hope those forever lost to us from the event can finally rest in peace.

2011 also saw the passing of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il and the rise to power of his youngest son Kim Jong-Un. I personally knew his demise wouldn’t be too far off, but his sudden death just before the holidays was indeed a shocker and has left me wondering where the North will go from here in terms as a nation. Despite how you feel about Kim Jong-Il you cannot deny that watching Team America: World Police (2004) will never be the same again. LOL!

Butit wasn’t all bad memories, as 2011 also saw the wedding event of ourgeneration, the royal wedding of Prince William to his beloved bride, Kate Middleton.Not since the wedding of Charles and Princess Diana have we seen the world so fascinatedby the union of two people. This event was seen by hundreds of millions allover the world, it also stood as a defining moment for the British monarch asit secured the future of their line of succession. And what does America haveto show for? The 72 day marriage of Lady Kim Kardashian to Duke Chris Humphries,that’s what. Yeah America, that’s our f****** monarch right there.

Looking back at 2011, it was undoubtedly one for the books; the things mentioned here is merely the tip of the iceberg of events that transpired over 2011. And if this year has taught me anything, it’s that we must keep moving forward in life, even when life throws a few wrenches into our gears, we mustn’t falter or step back but rather keep our heads up high and keep moving forward in life. As the year comes to a close, we open the doorway to the year, 2012. What I hope for the New Year to bring is a more prosperous year for everyone, but most importantly a more prosperous New Year for everyone in The Critic’s Word’ family. Here’s to a new year of new beginnings and happy endings! Okay, maybe I added the happy endings for a little lol moment.

Sincerely
The Editor in Chief
Clifford Kiyabu.

Casting Call for New Indie Horror "The Hazed"

2011-12-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

One of the worst things about joining a fraternityor sorority is the hazing that comes with the territory of pledging. Yeah it’scommonly known that hazing is highly unethical then alone illegal in today’sage, but just because something is deemed wrong doesn’t mean it stopped. But whatif some took hazing to a whole new level of humiliation? What if some elevated itto a whole new level of horrors? From the creators of Echo Lake and Sick FlickProductions comes “The Hazed” a psychological thrillerthat explores the unforgiving and vindictive nature of sorority life. Once you’rein you’re in for life, and the only way to leave this sorority isthrough death!

The Hazed is set to begin filmming summer2012 in the Chicago area. The film is written and produced and will also star JonathanMoody and Kelsey Zukowski. The Hazed will also be Kelsey Zukowski’s directorialdebut! Currently they doing a full casting call for both male and female actorsand of various age brackets that range from age groups of 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.scroll down to read the synopsis and to get a full detail of the roles up forcasting. And when you’re done be sure to drop by the official Hazed Facebook Page and click “Like” to keep up to date on all things regarding the project.

Synopsis:When Kate tries to pledge a sorority, she learns that a mistake from years agois still haunting her. The sorority sisters are completely unforgiving,deciding to have their fun with Kate by torturing her and the other girls to noends. Kate is determined not to let her win. She has her friends, Tyler andHailey by her side to help her stay strong. The deeper Kate gets in though themore she realizes that these are not your typical hazing pranks. There issomething much darker that lies within these girls, setting up a brutal cycleof jealousy, revenge, and a very twisted perception of reality.

The Hazed Character Breakdown

Kate: Female (18-25).Independent, determined, and spunky. Kate has always been an outsider, butisn’t going to let that get in the way of what she wants. She made a mistakeyears ago that Melissa isn’t willing to let her forget. Kate refuses to be aweak person though and is ready to take everything she throws her way. Rolerequires nudity, limited or implied is negotiable.

Melissa: Female (18-25).The head sorority sister. She loves being in charge and is used to everythinggoing her way, blaming her problems on others when they do arise. She’s unforgivingand has a very dark nature, far beyond the bitchy façade that lies on theoutside. Role requires nudity, limited or implied is negotiable.

Courtney: Female (18-25).One of Melissa’s best friend’s, runs the sorority house under her. She sticks by Melissa no matter how mercilessthe hazing becomes.

Kelly: Female (18-25).Melissa and Courtney’s other best friend. She is loyal to her sisters and isdetermined to get vengeance on Kate for Melissa’s sake.

Jenna: Female(18-25). The only reasonable sorority sister. She isn’t out to humiliate andtorment the pledges and isn’t interested in getting revenge on Kate. She goesalong with it to an extent, but she wants to just get through this year morethan anything. She’s far more concerned with school and her long distanceboyfriend who she hopes to be with when she goes to graduate school next year.

Brittany: Female (18-25).As she gets deeper in to the sorority and sees the consequence of Melissa’sjealousy her enthusiasm for the sorority quickly falls. She has a lot to dealwith, but refuses to let Melissa and the other sisters run all over her.Limited clothing is required.

Lexy: Female (18-25).Almost connected at the hip to Anna. Both of the girls put all of their energyand hopes in to getting in to the sorority. They have more shallow reasons thanthe other girls. No matter how twisted things get the price is never too highto get what they want. Limited clothing is required.

Anna: Female(18-25). Lexy’s best friend. It quickly becomes them against the other girls.They intend to do whatever they can to get in to the sorority even when thingsturn morbid. It’s shocking to them at first, but they put their better judgmentaside when their own desires blind them. Limited clothing is required.

Brad: Male (18-25).Head of one of the school’s fraternity’s. He treats woman horribly, especiallyhis girlfriend, Melissa. He has been cheating on her for years and really hasno qualms or guilt about it. He comes from a wealthy family in the same socialcircle as Melissa’s; part of the reason their parents want them to be together.Nudity is required.

Chase: Male (18-25).Sexist and objectifies woman. He’s Brad’s best friend and one of the brothers,but cannot stand Melissa. He’s a good friend to him regardless. Chase is one ofthe only people to really reject Melissa and show his interest elsewhere.

Chris: Male (18-25).School football star and one of Chase and Brad’s brothers. He’s crude andviolent towards others.

Jennifer: Female (22-35)Jack’s wife. She loves her husband, but is going through a very hard time inher life. She hasn’t really been happy in a long time and acts on thisunhappiness. She desperately wants to put that all behind them and learn to behappy with Jack again.

Jack: Male (25-40)Jennifer’s husband. She’s broken his heart and he can never be the same again.We begin to see him breaking before us, unable to hold on any longer.

Bryan: Male (20-30)Jenna’s long distance boyfriend. He is very caring and sincere, doing everythinghe can to try to be there for her. He tries to keep her rational and focusedamongst all of the mayhem that ensues in the house.

Dr. Lucas: Male or Female(Min. age 25, but could preferably middle aged). The psychiatrist who tries topiece everything together in the aftermath. (S)he is desperate to reach his/herpatient so they can accept what they’ve done and have hope for recovery sonothing like this ever happens again.

Lauren: Female (20-30). Kate’s Resident Advisor. Onceshe realizes Kate is going through something serious she steps in.

Delivery Man: Male. (Min. age20, but preferably middle aged) Once he’s in the house he lets his curiosityand imagination get the best of him. He never would have expected what lieswithin this house.

Waitress: (Min. 18, butcan be any age). Waitress at a steak/seafood restaurant that serves Hailey andTyler.

Pleaseemail the character or characters you are interested in auditioning for to kels_z3@sbcglobal.net. We will beaccepting video auditions for desired roles. Filming is set for summer 2012.

Christopher Meloni Joins Cast of True Blood!

2011-12-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

It’sbeen an awful long while since we’ve heard any news regarding HBO’s True Bloodam I right? Well fear not Fangbangers and Trubies because I’ve got some TrueBlood news coming at ya! A few weeks back rumors hit the web that Law & Orderstar Christopher Meloni was set to join the cast of True Blood for its 5^thseason.

Wellaccording to TV Line, an a deal has been made. And a few details weregiven away about Meloni's character, which was described as being a"powerful vampire."

Accordingto the HBO series creator Alan Ball, Meloni will play an “ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Ericin his hands.” Though there’s still not a lot of details regarding his characteron the show or what exact plot he’ll play in the 5^th season, one canassume he’ll play the part of a possible new big bad baddy in the series asidefrom the return of American Horror Story star Denis O'Hare in the role of RussellEdgington.

Noofficial word as of yet when exactly the next season will begin but also joiningthe cast next season will be Scott Foley, Lucy Griffiths, Dale Dickey, LouisHerthum and Kelly Overton.

Side Tidbit: So how many seasons do you suspect the show will continue to go on for?

Casting Call for “TRAPPED” A New Kid Friendly Horror By Fathead Films!

2011-12-04T16:32:00.001-08:00

Thesedays the horror genre is jacked full of films that take us to the extreme with testingthe waters on what’s considered “Acceptable” and what’s seen as downrightdespicable. But people now days have easily become desensitized to these factswhen we’re introduced to such torture porn films like “The Human Centipede” and “Saw” on a regular bases, we forget thathorror isn’t about how far one can go to gross their audience or leaving them beyonddisturbed.

Sometimesit’s the little stories on a softer scale that can prove to be equallyentertaining and a little terrifying. One of the best examples of soft-corehorror that proved to be fun for all ages while still maintain a “scare factor”for viewers was none other than the mid 90’s with such shows like “Goosebumps” and“Are You Afraid of The Dark” just to name a few, these type of shows producedmaterial that was enjoyed by viewers of all ages while not having to succumb topicking either the more graphic edgier rout or yielding to the overly demeaningrout with a high cheese factor. But I digress; it seems that a sense of thismagnitude will be making its way to the indie screen with the the productioncompany Fathead Films has announcing plans to film a project titled “Trapped.”A short film that is said to be a “Kid Friendly” horror, the project is slatedto begin filming sometime in early 2012 in Illinois.

Trappedis being produced and directed by Keith Romine (Acceptance 2010) and written byThe Critic’s Word very own Kelsey Zukowski (What They Say.) and is currentlycasting young actors between the ages of 8 to 18 all December. Read on belowfor more details regarding the project and how you can help out:

Fathead Films is proud to announce the filming of short film “Trapped”to be filmed in Belvidere/Rockford area early 2012.

Trapped:

Trappedis a scary but kid friendly short film currently in pre-production and slatedto begin principal photography in the Belvidere, IL area early 2012. The filmProduced/Directed by Keith Romine of Fathead Films, will primarily featurelocal Northern Illinois talent ages 8 to 18... And of course some adults tofill the roles of meddling parents, troublesome siblings and maybe even avillain or two.

TheConcept:

KeithRomine began toying with the concept that has evolved into Trapped in late2010. Keith's purpose was to bring a 'scary' but kid friendly film to hisacting students and other young actors in the Northern Illinois region.Inspired by his young acting classes in the Belvidere and Rockford IL areasKeith commissioned Kelsey Zukowski (What They Say) of Chicago to write a shortscreenplay stating he wanted a scary movie that (unlike most of his work) hisacting students could audition to be in and actually watch once finished!

TheTeam:

Kelseyexceeded expectations and after nearly a year of planning Trapped is nearlyready to begin production. Keith has teamed with Berdella Endress (That's MyGirl) to Co-Produce and has also brought on Stuart Wahlin (Hand of Glory) asDirector of Photography. Keith hopes to see many of his current and formerstudents auditioning but notes that auditions will not be limited to FatheadFilms students and to avoid bias Keith will rely heavily on the rest of hisproduction team to assist in casting decisions. Auditions will be held earlyDecember in the Belvidere and Rockford, IL area.

HowYou Can Help:

Pleasehelp us to spread the word about our fundraising efforts! (”Trapped” Indiegogo Page.) Share withfriends and family via Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, email and word of mouth. Allof the funds raised will directly help bring this film to life covering a widevariety of expenses from providing on-set snacks and beverages, equipment,locations, props, extensive makeup and special effects in production to editingand effects in post-production and full festival run to follow. Also follow uson Facebook for up to datecasting and all things Trapped.

OtherWays You Can Help:

Pleasehelp us to spread the word! Share with friends and family via Facebook,twitter, MySpace, email and word of mouth!

SideTidbit: on a more personal note, aside from marking yet another big milestonefor Ms. Zukowski as a writer, Trapped will also include The Critic’s Word newstaffer Stuart R. Wahlin as Director of Photography. To which I say congrats tothe both of you!

Review: Second Star (2011) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski]

2011-12-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Starring:Stephanie Sylvester, Troy Zitzelberger, Brittany Collins, Heather Dorff

DirectedBy: Derek Quint

Grade:B

SecondStar isa short film about a homeless woman on New Year’s Eve. We follow her throughoutthe night as the lines between reality, fantasy, and past are blurred. It wasinspired by J.M. Barrie’s book, “Peter Pan” as well as old and modern ghostlegends.

Director,Derek Quint, follows a guerilla film style for a very realistic opening. Forsomeone living in Chicago, it’s something you witness nearly every day, but arerarely a part of the way it is shown to us here. Once the party begins I likedhow drastically the tone and atmosphere changed. The noticeable differencetakes us in to a surreal cycle of events. We can’t be completely sure what’sreal and what’s not, much like our protagonist who is scared and lost in theworld she finds herself in.

Theexploration of fiction and reality is among my favorite themes that can beexplored through film. It’s the perfect medium to do so since film itself couldbe considered the blurring of fiction and reality. It’s not real, but isencompassed around reality; part of the reason film exists as a intelligent artform. Second Star takes advantage of this exploration and experimentswith this character’s psyche.

Thedirector even says he isn’t completely sure what happens, how it ends, or whatis reality and what is fiction. This really emphasis the importance of theexperience of Second Star; it really doesn’t matter what happens becausethe film is about something much larger. It’s up to you to decide what that is.

Review: What They Say (2011) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-11-26T18:17:00.001-08:00

Directed by: Justin R. Romine
Written by: Kelsey Zukowski, Heather Dorff (original story)
Genre: Short / Thriller
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 25^th September. 2011
Starring: Heather Dorff, Kelsey Zukowski, Tina Renée Grace, Kitsie Duncan,Kitsie Duncan, Dave Juehring, Tyler Klunick, Jolene M. Aldus.

Plot: Theythought she had the perfect life; wealthy and privileged, an honor student withher whole life mapped out. What they didn’t know was what lied inside of her;pain and anguish; tearing at her until there was nothing left. Lostand alone, the young women (Heather Dorff), finds solace in the form of aglistening blade, splitting her skin deeply. Her self-indulgent mother andobnoxious sister (Kelsey Zukowski) are completely oblivious to herinner-turmoil. She has long since become numb to the world around her, gettingthat sensual release, as the razor cuts deeper, watching the blood drip, is allthat matters. As soon as the last drop falls, the calm is stripped away fromher with it. How far will she go to silence the hunger that now consumes her?Will she be able to regain control of her life, body, and sanity?

Review: 9/10

MyThoughts: Over the course of 2011, I’ve covered the Fathead Films project “WhatThey Say” in multiple articles throughout the spring and summer, though much ofthe plot has always remained vague to you, the reader and I, there was always asense of what’s to be expected from a film such as this. From the eerie tonethe movie stills displayed,to the darkly themed synapses, everything regarding this project including thegory details shown in its teaser trailer called out a darkness that was equallycompelling as was seriously disturbing. But to speak completely frank here,there was no way of preparing me for what was to come next when I actually screenedWTS. To try and describe what I had seen during the screening without givingaway any specific details or spoilers for that matter, would be calling it twistedlydelighted. Its gory visuals are bloodstained yet oddly beautiful, setting anatmospheric narrative that captivates you in a cloud of physical and emotionalpain. The film’s plot is indeed astonishingly unsettling and yet weirdly enoughcalming with beauty.

Withinthe first few minutes of viewing the film it becomes perfectly clear that WTS’splot is deeply personal from the heart and mind of the writer, the storycarried such a level of remarkable storytelling that it felt rich with rawemotion, that its essence was captured from a dark place in their life. Or atleast that’s what I got out of the experience itself. That’s another thing Ifound so compelling and deeply fascinating with “What They Say”, is that it’shardly something that one can summed up in words. Like an emotion, it must be feltand experienced firsthand to get a full detailed understanding of theexperience itself and to fully comprehend its message. Some will argue that WTSis a horror with dramatic themes, while others will say it’s a dark dramathemed with horror elements. I however, would classify it as neither. The way Isaw WTS play out, or at least in my opinion, was more in line of a characterstudy into the human soul and the darkness that dwells within. A dark passengerif you will, that lurks within us all. For many that darkness is always kept atbay never seeing the light of day, but for some that darkness is always justbeneath the suffice trying to scratch and claw its way out. The question thisfilm left me thinking with by the time it was over was; what happens when thatdarkness suffices?

Asfor the acting: the acting here is quite impressive. Heather Dorff delivered anoutstanding performance in the lead. Her delivery is so well done and on markthat it felt less like a role and more like the character was living throughher; the way she handled herself was dignifying and graceful to say the least.Her performance expands beyond the role itself, but rather on a deeper levelthat brings a certain aspect to the role that one could argue was as intimatelypersonal to a role that any actor playing a character could get. KelseyZukowski gave a stellar performance as a co-star alongside MS. Dorff, showing aremarkable performance for someone still fairly new to the acting scene. Asidefrom her astonishing writing as a screen writer and columnist, Kelsey displayedanother talent to add to her résumé with acting, making her the ultimate screamqueen to look out for in the near future. TinaRenée Grace also did a fine job in her performance. Though my first encounterwith her work as an actress was just earlier this year with the indie short“Love is Not Enough” I ‘m very impressed with her thus far and would evenconsider her as one to watch!

FinalSay: What They Say managed to live up the hype and so much more, in my opinion.If there’s anything I take away from watching this film, it’s that it will takeyou on a personal journey to the edge of insanity and show you that it’s onlythrough the darkness that we see truth. If there’s any indie short to see thisyear, What They Say is it! I highly recommend it!

Exclusive Interview with Director Alvin Gray!

2011-11-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

TCW Reviews’Administrator and Editor in chief, Clifford Kiyabu, sits down with Writer andDirector Alvin Gray for an exclusive interview! Over the last few years we atThe Critic’s Word have made it our priority to notice and invest time in thenew up and comers in the independent scene. From writers and directors, toproducers and actors, we’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with some prettytalented folks in the independent film industry or as we like to call it, yourday in our chair. Today is no exception as we have a very special guest takinga seat in our virtual chair! He’s a rising new comer based in Baltimore andgaining some serious notary in the indie film scene with his new excitingproject. So without further ado sit back in your chair and get nice and comfyas Alvin and I have a nice chitchat talking about topics that range from hisupcoming movie, to topics regarding the mainstream industry and its currentcourse taking by those in charge with 3D films.

Clifford: First off, I’d like to thank you for dropping by our little neckof the web. It’s always a pleasure having a talent such as you drop by.

Clifford: For my readers, who have yet to see some of your work, tell uslittle bit about yourself?

Alvin: I am movie/music video director. I’m 25 years old, and I’m fromBaltimore MD, born and raised here.

Clifford: How long have you been behind the camera, Alvin?

Alvin: Since the age of 15 I've been making movies, so looking back now, Iguess you would say over a decade [Laughs,] I've been doing this for a longtime, but it seems like each movie is a whole new experience.

Clifford: As a filmmaker, do you think you’ll ever lose that “newexperience” feeling?

Alvin: I don't think I'll ever lose that new experience feeling because, inever repeat myself, that makes each experience new to me. I mean, now I morecomfortable when it comes to directing a scene, I'm not on edge anymore, butit’s still new every time.

Clifford: As a filmmaker, what influenced you into wanting to pursuefilmmaking?

Alvin: I never was a big fan of my life, I always wanted to escape, even asa child I always played with action figures, making up my own scenarios forthem. Finally when I got to high school I was introduced to multimedia classwhich let me explore my creativity with cameras, writing, speaking, andbecoming a better director.

Clifford: Were there any specific genre in general were eyeing when youfirst got into filmmaking?

Alvin: Funny story, I always LOVED scary movies, my grandmother and I wouldalways watch different scary movies, Childs Play, Poltergeist, Children ofcorn, etc... But my first movie was called Senior Cut Day "02" whichwas gonna be an adaptation of Ferris Bulers Day Off, but somewhere along thelines, I found this creepy mask on set, and decided from that mask, that Iwanted to make my movie a thriller and not a comedy .

Clifford: What was the initial reaction to the changes by those involvedwith the project?

Alvin: The cast/friends that were a part of the movie, just went with theflow, nobody knew what they were doing, we all just wanted to be a part ofsomething. And we kept moving forward.

Clifford: The Indie genre seems to be the main hub for original ideas thesedays, as a filmmaker do you foresee the mainstream industry openly embracingthe indie genre in the near future?

Alvin: Right now I feel like the mainstream industry is threatened by theindie genre as well as they should be, I mean......for years, they had thepower of deciding who was the star, who’s story should be seen, and what worldsdid they want to show. But now, it's not about what Hollywood thinks, it'sabout the people and how well the director can connect with them. Mainstreamwill always try to avoid us, because they want the money to themselves; takenote, as soon as EVERYBODY started making HD quality movies, the mainstreamstarted to push 3D heavily on people, to set themselves aside from indie filmmakers. And when we adapt to 3D, they'll put out "smell a vision"

Clifford: Speaking of 3D, do you believe 3D is here to stay, or will be justanother fad to fade within the coming years?

Alvin: 3D is just a new way to re-invent the wheel, to let all the indie filmmakers know who's boss, [Laughs,] but I don't think 3D will disappear but maybeupgrade to 4D, smell, touch, feel, and see movies.

Clifford: When you’re in the process of making a film, do you have a routinethat you run through in order to get yourself into the moment, so to speak, andif so, would you like to share it with us?

Alvin: I honestly don’t have a process; I just close my eyes and jump in.

Clifford: Alright, you’ve got a film called “Senior Cut Day.” coming outsoon. Care to tell us a little bit about it?

Alvin: Senior Cut Day (2011) is about a group of kids that car breaks downin the woods, on their way to the cabins for senior cut day. Not payingattention to their surroundings, they decided to camp out and have fun in thewoods that night, Getting drunk and partying all night, they find themselvesseparated in the morning, and one by one being killed off by homeless scavengersthat live in the woods.

Clifford: SCD sounds like it pays homage to classic horror films of the80‘s, was that the intended goal?

Alvin: My intended goal for SCD is to be a thriller that teens will followevery year for their senior cut day. When I was younger and even now, on EVERYHalloween, I make sure I watch at least one Michael Myers movie. It's justtradition. I want kids around the world to say "let’s cut school on seniorcut day and watch Senior Cut Day" [Laughs].

Clifford: Where did principle filming take place?

Alvin: Mostly on a private farm which is a haunted hay ride in the fall,called Legends of the Fog.

Clifford: How long did the filming process last?

Alvin: all together, I would say 5 months.

Clifford: During filming, did you run into any unscheduled problems orconflicts?

Alvin: Man, this whole production was an unscheduled conflict smh :/

Clifford: Okay now this next question is TCWreviews’ signature question sodon’t feel alarmed, you’re not the only one [Laughter]

Clifford: The term ‘For The Sake of Art’ has always been coined in theentertainment industry for how far an actor/actress would be willing to go for,well… the sake of art. So my question to you is; How far are you willing to gofor the sake of art in this industry?

Alvin: A true artist never has a line, we shouldn't be afraid to push theenvelope to explore all options, that’s what makes us different, that’s whathelps us discover new things to share.

Clifford: As part of a recently established tradition here at TCWreviews, weallow one anonymous reader a chance to ask our celebrity guests a question, butdon’t worry we’ve filtered out any nasty obscenities [Laughs]. A reader asks “Whatare the most stressful aspects of directing, and what are the most rewarding?”

Alvin: The most stressful part of the aspect of directing working withACTORS AND ACTRESSES, they're just weird and turn into babies on the set. Butlike all parents, i love my babies........I guess. But the most rewarding part isthe fans with benefits ;) "If you know what I mean" hahahahaha

And that concludes my interview with Alvin Gray the director of SeniorCut Day: The Movie (2011). Interviewing Alvin was as insightful as it was apleasure. Though he’s just starting to get his feet wet in this industry, frommy personal opinion on him, Alvin has a bright chip on his shoulder, and aslong as he stays the course he’s on I can see him achieving great things in thefilm industry. Alvin Gray is defiantly one to watch. Keep a look out for hisupcoming film Senior Cut Day, which is scheduled to make its official premiereon Thursday December 8, 2011. To learn more about the premiere visitGoldenTiger Productions to find out where to see it and how the buy tickets.Also learn more about the film by visiting the official website at seniorcutdaythemovie.com and its official Facebook Page

True Blood Gets New Blood Next Season!

2011-11-20T14:42:00.001-08:00

Ifyou’ve ever heard the phrase Fangbanger or have the overwhelming urge to say“You are mine” in a deep seductive southern accent, then it’s most likelyyou’re a fan of author Charlaine Harris’ The Southern Vampire Mysteries AKA TheSookie Stackhouse Novels AKA True Blood (wow that a lot of AKA’s.) and mostlikely an even bigger fan of the hit HBO series. With that being said, onecould argue that True Blood played a huge part to the recent successes ofvampire lore being a popular topic in all forms of media today. And with theseries being at an all-time high in ratings and popularity what could possiblymake the show even more interesting? Well how about some new faces added to thecast for the next season? Yep that’s right, Deadline reports thattwo new actors have been cast for the 5th season of True Blood. At the momentthe creators have been mum on anything regarding the production of next seasonincluding what direction the general plot will be taking next year. However,with that being said, Deadline acquired an expulsive regarding the two newadditions to the cast. Actress Kelly Overton and actor Louis Herthum will bejoining the cast next year with each getting a 6 to 7 episode story arc nextseason.

Overton, will play a dirty, beautiful werewolf named Rikki whodemands to know what’s become of the pack leader.

Herthum, will play a particularly large Marine-type werewolf whorefuses to bow down before the new pack leader.

Meanwhilethere is still no official word by the creators or not if season 5 will in factbe the shows last season or not. As hinted by the creators early this year,there have been some hints at the possibility that season 5^th may ormay not be the last season for the hit HBO show. For now Trubies will just haveto wait it out until official word on the subject does come down the wire, Ifand when word does arise you can bet we will report it.

Side Tidbit: I’mprobably going to get some heat from this but I honestly don’t care, if youthink Twilight is what Vampires are, then you know nothing about vampires anddon’t deserve to call yourself a fan of the lore.

Dexter Gets Renewed for 2 More Seasons!

2011-11-20T14:38:00.001-08:00

Weat The Critic’s Word are rather huge fans and supporters of Showtime’s Dexterand have been watching the show’s production quite closely throughout the years.And despite the show reaching a record breaking high in ratings for thenetwork, the show has suffered some pretty big controversies as of recent thathas, dare I say it, jeopardized the show’s stability. First there was news ofthe show’s star, actor Michael C. Hall undergoing treatment for a treatableform of Hodgkin's lymphoma which had fans wondering if he would pull through. Thenthere announcement that his wife and co-star, Jennifer Carpenter filed fordivorce from Hall. Once again fans wondered if the two would be able to theirdifferences aside to continue working together. But the biggest hit for theshow was during the summer when it was announced that Hall was at odds with thenetwork over a contract dispute. Word on the street was that Showtime wanted tolock Hall in for at least two more seasons of Dexter for 20 million (10 millionper season) but Hall’s camp wanted 12 mill per season (24 million for 2 seasonsin total). This little hiccup put the future of the show in jeopardy as thereseemed to be no nudge by either side’s camp.

However,it seems that America’s favorite serial killer has proven to have nine livesafter all as Showtime has decided to lock Hall in for at least two more seasonsgranting him a pay raise of 12 million per season and 24 million in total. DavidNevins, president of entertainment at Showtime. Had this to say about thedecision to keep Dexter around a bit longer. “Dexter'senormous success is a real tribute to the great achievements of its cast,producers, and the powerhouse performance of Michael C. Hall,” Nevinsthen went on to say “The series is bigger than it’sever been in its sixth season, both in terms of audience and its impact on thecultural landscape. Together with Michael, the creative team on the show has avery clear sense of where they intend to take the show over the next twoseasons and, as a huge fan, I’m excited to watch the story of Dexter Morgan playout.” Well then, I guess this means Dex is here to stay for the timebeing, the only question remains now is if the creators can pull off ending theshow on a high note, and where will the next two seasons take our favoriteserial killer.

SideTidbit: I know I’ve probably said this before, but I cannot foresee this showending on a positive note for Dexter Morgan.

THE BOONDOCK SAINTS’ GRAPHIC NOVEL TO LAUNCH ON NOV. 21ST WITH A SIGNING EVENT AT LOS ANGELES BARNES & NOBLE

2011-11-20T14:28:00.001-08:00

There’sa lot to be thankful for these days, especially if you’re a fan of the“Boondock Saints” films. It seems like there isn’t a month that goes by these daysthat word comes out from the Duffy camp regarding Boondock Saints goodness. Andto think there was a time where there was little to nothing regarding theseries. But if that’s not enough, there will be an entirely new reason to bethankful this holiday season especially if you live in the Los Angeles area. OnMonday, November 21^st. Troy Duffy and his skilled comic team will bemaking a special appearance at the Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles for a booksigning and also giving away special goodies to the first 200 people who showup and an additional special goodie to only the first 100 people who arrivethere first! Now before you drop what you’re doing to secure a place in line, Imust stress that you first read the details below before making any hastydecisions. So read on fellow movie buffs!

TROY DUFFY and J.B. LOVE -the writers behind The BOONDOCK SAINTS' initial foray into comics will besigning the collected GRAPHIC NOVEL edition at BARNES & NOBLE in LOSANGELES and they’re bringing DAVID DELLA ROCCO as well!

TROY DUFFY’s originalBOONDOCK SAINTS film is one of the most successful independent movies of alltime, with a fiercely devoted fan base - with nearly 5 million online followers of the franchise. With the hit comic series "IN NOMINEPATRIS", creator/writer/director TROY DUFFY launched the first"Saints" story to take place outside the iconic films. Written byDuffy and comic scribe J.B. LOVE, the comic series is the perfect companion tothe films.

The story masterfullyinterweaves the events of the BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY with brand newmaterial to reveal the secret history of the original saint, NOAH MACMANUS (ILDUCE) as he wages a bloody war against 1960's New York's Underground Crimeworld. The storyline is intercut with brand new adventures of the BROTHERSMACMANUS (The Boondock Saints) doing what they do best; doling out theirspecial brand of justice to those that deserve it. "In Nomine Patris"brings a new chapter of the Saints saga to life while revealing the familylegacy that created this trio of "Shepherds".

Featuring a forward byConnor MacManus himself - actor, SEAN PATRICK FLANERY - Join Troy Duffy and hiscomics team in this thrilling new Saints Adventure by pre-ordering thecollected edition. This special trade paperback collects all six comic issues,never before seen art, a cover gallery, behind the scenes sketches and more.This is the collection the fans have been waiting for!

BARNES & NOBLE willHOST the first signing of the Graphic Novel before it’s available in stores!The FIRST 200 Guests will Receive a FREE COPY of the Exclusive Comic, “THE LOSTGIG” starring fan favorite, ROCCO. The FIRST 100 GUESTS will also receive aFREE BOONDOCK SAINTS POSTER.

The Signing is November 21^stat 7pm at the BARNES & NOBLE at THE GROVE atFarmers Market (189 Grove Drive Suite K 30, Los Angeles, CA 90036. The StorePhone Number is 323-525-0270.) For Additional Event Information please visit http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/74348

SideTidbit: I wonder if someone will be lucky enough to get him to commit to makinga 3^rd Boondock Saints film within the next 3 to 5 years. If someonedoes they’ll no doubt earn The Critic’s Word’s undying respect! [Laughs]

Review: The Reef (2010) [Reviewed by Stuart Wahlin]

2011-11-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Starring: Adrienne Pickering, Zoe Naylor, Damien Walshe-Howling, Gyton Grantley, Kieran Darcy-Smith

Director/writer: Andrew Traucki

Grade: B+

Yes, I’m one of those folks who chomps at the bit 51 weeks out of the year, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Shark Week, which I watch from below a huge oil painting of a Great White stalking the depths, hung in a position of honor above the fireplace. The bar in my home, nautical in theme, is adorned with shark jaws and other maritime treasures. Hell, there’s even a baby shark in a jar. It’s fair to say I love sharks, man-eaters especially.

I thank Jaws for that, and Spielberg’s masterpiece is the standard by which all other shark films are judged. Despite how far the Jaws franchise has fallen since, the original film remains not only a horror classic, but a great film, period. It is one of those rare exceptions in that the film version is actually better than the novel.

Naturally, I perk up every time I catch wind of a new shark movie hitting theaters or DVD. Subsequently, I’m always disappointed. One of the most popular and successful in recent memory, Deep Blue Sea, was just plain awful, in my opinion. Few things irk me more than CGI sharks. They don’t look real and they’re just not scary. If I wanted to watch cartoon sharks, I’d stick with Jabberjaw. Even Spielberg’s “Bruce,” the mechanical shark that never seemed to work during the filming of Jaws, was scary--because you could tell it was a tangible thing in the water with the actors.

Bruce’s lack of cooperation with the filmmakers resulted in what I call a fabulous disaster, though. As much as Bruce’s aversion to salt water made Spielberg question his future in movies, the result was seeing much less of the shark in the first hour of the film, thus heightening the suspense--that same suspense one might feel while treading water in the ocean, wondering what is lurking around you beneath the surface. Weave that with a little footage of real sharks, and you’re halfway to something that will scare people to the safety of hotel swimming pools, rather than playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature by venturing into the surf.

A 2010 Australian film called The Reef, apparently based on a true story, is about as close as anything has come to touching Jaws, and it’s worth watching. If you’re just looking for a recommendation, you’ve got it. Stop reading, and check it out. Warning: Spoilers ahead.

The Reef is director Andrew Traucki’s second feature film. Pleased with the job he’d done on his first, Black Water, an effective crocodile flick also based on true events, I suspected it would be worth seeing.

The story: Luke delivers sailboats for a living. Nice, huh? He and his first mate, Warren, are joined on a delivery cruise by three of Luke’s pals, Matt, Suzie and Kate, one of Luke’s old flames. Along the journey, Luke decides to impress his friends by taking the boat toward a reef for some snorkeling.

A sense of foreboding belies the frolicking as schools of fish are seen to scatter. Meantime, the boat drifts dangerously close to disaster as the reef threatens to tear open its hull. The four friends hastily take their raft back to the boat. After some tense moments, Luke seems to have maneuvered the craft out of danger. But then, of course, they destroy their keel on some coral anyway, and quickly begin taking water, which capsizes the boat. Warren, knowing that large predators could be nearby, is quick to get out of the water.

As the five ill-fated travelers collect their thoughts and supplies atop the capsized vessel, Luke determines that not only is the boat sinking, but that it’s drifting farther from land as it does so. He estimates they could reach an island after a 10-12-mile swim. The five must now decide whether to remain on the boat, hoping for rescue, or to swim for it. The sense of anxiety escalates as a large shadow is seen looming in the water.

Warren wastes little time deciding that he’ll take his chances on the boat. Meantime, Luke retrieves wetsuits from an air pocket inside the disabled boat. As the other four put them on and prepare for their long swim, Warren reminds them that the wetsuits make them look like seals, a favorite meal for Great White sharks. Still, the others are committed to swimming for land, and Warren and the boat disappear on the horizon behind them as they embark on their journey. According to an afterword, no trace of Warren was ever found.

The swimmers soon see a hump in the water. As they get closer, they realize it’s a large sea turtle. Approaching it, they discover the turtle has become a snack for Mr. White. Around this time, the group begins catching glimpses of something else in the water with them. They are being stalked, and start to get picked off, one by one. When the first victim’s leg is bitten off, Matt’s companions rush to his aid, but he urges Luke and the two girls to leave him to die, for their own safety. Not having to be told twice, the remaining three swim on as night begins to fall, but there are constant reminders that they are still being followed.

Hysterical and hopeless, the three somehow manage to fall asleep in the open water. When dawn arrives, Luke is the first to wake and notice an island on the horizon. With renewed hope, the three continue toward it. Between themselves and shore, several rocks can be seen jutting from the surface.

They reach the first one and perch themselves atop it, taking a brief rest before heading for the next. The tension rebuilds as we see schools of fish scattering once again. Oh, yeah, there’s also a fin slicing through the water, but it turns out to be a dolphin. Just when the mood seems about the lighten, another fin appears, and the Suzie is savagely taken by the stalking shark. Luke and Kate, who’ve managed to rekindle their romance during all of this, make it safely to another rocky perch.

Before making one last dash for the nearby island, however, Luke opts to swim back to where their devoured comrade has left a floatation device. This is where everyone watching the film does a face-palm, but Luke safely retrieves it before they embark on the home stretch to land. Using his diving mask first, Luke surveys the sharp drop-off that lies between them and the rocky island. He sees only blackness.

More tense moments ensue as they struggle to climb the rock wall that stands between them and the safety of dry land. Long story, short here, she makes it, but Luke is devoured.

Final thoughts: Now, although this film is supposed to have been based on real events, I’m willing to bet liberties were taken with the story, because they always are. The climax works, but I prefer my own idea for an ending: As they make their way closer to the island, reaching the final rock standing above the surface of the water, they should have discovered the island is actually a seal colony, where Great Whites feed at will. So, instead of moving toward safety, they would learn they’ve actually been headed into even worse danger. That point of hopelessness, when they’d be left to decide between staying on that rock, or dashing for the island they’d assuredly be eaten before reaching, is where the film should end. Still, The Reef is good nail-biter I’m happy to recommend, especially to those who share my craving for stories of sharks with a taste for human flesh.

Boondock Fans Rejoice! "IN NOMINE PATRIS" Limited Edition Is Coming!

2011-10-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Since the release of the 1999 cult classic The Boondock Saints, director Troy Duffy’s stark tale of vigilance, guns and brotherly mayhem have been all the rage in many circles over the last decade and it’s audience continues to grow till this day. But what’s not mentioned here is the dreadful wait many of the fans and Boondock Betties alike had to go through before a sequel was finally produced. Fortunately for fans everywhere however, there won’t be much of a wait to dive back into the world of MacManus brothers, so to speak. No one knows when exactly we’ll get another sequel from Duffy and the gang (if any of the production crew is reading this, then PLEASE hurry up already!) but until that day does come, fans can always rejoice knowing that they’re beloved cult classic continues in a different media format… Comic books!

Last year fans of the popular Boondock Saints’ series flocked to near by comic shops and book stores to collect the 12-Gauge Comics comic mini series “IN NOMINE PATRIS.” which was well received by both veteran fans and newcomers to the series as well as critics for it’s loyal dedication to the core material the comic is based on. And while it may not be the next live action installment in the franchise fans are eagerly awaiting more. It did serve as a satisfactory alternative to the films which would keep the fans busy until the next installment. However, if you haven’t picked up your copy of this vigilant tale of mayhem and rough justice or is just hearing about it now, then you might want to hold off just a bit longer before picking up a copy as 12-Gauge Comics is re-releasing the graphic novel “IN NOMINE PATRIS.” in two special limited collector’s editions just in time for the holidays!

The BOONDOCK SAINTS' initial foray into comics is expanding into two new LIMITED COLLECTORS’ EDITIONS - A DELUXE HARDCOVER with exclusive deleted scenes and an ultra-rare signed and numbered “BLACK LABEL EDITION”.

The HARDCOVER is LIMITED to 850 COPIES and includes 16 pages of never before released, new material and a brand new cover by series Producer, Eben Matthews. This new content brings fans behind the scenes of the comic series and reveals the alternate version of the comic series’ second issue including the full story of IL DUCE’S BETRAYAL by “The Roman” and how we come to find him in Prison during the first film.

The “BLACK LABEL EDITION” is designed for the ‘Psycho Boondock Fan’ and is the ultimate edition of the Graphic Novel. This package includes the Hardcover as well as an exclusive set of mini-posters showcasing all six comic covers by series cover artist extraordinaire, Chris Brunner. It is packaged in a gorgeous black on black museum quality clamshell case and debossed with the Saints’ Celtic cross and iconic “Veritas / Aequitas”. This edition is LIMITED to ONLY 150 COPIES and SIGNED AND NUMBERED by Franchise Creator / Writer / Director, TROY DUFFY.

“IN NOMINE PATRIS” is Troy Duffy’s first foray into comics and the first outing of the Boondock Saints in a whole new medium. While staying true to the characters and tone which has made The BOONDOCK SAINTS films among the most successful independent movies of all time, this brand new story written by Duffy and comic scribe, J.B. LOVE is the perfect companion to the films.

The hit comics series masterfully interweaves the events of the BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY with brand new material to reveal the secret history of the original saint, NOAH MACMANUS (IL DUCE) as he wages a bloody war against 1960's New York's Underground Crime world. The storyline is intercut with brand new adventures of the BROTHERS MACMANUS (The Boondock Saints) doing what they do best; dolling out their special brand of justice to those that deserve it. "In Nomine Patris" brings a new chapter of the Saints saga to life while revealing the families LEGACY OF VENGENCE that created this trio of "Shepherds".

Featuring a forward by Connor MacManus himself - actor, SEAN PATRICK FLANERY - Join Troy Duffy and his comics team in this thrilling new Saints Adventure by pre-ordering these deluxe collectors editions. In addition to the Hardcover’s exclusive content, the graphic novel collects all six comic issues, never before seen art, a cover gallery, behind the scenes sketches and more. This is the story that answers many of the questions raised by the two films, now packaged in two highly collectible editions sure to delight any hardcore Boondock Fan.

Both the Limited Edition Hardcover and Ultra-Rare “Black Label Edition” are AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE OFFICIAL BOONDOCK STORE (www.boondockstore.com) and will ship in time for the holidays.

The New BOONDOCK SAINTS GRAPHIC NOVEL : COLLECTORS' EDITIONS

Troy Duffy on the New BOONDOCK SAINTS GRAPHIC NOVEL : "In Nomine Patris"

As stated above, both collector’s editions are available for Pre-Order right now, the Limited Edition Hardcover will ship in mid November while the “Black Label Edition” is set to ship in mid December.

The End of Originality!

2011-09-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

I think it‘s time I got back into the habit of writing again. It‘s been far too long since I last spoke my mind, and for good reason of course. I used to go places when I wrote, places that my readers really didn’t care for me to go, and always made it clear to me in their hate-mail. It’s not my fault I have a straightforward mind, and a no-dick assessment when it comes to the topic at hand. Though it is a little crude of me to tell my readers to go ‘f**k off’ when they strike back. Still, I’m here again, and this time the topic of choice is my favorite people to hate, back in my very crosshairs. Yup… HOLLYWOOD.

But not just anyone and everyone in Hollywood. I don’t hate the hardworking waiter that’s forced to serve those arrogant no talent hacks that call themselves celebrities. I don’t hate the underrated and underpaid assistants that’s forced to bend over backwards and take it up the ass by their overpaid and overrated executive bosses. And I don’t hate the maintenance workers, the street cleaners, the hardworking film crews, the meter maids or even the prostitutes and come out after dark. No, not even them. Because even the prostitutes earn their pay… yeah, I just went there. Deal with it.

So who do I hate? Well, sit back and let me open up and explain myself. I hate the executives. I hate the executives that allow, back, or force each and every single comic book adaptation, remake, reboot, re-imagination, sequel and prequel out into the world. I hate the writers. No, not all of them, clearly. I hate the writers who supports these ideas by helping to put pen-to-paper, or finger-to-keyboard over and over again. I hate the actors who give in to these pathetic excuses by first, agreeing to star in these films, thus giving them notary and recognition, and second by demanding such high paychecks, thus raising the budget of said films to such an extreme level that it almost never makes the box-office that it should.

I hate that great writers and great directors are only recognized by a small contingent compared to the masses that follow idiots like Michael Bay and other mainstream directors. I hate that great actors are only remembered for the mediocre films that they stared in, rather than the memorable pieces of art that they worked endlessly to accomplish. There is no more originality left in Hollywood. There is only movies to pass the time between true works of art, which is quickly becoming scarce and in-between.

I bow my head to the hardworking men and women who strive to keep originality alive. I bow my head to the chosen few (and I do me few) executives who supports the arts by giving original ideas a chance… And I bow my head to every single person that supports these films by paying to see them rather than illegally downloading them off the net. Thank you for your contribution to the cause. Keep up the good work.

Copyrighted © 2011 - CsK Article.

When Will They Learn?

2011-09-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

Every time news hits the web about a certain celebrity’s phone or computer being allegedly hacked by some unknown illusive hacker, I can’t help but ask the question: When will they learn? I’ve stopped asking “why” eons ago, because everyone has their reasons. Maybe it’s because they thought it was a good idea at the time and never imagined that their phone would be hacked and it would ever get out. And then there’s those who do it to take “Self portraits of themselves” (common, really? Are you F***ing kidding me!?!).

But in truth, there are literally thousands upon thousands of reasons why someone would do something so impulsive as this, to be frank. But in the digital age that we live in where information travels across the globe in the blink of and eye, and a total stranger is just one keyboard button click away from invading your most personal aspects of your life, the question no longer become Why, but rather when will they learn?

This year alone has seen hordes of celebrities’ entrenched in a web of controversy over alleged photo scandal. The latest of course being Iron-Man 2 starlet actress Scarlett Johansson, whom had her naughty bits paced all over the internet by an alleged Hacker, as reported by paparazzi website TMZ . Also covered by them was the report that the Avengers’ star also went a notch further and contacted the FBI over the hacking and has had her attorney Marty Singer fire off in letters sent to various sites hosting the photos demanding that they remove the "stolen copyright protected private photographs" immediately or face legal action. TMZ also went onto say that Singer claims, "The highly personal and private photographs at issue capture our client self-posing in her own home in a state of undress and/or topless." And that if they failed to comply they’d "be acting at your own peril. Please govern yourselves accordingly." Now I’m not fully sure if Singer or his client, miss Johansson, might be aware of the stage they’ve just set for future scandals. By acknowledging these to be authentic and also taking claim to them being copyright, it makes websites displaying them to be in legal hot water of copyright infringement, and I foresee this becoming a trend in the near future. I’m not one to judge here, lord knows I’ve done my fair share of less noble stuff in the past. But that doesn’t change the fact that one cannot help but ask one simple question; when will people learn?

Tidbit: My best advice to other celebrities out there, don’t take compromising pictures of yourself with an electronic device that has net capability.

Tragic Loss of Two Extraordinary Actors Over 9/11 Anniversary Weekend!

2011-09-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

If things weren’t already feeling depressing with the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the day of the anniversary suffered yet another great tragedy to mark this particular date in the entertainment world. British actor and “Spartacus” star Andy Whitfield past away at the age of 39, on Sunday September 11th 2011. Whitfield was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in May 2010 and was undergoing treatment in New Zealand. During the 2010 Comic-Con he told Zap2It in a interview that he was feeling “better than ever” and hoped to return for the second season of Starz‘s hit show. But unfortunately the cancer had gotten the better of him, as he was forced to take an indefinite leave of absence in September of that year. Many had still hoped for a speedy recovery for him, but it was with great sadness that he had lost the battle. Whitfield’s wife Vashti said in a statement issued to The Associated Press. “He passed peacefully surrounded by love. Thank you to all his fans whose love and support have help carry him to this point. He will be remembered as the inspiring, courageous and gentle man, father and husband he was.” On the official Gabriel (2007) Facebook page an official statement was released by the production “The entire Gabriel family and community are deeply saddened at our loss of Andy Whitfield. We thank you for all your support over these past few years and know he was grateful for it also. There will never be another like him...”

…and if that news wasn’t depressing enough, Hollywood suffered the lost of another legend earlier in the week. Veteran actor and Academy Award-winner Cliff Robertson passed away of natural causes on Saturday September 10th. at Stony Brook University Medical Center on New York's Long Island, a day after his 88th birthday. Robertson is famously known for such roles as portraying President John F. Kennedy in the 1963 WWII film “PT 109” and for his portrayal of a mentally disabled man in "Charly" in which he won an Oscar for. Robertson never quite achieved reaching the top dog level in Hollywood like some of the other notable stars of his generation, but never once faded from the public eye even the 21st century. According to Evelyn Christel, his personal secretary of over 50 years, said that he died of natural causes. For modern moviegoers Robertson will be remembered as the kind hearted Uncle Ben in the Sony Pictures’ box-office hit Spider-Man films directed by Sam Raimi. Spider-Man 3 is noted down as his last official film appearance.

Concept Art of Pinhead And Other Cenobites For Possible “Hellraiser” Remake!‎

2011-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, I posted an article about the horrifyingly awful Hellraiser sequel; Hellraiser: Revelations, which was visually hell to say the least (and believe me it was not a complement on the film). Long story short, I wouldn’t dare recommend it to anyone, including my own enemies… period. Well I’m not here today to talk about that blasphemous piece of garbage, but rather something else that’s more or less in relation to it, so to speak. As you know, the powers that be in Hollywood is relentlessly determined to remake, reboot and or re-imagine every bit of film property that they can get their money grubbing hands on,. So it was only a matter of time before they’d eventually make their rounds to the Hellraiser franchise. And believe me, after Revelations, I don’t think there is a single fan on planet earth that wouldn’t welcome a do-over on the franchise at this point.

So if you’re eagerly awaiting the new remake as I am, then get ready to become all giddy with glee as Shock Till You Drop has acquired exclusive concept art of what the new Pinhead might look like! conceptual designs that were created for Patrick Lussier and Todd Farmer's Hellraiser remake. These were created by FX vet Gary J. Tunnicliffe of Two Hours in the Dark. As you can see, they maintained some similarity to the original Pinhead design, but encased it in a rather phallic collar. He was going to be joined by another male Cenobite known as "Skinner" and a female Cenobite. Check it out below and afterwards go HERE to see two new Cenobite concepts:

On a sad note however, it was reported earlier this week across the interweb that the status of the remake moving forward has lost some steam in it’s progress. Apparently “Drive Angry” helmer Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier were attached to the remake, but during the attending of the Los Angeles signing event for “Still Screaming” the due apparently said it was unlikely to happen with them. In a interview with horror website Bloody Disgusting Todd Farmer went on record when asked if they were still involved. “I don’t think so. We developed several versions for Dimension, but in the end we never saw eye to eye creatively. We wish them the best and look forward to seeing what they come up with. We expected when we came back from 'Drive Angry' that we would jump on 'Halloween 3D'. But they wanted to do 'Hellraiser' first, and we were sort of intrigued by the idea. We’ve done probably three different outlines at this point; we haven’t gone to script yet.” you can read the interview in it’s entirety HERE

Tidbit: It’s rumored that Revelations was made specifically as a last ditch effort to maintain the rights to the franchise a bit longer while the studios work a bit harder on properly develop the remake, but only time will if there’s any truth to that, but if that is the case then they better make the wait worth it. For now no dice on the remake.

Review: The Symphony (2011) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski]

2011-09-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Starring: Robin Zamora, Marissa Merrill, Bill Oberst Jr.

Directed By: Michael LaPointe

Grade: B+

Review Written by Kelsey Zukowski

I have become really burnt out on screeners lately. Everything I get seems to suffer from terrible mediocrity. If some of these films would try to take chances, do something even slightly different, or have any purpose or point to the recycled kids-in-the-woods horror scenario, this wouldn’t be the case. Among the first minute of The Symphony, I knew this film would be the exception to those I have been seeing lately. It’s original, insightful, and filled with passion. The film takes an interesting approach to storytelling, following the standard act structure and elements, but clearly having an experimental film identity. It utilizes this without ever really feeling too experimental. It’s authentic, relatable, and engaging all the way through. The audience never has to question what is going on or if there is some abstract translation to it.

Ray (Zamora) is a self-mutilating artist who believes his life’s work of completing an album of truth is just within his reach. Ray largely uses actual clips of authentic human movements and actions, representing their humanity. It’s all about showing mankind, from the vibrant life it possesses to the pain and ultimate farewell. He cuts himself to try to find his muse, any ideas or abstract thought through a dream spawned by the pain that he can use. His girlfriend just thinks he has an obsession to his work and feels neglected. Ray can barely break away from his work, to him it’s not work; it’s the entire purpose of his life. When Ray begins seeing a homeless man who might hold the key to all of his answers to completing the perfect piece, he slowly gives himself over to him. How far will Ray go to complete this piece though and is his life worth the legacy he might leave behind?

“I cut myself, it burns so much the pain makes me hallucinate and pass out. Just to have a dream I can use. Use to make a sound for the album.”

This is one of the first spoken statements of the film. I was immediately sucked in from then on. There is just so much Intriguing material in that line of dialogue alone; meaning to self-mutilation, what can drive a person there, craving for artistic meaning through dreams, the passion and dedication to not only ones craft, but to bringing a purpose to life, something concrete that will last longer than a fragile, mortal life.

In the interest of not spoiling anything I won’t list what the last line of dialogue is, but it goes hand in hand with the quote above; both seem to summarize the film perfectly, coming full circle to the true importance of this in the end. That is something that few films can do, while seeming completely genuine rather than overbearing. It really is a perfect ending, how it had to end, challenging our main character to see how much he would really sacrifice.

Robin Zamora did an incredible job in the lead role. If it wasn’t for him committing to it so fully and bringing out this realistic character the film could have very easily fallen apart. Ray’s inner monologue helps us get inside of his mind and understand his turmoil and drive, but we really don’t even need that to empathize with him. Zamora’s facial expressions show all of the emotion that is surging through Ray’s veins at any given moment. His eyes carry it all. All of the performances were very naturalistic, but just based on comparison Zamora outshines them all.

The content and execution of a film is what really sways my opinion. I can appreciate a good looking film, but I tend to be more substance over style. However, The Symphony is the best of both worlds, the all around good film. The aesthetics are impressive, but are there not to look pretty but to compliment our character and his story. Ray’s dream world and composure in his work are where his spark lies. Thus, these are the moments that are brightly colored jarring images and an alternate state of mind. Every sound is amplified, even the seemingly mundane. To our protagonist no sound is insignificant, especially those that are pure forms of human life. Any time he is editing, there is a clock ticking away, personifying a death clock count down. It works off the question of the film, will the album’s completion or death come first? The visuals are dark and gritty, bringing us in to this dark tale full of intensity, determination, and the brushing along the edges of death.

Boondock Saints’ Graphic Novel Now Available For Pre Order!

2011-09-06T01:38:00.000-07:00

For many fans of the Boondock Saints franchise, there is only one defining moment that will fill them with pure ecstasy, and that’s the day that word comes down the wire that a new sequel is on it’s way. Sadly, that is not today. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. A bit good news that will no doubt flutter the hearts of Boondock Betties everywhere. And that news comes to us in the form of a comic written by Boondock Saints’ helmer Troy Duffy and will serve as the perfect companion to the film series…

The BOONDOCK SAINTS' initial foray into comics is now available for pre-order in a collected edition chock-full of never before seen bonus material (on sale this November)! TROY DUFFY’s original BOONDOCK SAINTS film is one of the most successful independent movies of all time, with a fiercely loyal and devoted fan base - including 4.5 million social media fans and counting. With the hit comic series "IN NOMINE PATRIS", creator/writer/director TROY DUFFY launched the first "Saints" story to take place outside the iconic films. Written by Duffy and comic scribe J.B. LOVE, the comic series is the perfect companion to the films.

The story masterfully interweaves the events of the BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY with brand new material to reveal the secret history of the original saint, NOAH MACMANUS (IL DUCE) as he wages a bloody war against 1960's New York's Underground Crime world. The storyline is intercut with brand new adventures of the BROTHERS MACMANUS (The Boondock Saints) doing what they do best; doling out their special brand of justice to those that deserve it. "In Nomine Patris" brings a new chapter of the Saints saga to life while revealing the family legacy that created this trio of "Shepherds".

Featuring a forward by Connor MacManus himself - actor, SEAN PATRICK FLANERY - Join Troy Duffy and his comics team in this thrilling new Saints Adventure by pre-ordering the collected edition. This special trade paperback collects all six comic issues, never before seen art, a cover gallery, behind the scenes sketches and more. This is the collection the fans have been waiting for!

INNFUSION and 12-GAUGE COMICS are proud to announce THE BOONDOCK SAINTS, VOL. 1 TP: “In Nomine Patris”; NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Hastings, and all quality book and comic book stores across North America.

For a comic shop in your area, please visit comicshoplocator.com

Tidbit: Thanks to Wendy Shepherd over at Studio Matrix for sharing this.

Review: WTFU (2010) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-08-24T04:10:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Allison Lane
Written by: Allison Lane & Chris Ritter
Genre: Short / Comedy
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: September 2010
Starring: Dan Brennan, Allison Lane, Wade Foster, Ed Cryer, Allison Mosier, Tom Miller, Erin Cronican, Rich Fromm

Plot: "The Producers" meets "Good Morning America" in this hilarious (and seriously wrong) 26 minute award winning comedy, based on the hit web series "The Morning Bitch"

Review: 7/10

The Story is about: based on the hit web series THE MORNING BITCH, WTFU is a hilarious short that focuses on a Long Island talk show producer (Brennan) stuck in a dead end job and wants to seek a more adventurous opportunity, but his boss, the president of the network, won’t let him out of his contract unless he pays back every cent he‘s ever earned from the network, so without many option left to his disposal, he finds a way to get himself fired but replacing the co-hosts of the network’s highly rated talk show and replace them with two rude, Obnoxious and racist individuals you’d ever imagine on morning television, but what happens when his plane begins to back fire on him?

My Thoughts: There’s nothing more undesirable than winding up in a dead end job. You know the type, one that allows little chance for new and existing creativity to happen (basically it‘s the SSDD routine). It’s a pain, having to wake up to such a feeling (or so I‘ve heard) and very often, the person going through it will from time to time question themselves: “Why do I do it?” Well that’s where this delightful indie short WTFU comes into play. WTFU is written by Allison Lane and Chris Ritter and is also directed by Allison Lane whom co-stars in it.

The film follows Dave Grayson (Played by Dan Brennan) a successful morning talk show producer for a Long Island based show called “The Morning Dish”. having worked this job day in, day out, for well over a decade, Dave wants something new, fresh and exciting in his life rather than the same old routine. And when he gets a job offer from a major international news agency, Dave doesn’t waste time contemplating over it and decides he’s going for it, only problem is, the contract he signed (Let this part of the story be a lesson for any one signing a contract, under no circumstances do you sign any contracts unless you and your lawyer has given it a thorough examination before you put pen to paper) with the job he’s currently with dictates that if there is a breach of contract on his end in any way he’ll have to pay back every penny with a percentage of interest added on. So being shit out of luck and jolly well F… well you get the idea, he comes up with the ultimate idea; if he can’t quite or convince the boss to release him of his contract, then maybe he can get himself fired by generating enough complaints into the station regarding the show he runs will be enough grounds to have him released of his contract. This of course leads to him changing his show “The Morning Dish” into “The Morning Bitch” (Yeah you read that last sentence right) and the end result is a slow of edgy humor that some might consider Taboo, but it works very well in this case.

While the film seriously lacks in run time (Sorry folks but it‘s a sort and only runs about 20-something minutes) it makes up for it with very acceptable acting and a slip of the tough sense of humor. This is of course all due to the talented writing by Allison Lane and Chris Ritter. The plot, though short due to run time, is very entertaining and relatable, but the real gem lies in the hilarious dialogue the film shovels out at you, and while the short doesn’t exactly serve as a prequel per se, it does set the viewer up for the source material that is also equally entertaining, as proof of this I had not seen any bit of “The Morning Bitch“ prior to viewing WTFU, but after viewing the short, I curiously enough decided to check out the webisodes which are available online for free and my conclusion is that though the film doesn’t feel like a full blown prequel, it does however, pay homage to the original source material and set’s the viewer up for the loads of shorts that await them online. WTFU may have its flaws, but it’s creativity and raunchy humor will have viewers laughing constantly at some of the most outrageous and edgy moments.

As for the acting: The acting was great, Dan Brennan as always did a fantastic job in his performance, he brought a real charismatic feel to the role that makes it incredibly hard to not like him, from the first frame, you’re already rooting for him. She can deny it all she wants, but it seems painfully obvious that Allison Lane is in fact the writer of this film seeing that her character had many of the best lines in the film, including some of the most memorable jokes I might add, one line in particular takes place in a coffee shop where she tells Grayson (Brennan) that her “Closest friends call me sugar t**s” her talented performance as Patty Foster was unbelievably funny and sometimes outrageous, and add that with her co-star Wade Foster as Hudson Lane and you good sir, have a charismatic duo who’s humor stand out great alone but is amplified tenfold when together on camera [Interesting fact: If you noticed, the last name to Lane‘s character is Foster, and Foster‘s character is Lane, which are the opposites of their real names vice versa]. Ed Cryer did a fine job as Sheamus Goldenblatt. Whats fascinating about Cryer, is that he has a natural presence about him that if comforting and brings a sense of wisdom to the character. Allison Mosier did very well in her supporting role as Shelly Tibbets, also in the supporting role that did extremely well is Jack Reiling who seemed to be the butt of a few sexual jokes in the film and as well as Chris Douros, Douros is no stranger to this film group as he has acted alongside both Brennan and Lane in various other projects which also includes “The Video Guys” and “Maggie Marvel”.

Final Say: WTFU was a highly enjoyable short and while the disappointing fact that it goes by way to quickly looms over it like fog over the surf of a lake, one could argue that it deserves a follow up or even dare I say, a full length adaptation to spring out of it someday. Either way it does execute its prime directive quite nicely, I won’t say it’s a masterpiece that rivals all other comedic short films out there, but it was no doubt a blast of a time to view and I recommend checking it out for what it is.

Clive Barker Slams Hellraiser: Revelations!

2011-08-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

Normally I’m against studios’ doing remakes, re-imaginings and reboots to some of the horror genre‘s iconic slashers (With a few exceptions of course). But there comes a time in a franchise’s run where you’ve got to admit to yourself that it has run it’s course and is in dire need for a restart. Case in point; the Hellraiser franchise, which if you were alive during the 80s or 90’s then there’s no doubt that you’ve probably heard of Pinhead and his gang of Goth attire wearing Cenobites! After the first three films the franchise began to go down hill, though the fanboys will argue that it was after the second film since the third film lacked the same spirit as the previous two.

But anyway, you’re probably asking yourself what does this have to do with Clive Barker? Other then the fact he‘s the creator of the series of course. The film company Dimension Extreme whom is the current holder of the franchise is distributing a new edition to the Hell series’ called HELLRAISER: REVELATIONS, which is being heavily criticized by fans and critics alike for being produced on a ultra low budget and not having veteran actor Doug Bradley attached as the iconic S&M Demon Pinhead to say the least. But now adding fuel to the fire is Clive Barker weighing in by publicly voicing his own opinion about the new sequel via Twitter. This is what Barker had to say: “Hello, my friends. I want to put on record that the flick out there using the word Hellraiser IS NO FUCKIN' CHILD OF MINE! I have NOTHING to do with the fuckin' thing. If they claim its from the mind of Clive Barker, it's a lie. It's not even from my butt-hole.”

Wowzers! So it’s not even from his own a** huh? Now that is what I call some harsh words folks, then again I wouldn’t blame him for being so angry about what the film studios’ did to his pride and joy over the years, especially after seeing that some of it was outright blasphemy to the lore. But if you’d like to take a gander at what ticked him off so badly then take a look for yourself at the video below:

I don’t like to Judge a film before I’ve seen it in it’s entirety, but damn that looks painfully awful! The latest sequel is scheduled to be realest early September via VOD and hit DVD and Blu-Ray on October 18th. Meanwhile, there isn’t much news on when exactly production for the remake will actually begin, but the film is slated for a 2013 release with Barker attached as producer and will be supervising the production.

Tidbit: So do you think the remake has a shot at returning the franchise to it’s former glory?

Exclusive: Brand New Stills and Teaser Trailer of Indie Dark Drama WHAT THEY SAY

2011-08-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

It’s been an awful long while since we’ve last posted anything regarding the dark drama “What They Say” on here, and I know for a fact there are some of you out there that are itching for some indie news. Especially one as gory as this project, so wait no further my gory maniacs because not only do I have word on the outlook of the project’s current statues (Yeah, I’ve got a man on the inside;)), but also some brand spanking new stills as well as a brand new trailer that just screams Yeah baby, yeah!

Alright now, on to business shall we? I’ve got an update on the current status of What They Say, and the word is it wrapped production in the end of May after filming over the previous month. Post-production is well underway, with a first edit and new trailer completed. Screenwriter, Kelsey Zukowski, says, “It was really amazing seeing Heather’s original vision and the script I had created come to life before me on set. With the extremely talented and dedicated group of individuals behind the film and the dark, disquieting, and phantasmagorical nature that emerged, I have the up most faith that What They Say will be just as powerful as we imagined it could be”. The film is set to premiere at the Chicago Horror Film Festival in September, which Dorff will be hosting. From there it will continue a 6 month festival run before it’s DVD release.

For those of you who’s stumbling across news of this project for the first time here at TCWReviews, What They Say is based on a short story written by first-time producer and star of the film, Heather Dorff. Dorff Says “There is no true way to verbalize what this project means to me. This has been a tough, scary, and draining process, but it was very much worth it. The end result will prove just how much the entire cast and crew have put into this film.”

Synapses: They thought she had the perfect life; wealthy and privileged, an honor student with her whole life mapped out. What they didn’t know was what lied inside of her; pain and anguish; tearing at her until there was nothing left. Lost and alone, the young women (Heather Dorff), finds solace in the form of a glistening blade, splitting her skin deeply. Her obnoxious sister (Kelsey Zukowski) and her self-indulgent mother (Kitsie Duncan) are completely oblivious to her inner-turmoil. She has long since become numb to the world around her, getting that sensual release as the razor cuts deeper, watching the blood drip is all that matters. As soon as the last drop falls, the calm is stripped away from her with it. How far will she go to silence the hunger that now consumes her? Will she be able to regain control of her life, body, and sanity?

Evil lies within. How long will it stay there?

What They Say is Directed by Justin R. Romine (Afraid of Sunrise), And is written by and stars up and coming actress Heather Dorff (Original Story by) and was adapted into a screenplay by TCWReviews’ columnist and resident film critic, Kelsey Zukowski, and will also star a supporting cast which includes: Kitsie Duncan, Tina Renee Grace, Jolene Aldus, and Tyler Klunick.

Indiegogo: http://www.indiegogo.com/What-They-Say-Post-Production-Campaign

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1948213/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/whattheysay

Website: WhatTheySayFilm.Com and FatheadFilms.net

Side Note: Having known both Heather Dorff and Kelsey Zukowski, if there is even an ounce of the incredible talent that is Heather and Kelsey put into this film, then it will no doubt be a must see as either have proven to be a true class act to the independent genre.

Boondock Saints’ Troy Duffy Goes OFF THE BOULEVARD in New Documentary!

2011-08-16T02:59:00.000-07:00

Attention! Calling all Boondock Saints and Boondock Betties! There’s big news regarding Director Troy Duff coming down the wire! First and foremost ,I should clarify with you that it has nothing to do with a Boondock Saints sequel… still here? Alrighty then, on to business shell we.

While this might not be the Troy Duff news you’ve eagerly been awaiting, it’s still interesting news about the filmmaker that should interest a lot of his loyal fans, a new documentary produced by the man himself called “Off The Boulevard” a documentary that is said to contain an inside look into the struggle that is the entertainment business and give viewers a newfound respect for the heart and effort put into making the media we’ve come to love and respect over the years.

Los Angeles - Troy Duffy (Creator of The Boondock Saints franchise) announced the pre-sale availability for the launch of a documentary feature film, “Off The Boulevard,” he executive produced in partnership with Santo Films.

“It’s an interesting and educational behind-the-scenes look at the struggles fellow independent artists go through in pursuit of their dreams,” says Executive Producer Troy Duffy. “It gives us an inside look at the tough lives of some up-and-coming independent artists. As we watch them fight their way through the industries of music and film, we glean words of wisdom from successful veterans of the entertainment business.”

Off The Boulevard is a story of art and heart and the dedication it takes to achieve your dreams. It is an entertaining and informative documentary feature film about seven artists: two musicians (Nick Nicholson, Keith Jackson), two filmmakers (Troy Duffy, Jeff Santo), two actors (David Della Rocco, Sanel Budimlic), and one comedian (Bob Rubin), whose friendships are created through struggle and perseverance.
The film features industry insights from well-knowns such as: Peter Fonda (Easy Rider), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Sonny Barger (Hell's Angels), Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams), and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).

“Off The Boulevards follows seven artists on different paths but with the same goal- to fulfill their dreams,“ says Jeff Santo, Director. “This film transcends the world of entertainment and my hope is it will inspire all who strive to pave their own road.” Ain't It Cool News claims it’s "Phenomenal in every sense of the word. 4 stars." Detroit Metro Times writes it’s "Essential viewing for anyone getting ready to go up against a giant."

The documentary will also feature industry insights from Peter Fonda (Easy Rider), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Sonny Barger (Hell's Angels), Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams), and Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam).

Available now for pre-order exclusively at: http://www.santofilms.com/ and http://www.boondocksaints.com/ at an introductory rate of $14.99. (Autographed copies available for an additional fee.) (Pre-orders at this introductory rate are available through Sept. 7th) DVD begins shipping Sept. 7th, 2011.

Viewers can look forward to several intriguing bonus clips featuring highlights from the film such as celebrity interviews and Troy Duffy rehearsing with Boondock Saints II cast members.

Side Note: Interesting fact, this documentary is due out on September 7th which also just so happens to be a very special day for yours truly, awesome huh?

Critic Vs. Critic: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I & II (2010 & 2011) [2/2]

2011-08-15T23:54:00.000-07:00

Since the start of TCWreviews.com, we have prided ourselves with the notion that we present to our readers with critiques built on high standards with quality writing, presenting only honesty and an unbiased moral high ground. Though because we support freedom of speech among our writers, there’s always going to be a spin zone due to difference of opinions, and from time to time one or more critics here will voice their opinion in a completely different direction of the others. So in the sprite of outspoken voices we at TCWreviews would like to present a new exciting edition of Critic Vs. Critic!

Tonight TCWreviews’ Editor in Chief and Chief film critic Clifford Kiyabu sits down with fellow film critic, columnist and colleague Kelsey Zukowski. In this edition of Critic Vs. Critic: we talk about Warner Bros. Pictures’ final installment to the Harry Potter series Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I & II Written by Steve Kloves (screenplay), and J.K. Rowling (novel). And Directed by David Yates.

Kelsey: I just got back from re-watching The Deathly Hallows Part II again. It was a different experience, but if anything it was even more interesting, knowing these characters better and going back to watch everything they did prior to the revelations. I feel like I really know them now and it’s refreshing and tremendous to hold these truths and to realize their full meaning. Upon writing this review, I decided to put in The Prisoner of Azkaban to continue that magical, uplifting high that Harry Potter gives you no matter how dark the particular film is. Once again, I have to disagree with you on the transition from the first two films to this one. It pushes the films forward, hinting at the darker material that the series is headed for, but I don’t think it is too big of a switch. It’s so quirky, colorful, and full of character, much like the first two.

Watching The Prisoner of Azkaban as I type this I can’t help but thinking how reflective it is on the Potter series as a whole, quite possibly more than any other film. Once again I am with you on Gambon not living up to Harris’ calm, patient, and wise performance as Dumbledore. It took me a film or two to get used to Gambon, but honestly now I don’t even think about the difference. In time he became Dumbledore. More importantly in Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry really defines himself, Ron and Hermione’s strengths and personalities we quickly fell in love with are even more dynamic. So much character is given to not just Hogwarts, but the entire magical world just aside of the Muggle’s world reach, with such celebration. There are darker things at work, but compared to those that follow it’s actually somewhat tame. As you said Sirius ends up being family rather than the threat he is thought to be. The death eaters are the biggest threat rather than Voldemort himself for once. Let’s not forget how the dementors are beaten and Harry is saved in the end.

Sirius Black and Severus Snape are two of the series most compelling characters. Neither are at all what they seem to be, carrying so many heavy secrets that truly define them to those that know their true nature. Thinking about their relationship to Harry, makes their characters all the more interesting. Both Gary Oldman and Alan Rickman to an astounding job of bringing such truth to their characters, all of the very complicated dynamics. The best and worst in them are equally convincing, making us question the true nature of them, and finally once it is uncovered, what we see of them is actually quite moving. Draco Malfoy is another very interesting character. Even between Prisoner of Azkaban and Deathly Hallows he has changed so much, he’s barely the same character. He used to be hateful and antagonistic, and even now feels a need to keep up appearances, but even in the last few films the difference was clear. He was wavering from what was expected. So to say his “allegiance has changed”. The growth is remarkable and Tom Felton is another who was able to show how dynamic his character is over time.

I do agree that Harry Potter is the Star Wars of our generation. Science-fiction movies aren’t my favorite films, so I never got in to the series, but I can view the similarities in the epic nature, complex relationships, and just how mind blowing it is to audiences experiencing it for the first time. Harry Potter is the same way. Every film, but especially The Deathly Hallows Part II, is such an amazing theater experience; uplifting, powerful, and really feels like something out of this world. It takes us out of our daily lives and takes us to the magical world where hope, belief, and persistence in fighting evil is the most powerful weapon; a better place than we live in. We grew up with these films, but there’s so much more there than just nostalgia.

I really liked the ending of Deathly Hallows Part II. It was the perfect ending and we were given even further closure on the series being tied up with seeing the characters 19 years later. Honestly, I think they would have been better off using actors that resembled the main cast rather than having them portray the older versions of themselves. A few of them looked like they had aged a little, but none of them were really that believable in the age they were meant to be. Ginny still looked like she was about 14, not much older than her children were supposed to be. It was easy enough to look past though and enjoy the cycle of Potters, Weasleys, and Malfoys continuing their journey through Hogwarts. It seemed fitting for it to end in a full circle from when we first joined the characters upon their acceptance to Hogwarts, their lives never being the same again once they met.

Clifford: I couldn’t agree more with you on the notion of a second viewing being inaudibly different. I myself have yet to view it for a second time, but feel as you do about it in a manner of speaking. Any fan who’s seen the final film for the first time will no doubt feel a heavy sense of sadness, a surrealism will rain over them, because knowing that once the curtain is called it will be for the last time. There simply won’t be another epic journey like it in the world of Harry Potter. As the poster reads; “It All Ends”. Which, I think only draws more anxiety within the fans as they know the end truly is nigh. And well, that’s precisely what happens, so for anyone who’s stuck by the series as loyally as you have, I and the hordes of fans have, there will no doubt be a great deal of conflicting emotions running through us that only a fan of the series could possibly comprehend. I also can understand and respect your love for the third film, Prisoner of Azkaban, because it is as you’ve said a nudge in the right direction in terms of tone. Though I still retain my stance about the film despite this debate. Though I will say this, I have only ever seen the theatrical cut to all the films, and have yet to dive into the extended cuts that were recently released, and even though I own all but the ultimate editions of The Deathly Hallows Part I and II, I’ve vowed to not watch any of them until I’ve completed my collection, so I feel obligated to retain myself from any further talk of Prisoner of Azkaban until I’ve had a better understanding with the film by watching the extended cut. So until then our little conversation on the matter will no doubt be put on hold for a later date. And who knows how I’ll feel towards that film after my viewing of it, perhaps even a slight chance of coming out with a slightly more positive view towards the film.

And yes I agree, Draco Malfoy has probably gone through the biggest transformation over the course of the films than anyone else. When we first come across him in The Sorcerer's Stone, he was a pack leader among the first year students in the house Slytherin and quickly becomes one of Harry’s adversaries. This is further developed into something much more around the time of Chamber of Secrets, it left us wanting to see these two lock heads in battle one day. But by the time Prisoner of Azkaban came around he became more of a simple bully trying to prove he was better. But over the course of the other films that followed we see him change so dramatically to someone we barely recognize. The biggest change in the character came around Half Blood Prince where he is noticeably conflicted emotionally to the point that we see it surface on his complexion, his character carried a dreary gloom on his shoulder that was clearly heavy. But this also goes for many of the other characters too, as much of them displayed a clear sign of feeling the drain the 7 years bestowed upon them, the misery, the lost of allies and friends, the tough decisions set before them and ultimately, the overbearing sense that hope was lost looming over them. And with Draco one could go a bit further and argue that this showed that he was indeed fighting a war within himself. The growth of this character is indeed quite remarkable and Tom Felton is mostly responsible for this fantastic transition through his delivery as Draco. Mark my words, Felton is going places after everything is said and done with this series.

All and all, looking back at all the Potter films as a whole, it really was the “perfect” series that came to an almost perfect end. In most cases, a film adaptation never truly lives up to the source material that it’s based off of, but in such a rare case as this, the films really did carry a unique flavor of it’s own that can’t really be compared to it’s literary counterpart. I think you and I will agree here that the book to any franchise will always rain superior over it’s inferior cinematic companion, but for the Potter series, the films and books will rain as equals in their own right as they each stand proudly on their own.

Kelsey: The “It All Ends” tagline on the poster really was completely fitting. The series is coming to an end, everything we have seen before leading to this last epic battle that will determine everything. Even more so though, Harry Potter’s life could very well be coming to an end; “the boy who lived” and the boy so many fans have lived through in experiencing every Harry Potter adventure. The magical and muggle worlds could be coming to an end if Potter’s blood is spilled. If this happens the muggle world would surely be shattered in the flick of a wand. If the magical world still existed it would exist in such a pitiful, domineering way full of slaughtering and cruelty. Either way it is all ending with this film, the only question is what kind of world we will be left remembering.

You make a good point about not only Draco but all of the characters in the series. They have all been touched by death, either nearly escaping it or losing loved ones to it. In this case it’s more than death, Voldemort and all he represents is more vindictive, torturous, and obliterating than death. We really can’t even comprehend what characters such as Neville are going through, looking in to the face of pure darkness, the coming of all hope lost, and essentially spitting in its face yet doing it with such dignity. He refuses to give up, as do nearly all of the characters. Their faith goes beyond Harry, proving this at the end. No matter what happens and no matter how grim their chances seem they have to fight against the darkness when light radiates through them.

The books are the original source material. They are what created everything we have come to love about Harry Potter. There is more detail, depth, and understanding in the books, but the films have achieved a rare feat in bringing such life to them, which is rarely done in adaptations. Films seldom get better with sequels, but Harry Potter only got deeper in to the things, more mature and dark, complex and thematically showing the line between the light and darkness. It ended up developing in to something so all-encompassing and astonishing that it’s completely beautiful and powerful. Seeing things that have been in the works for so long and only now truly understanding them makes the entire series seem much more important and awe inspiring. There are so many layers there and every single one of them is a little piece of the magic behind Harry Potter.

And that concludes this edition of Critic Vs. Critic with myself and Kelsey! While Kelsey and I generally had positive things to say about the series in general and greatly appreciated the final installment, we obviously had our differences on certain aspects of the series, most notably the third installment, Prisoner of Azkaban, which she adored as one of her favorite films in the series as where I did not. Like Yin and Yang, the past C vs. C’s have shown that we’ve rarely agreed on things in Co-reviews but still hold a respect for the other’s opinion, but on such a rare case as this one, Kelsey and myself stand almost completely in agreement that the final installment to the HP films was the best in the series and served as the perfect send off to one of the most important series’ of our generation.

However despite what you’ve read here between us it’s still up to you, the reader, to decide if you agree or disagree with any of the opinions laid out here, and if you’re still not sure then by all means I implore you to take the leap of faith and find out for yourself. I want to thanks Kelsey Zukowski for taking the time to sit down and have this little chit-chat about one of the most iconic franchises to come out of the film industry within the lat 10 years. We invite you to join Kelsey and I again as we debate it out like maniacs in the next edition of CRITIC VS. CRITIC! Coming Soon.

READ THE FIRST HALF: HERE

Critic Vs. Critic: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I & II (2010 & 2011) [1/2]

2011-08-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

Clifford: Before we go into breaking down what we’ve seen in the final chapter of this magical series, I think we really must make note of the fact that this final chapter coming to a close truly is the end of an era. It feels a bit surreal realizing that it’s been a decade since we began this marvelous journey into the cinematic world of Harry Potter and all it‘s companions with whom we‘ve come to love and hate along the way. From the Sorcerer's Stone to the Deathly Hallows, we’ve invited these young individuals into our lives and watched them over the years grow into the people we’ve come to know today, from the characters they play on-screen, to the talented individuals we’ve come to know them as off-screen. Daniel, Rupert and Emma have been our beloved companions along this journey from beginning to sweet end, and for all fans true to the series, this last chapter is a bittersweet celebration, because it will be the last time we’ll experience this magical tale on the big screen in a crowded room filled with complete strangers with whom we share a common bond with.

Now Kelsey, I know you want to jump right into dissecting the last chapter but I think we really must look at this final installment not as part 1 and part 2 individually, but as a whole film as it was intended, because it was after all adapted from a single book. So with that being said, let me say this: Chapter 1 (or, the first half) was great, but not as great as some claimed it to be. I mean I thought it was on par with some of the previous sequels and I enjoyed it just the same, but I felt it was a little to slow paced than usual and at times felt almost as if it was coming to a screeching halt. It certainly didn’t feel like any other Potter film that came before it. To steal a quote from you; “The Deathly Hallows Part I is practically void of any light; darkness nearly filling it whole. In many ways it doesn’t feel like a Potter film”. Granted each of the Potter films have their own uniqueness about them that makes each film/book stand out on it’s own, but the first chapter felt extremely out of place, at times it felt as though I was watching a non-HP film which just so happen to feature the characters from the series. the first chapter was my least favorite part of the potter series next to Prisoner of Azkaban, but my dislike to Prisoner of Azkaban mostly steams from the fact it was the first film Michael Gambon took over the role of Dumbledore from the late Richard Harris, whom I feel played a much better Dumbledore then Gambon.

But with that being said chapter 2 really does pick up the slack for the first chapter and really serves up the showdown we’ve waited nearly a decade for. Unlike chapter 1, the film managed to be ever so dark, but maintained that radiant glow that always made the potter films so magical even in the darkest of parts, which is something the first chapter was missing, the first chapter showed us a dark void in which there was no hope of light at the end of the tunnel, as where chapter 2 showed us that it’s always darkest before the dawn.

Kelsey: That’s exactly why it’s so hard to believe that we have really seen the last Harry Potter film. I was 13 when the first film came out, around the age most of the main actors were. I grew up watching these films and I grew with the cast, characters, and this magical world they had brought to life. The last film was bittersweet, but honestly I couldn’t have wished for more. It oozed epicness, was full of non-stop world changing action, and had so many mind blowing revelations about characters we thought we know so well. In many cases, we find out that the last decade was really all about what we were able to experience with The Deathly Hallows Part II. This is what it has always been about; a reality the audience and so many of the characters were blind to until now.

I understand that The Deathly Hallows is essentially one chapter of the Harry Potter series, but I have an extremely hard time grouping Part I and Part II together. They are such completely different films; day and night. Although, part II still has plenty of darkness seeping through. Part I doesn’t feel like a Potter film at all. While it isn’t one of my favorites for that reason, I do like that it’s different from the others. Harry and his friends were always the underdogs. They were going up against one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time. Especially towards the beginning, they were young, inexperienced wizards. They were always in over their heads, but somehow they managed to beat the odds and defeat Voldemort time and time again. They could only get so lucky for so long. Yes, they are talented and strong individuals, but things couldn’t go there way forever.

The Deathly Hallows Part I brings them to the reality that their luck has run out. All hope is lost. The Harry Potter series was always about hope, possibilities, and escaping to a place where anything was possible, where good prevailed even in the increasingly dark times. All of that is gone in The Deathly Hallows Part I. Our protagonists are in way over their heads. Their entire world is utter chaos. On the defensive, running for their lives when they are the last hope for both the muggle and wizarding world. For most of the film they aren’t even getting anywhere close to stopping Voldemort or weakening his power, but they keep on going, keep on trying, nearly being driven mad in the process. Why? Because they have no other choice. They have to at least try even if it makes them hopeless fugitives. Honestly, if you think about it that is almost more heroic than any other film; fighting the darkness when there are no delusions of thinking it won’t consume you whole.

I have to disagree with you on Prisoner of Azkaban. I’m actually a little shocked by your stance as it’s one of my favorite films of the series, behind Deathly Hallows Part II and The Order of the Phoenix. Out of the first four books that I read, it was my favorite one. I really see it as a step in the right direction for the series. The darker the films got, the more intriguing they got. The first two feel much more innocent. I love them for creating the world of Hogwarts and everything that was established through them, but in comparison the first two films aren’t nearly as compelling as the Prisoner of Azkaban or later ones that followed its lead. It was also the first that showed that some people are not what they seem to be, a component that is reoccurring throughout the series. Prisoner of Azkaban did this through Sirius Black, one of my favorite characters of the series. Ron, Hermione, and Harry are clearly growing up and are stepping things up a notch. Harry grows a tremendous amount in this film from mentally what he has to go through in what he thinks is the reality of Sirius selling out his parents and causing him to relive the memory of their untimely deaths to realizing Sirius is the only real family he has left, the very person his parents would have wanted to raise him. I do agree that switching Dumbledores felt unnatural and it was a difficult transition. It was some time before Gambon really felt like Dumbledore, but it was a necessary change.

The Deathly Hallows Part II has it all. That glow is what put it over the top, so charged of energy, rich story and characters, and such an intense showdown, but the thing is Part I wasn’t supposed to have that. Part II was a better movie for it, but it would have taken away the dreary state that defined Part I and made the revival of Part II so exhilarating.

Clifford: So true, just about anyone who is a true fan can easily recall their first encounter with the Potter films. I was 15 when the Sorcerer’s Stone was released in theaters, and I remember at the time I had known zilch about any of the potter books or the series itself for that matter. If I remember correctly, I had no interest whatsoever to watch the film or read any of the books as it did not intrigue me at that current period of my teenage years, I only went to see it because it was a free movie ticket (and only a idiot turns down the chance of a free movie). But after my first viewing I left that theater room and began my delightful journey into reading the books because that was the kind of impact the film had on me, to which the series itself made me a lifelong fan. The finale of this series, although bittersweet, was as you put it, worth every minute. From the nonstop action and beautifully captured cinematic battles, to the powerful revelations revealed in this final installment, every single thing about chapter 2 was beyond epic and fully lived up to the hype and standards set before it from the previous films. And even though we had known good and well all along what was awaiting us, we were still very much surprised and emotionally moved by it. Which is something I can honestly say few films in the history of cinema can stand out for.

One could even go a notch further and argue that the HP series was this generation’s Star Wars (Original trilogy of course). Sure we’ve all enjoyed those films and basked in it’s glory, but neither you nor me can honestly know what it felt like to experience the original trilogy in it’s entirety on the big screen for the first time like those who saw it in the late 70’s and early 80’s. And in a rare case like this one before us, this is what the HP films have done for our generation, no one old enough to remember or yet alive from this moment on will get to experience what we felt growing up watching these films on the big screen for the very first time, this is our cinematic moment, or in other words, our epic journey that no other future generation will get to experience from this series.

As for my stance on Prisoner of Azkaban, I’d thought you might be a little surprised by it seeing, that you‘ve never made it a secret about your love for the film and the book. But don’t get me wrong, Prisoner of Azkaban is a very good film as is all the films in the Potter series. I just felt that the cinematic atmosphere in PoA was a little too dark from the last two previous films, and granted the book is equally dark, but to go from a more lighter tone with 1 and 2 to an extremely dark setting in PoA felt a tad bit out of place for me. Maybe it’s just me but that’s how I feel about it, I agree it was a step in the right direction for the series, but I would have preferred it much better had they gradually made it darker rather then take a leap forward like that. But I won’t lie that a major part of my liking this film the least still falls flat on Michael Gambon coming in to take over the role of Albus Dumbledore, because when I envisioned Dumbledore in the books, I pictured him as reserved and wise. He might seem weak because of his age and appearance, but proves to be the most powerful Wizard in the wizarding world when need be. If you remember in the book the Order of the Phoenix, when Dumbledore faced off against Voldemort he was patient and wise in his actions in the fight and retained a calm mood and a cool head that angered Voldemort as well as made him fear Dumbledore. This is not what I felt while watching Gambon’s performance as Dumbledore. I also feel that had Richard Harris lived to continue in the role, Dumbledore’s death in The Half Blood Prince would have been much more emotional and moving.

But I will say that the one truly magnificent thing that I am grateful towards Prisoner of Azkaban was that it serves as the gateway for Gary Oldman’s entry into the series as Sirius Black. Oldman’s performance as Black and Alan Rickman’s performances as Severus Snape alone makes Prisoner of Azkaban and every film to follow it worth watching, Black may have appeared to be the villain in the start of Prisoner of Azkaban which lead Harry to hating him, but his revealing to be one of the good guys, and proving to be the only family Harry truly has left was indeed brilliant and touching. And Rickman’s performance as Snape was probably one of the most moving in the series, because he brought to these films a delightful touch of class only a veteran actor of the theater arts such as himself could. And his breath taking performance in Chapter 2 only amplifies it, which further validates my argument that Rickman brings to these films a touch of brilliance and grace that grants credibility to both the character and the series that no other actor could have done had they been placed in this same role. In short, Rickman was born to play the role of Severus Snape. he only thing that I was a little skeptical about seeing prior to seeing chapter 2 was the 19 years later part, because I was a bit worried that the transition from paper to screen would come off feeling a little cheesy having Daniel, Rupert, Emma , Bonnie and Tom portray their characters in the 19 years later scene. But shockingly enough it worked extremely well, and if either of them look anything like they did when they reach their late 30’s then it will be something to see I tell you what.

READ THE SECOND HALF: HERE

First Look at Anne Hathaway as Catwoman!

2011-08-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

First there was the unbelievably awesome pictures that surfaced of Tom Hardy as Bane earlier this week (Or last week depending what part of the world you’re currently on right now) and I guess a higher power heard my pleas for help as my prayers were obviously answered! Yes boys and girls, that’s right I’m talking about the newly released photo by Warner Bros. of the starlet Anne Hathaway in her Catwoman gear for next summer’s blockbuster hit THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. But there might be a motive behind the decision to release this photo in the first place, when you think about it, the magnitude of entertainment sites covering this film’s production is insanely ridiculous, and it’s making it ever more increasingly difficult to avoid being caught by members of the media with cameras, the photos below of miss Hathaway doing what appears to be, jacking Batman’s ride, the Batpod, is a perfect example to what I’m talking about and one cannot help but wonder if WB felt compelled to beat all these fellow bloggers to the punch with the spoilers for a change. Know that before you begin to venture down this post there might be some spoilers in the pics (especially the candid ones) so know that you’ve been warned [SPOILERS AHEAD]

There is a slight debate among Batfans right now over the costume and argue that this might not be her official costume as there might be an entirely different one she’ll wear in the film, much in the same theme of Heath Ledger’s Joker who spotted a jean suit in the beginning of the film The Dark Knight that resembled noting to his official costume later in the film. But to counteract that argument is the fact that Badass Digest did an article about the suit back in June where an ‘insider’ gave a cryptic description of the suit and described it as more of a “Tactical” look then previous incarnations: "Anne's outfit is more tactical, like the comic book, than the previous Batman movies. She will definitely be wearing the goggles and it's going to be less sexy than Halle Berry and Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman costumes. She's going to look more like a robber." since the photos have surfaced the web has blown up over it, both in support of the new look and in utter outrage due to a serious lack in catlike features such as missing a tail and or ears to say the least.

Side Note: So what say you Boy and Girls, is Miss Hathaway everything you imagined she’d be as the sexy feline thief?

Extra Side Note: The previous set of photos of TDKR has left me with the conclusion that Lucius Fox better have a damn well good explanation as to why Bane and his goons have soooo many tumblers in their possession or else Bruce Wayne better fire his ass.

A GREEN LANTERN 2 POSSIBLY IN THE WORKS!

2011-08-04T17:52:00.000-07:00

Remember how well received GREEN LANTERN was? Remember how much moolah it took to the bank? No??? oh yeah that’s right, it was blasted with quite the array of negative reviews, and is considered one of the biggest financial disappointments of the 2011 summer movie season… yet apparently the big wigs over at Warner Bros. thinks otherwise. Despite bombing at the box office domestically and opening on less then desired numbers (the production costs are allegedly estimated around $200 million and opened at $53,1 million), Warner film group president Jeff Robinov talked with the LA Times about a GL sequel in the works and being tracked for a release within the coming years. “We had a decent opening so we learned there is an audience,” said Robinov telling the LA Times.

He also went on to say this: “To go forward we need to make it a little edgier and darker with more emphasis on action… And we have to find a way to balance the time the movie spends in space versus on Earth.”

Now I’ve yet to get around to seeing Green Lantern like most folks, so I can’t judge it in any way… yet. But looking at it from a Business prospective: if the film bombed in theaters and was poorly received on an extreme level by critics and moviegoers alike, is it really wise to attempt to have another go at it? Plus, despite my not seeing the film just yet, I find it incredibly hard to see Ryan Reynolds doing dark and edgy. He just doesn’t seem to carry that aspect in the roles he steps into. Though I have been wrong before…

On another note, despite Robinov’s optimistic view point of a sequel in the works, Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes feels less optimistic about a sequel while sitting down with The Hollywood Reporter in a interview having this to say regarding a sequel: "It did not live up to expectations - fell fairly far short of those," said Bewkes expressing disappointment on the lackluster performance at the box office, he also went on to say "We will be deciding that in due course,". Though he did not entirely rule out the possibility of a sequel happening in the near future, it is for the moment, uncertain. Meanwhile IMDB has a Green Lantern 2 listed down for a 2013 release, though the odds of that actually being concrete is all speculative for the time being.

Side Note: For those of you who’ve already seen Green Lantern, what say you, Yea or Nay on a sequel?

On-Set Photos of Dark Knight Rises Stars Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway and Marion Cotillard!

2011-08-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

2008 was definitely the year for Batman fans everywhere. Though, it was stricken hard with the lost of one of the franchise’s greatest stars to ever grace the role of the caped crusader’s arch nemesis, the Joker, the film was easily dubbed the Batman movie that fans had waited decades for.

Now it’s no secret that we don’t cover all news bits that hit the web on a daily basis (mostly due to being understaffed), but when news such as this hits the interweb, you’d have to be utterly insane to remain quiet about it. Christopher Nolan’s epic conclusion to his Batman saga is still almost a year away, and fans are clamoring more than ever for any piece of news regarding THE DARK KNIGHT RISES that they can get their little hands on, since Nolan surprised everyone with the teaser trailer to the next Batman installment earlier last month. If you don‘t want to read any spoilers I highly suggest you stop reading this post now. [WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD] Well can you imagine the look on my face when I stumbled upon Joblo this morning and came across full onset photos of actor Tom Hardy in full Bane gear kicking Batman’s ass in broad daylight!

Yep that’s right, the pictures above display what appears to be Batman (Bale) getting his ass beat downed by none other then Bane (Hardy) in broad daylight in what appears to be a riot of some kind, and what even further boggles the mind is that we see not 1, not 2, but 3 camouflaged variations of the prototype military vehicle known as “the Tumbler” AKA The Batmobile in the last photo which can only conclude that these camouflaged variations don’t belong to the caped crusader but in fact belongs to Bane and his henchmen. But that’s still yet to be seen though, at least until the good people over at Warner Bros. confirms this little piece of news for us.

Meanwhile MovieWeb has on-set photos of actress Anne Hathaway NOT in uniform (I know how you feel) as well as photos of Marion Cotillard. Not sure when we’ll get a chance to see miss Hathaway in full outfit glory, but I’m willing to bet it’ll no doubt be before the year is over. The Dark Knight Rises will be due out in theaters July 20th, 2012 and stars Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Marion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film will be director Christopher Nolan’s last Batman film, as it will conclude his epic Bat-Trilogy.

Side Note: I don’t know about any of you, but this is probably the first Batman film where my anticipation is not to see the villain in action, but rather seeing Anne Hathaway in full Catwoman gear. I mean, come on!

Review: Frog Dreams (2011) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-07-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Daniel Jordano
Written by: Daniel Jordano
Genre: Drama

MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 2011
Starring: Daniel Jordano, John Squire, Toni Vitale, Kara M. Tyler, Keith Jamal Downing, Lauren Steffany.

Plot: The personal lives of two complete strangers become entwined with each other after a car ride one afternoon, and through it all they rely on each other as they confront their own inner problems.

Review: 7/10

The Story is about: Jim is a coke addicted, fund manager who just lost his job and millions in the recession. Mickey is the man-with-a-van mover Jim hires to help him transport his file boxes to storage in Pennsylvania. The two become unlikely friends and help each other gain a new perspective in their struggle to recover their lives and their manhood.

My Thoughts: There‘s an old saying "When life gives you lemons make lemonade”, well what happens when lemonade doesn’t quite serve up lemons in it? Nothing in life is as picture perfect as it’s perceived in the movies or TV shows, majority of folks will be lucky to just settle for average in the rat race of life, because in reality life doesn’t give you lemons, it gives you shit, and a lot of it to be frank. And more then usual it’s much more complex than making lemonade, because there is no simple black and white to all of life‘s problems. Trust me, there’s a whole lot of gray in the middle, like the human body, life looks simple on the outside until you cut into the skin and it reveals the complexity of it’s circular pluming.

In his directorial debut Writer/Director Daniel Jordano lays out an important message to his viewers in the film FROG DREAMS, a message that’s in many ways is sincere and true to life itself. You’re not going to get everything you want in life, but boo f****** hoo, life goes on and you need to man up and take the hand you’ve been dealt and deal with it. The perfect example would be one of the film’s primary characters, Mickey Chanos (Played by Daniel Jordano), here’s a guy who had a decent job writing medical books for the medical field, he had it all, a great pay to support his family that included benefits, however his real passion is really writing children’s books and as you know there‘s very little time to write a children’s book when you‘re busy writing complex medical books, so he makes the biggest decision on his life and quits his job to pursue a career which suits him more. But because of his inability to deal with his inner fears with moving forward with his dreams he’s left to settle for the alternative which is anything that keeps his mind occupied, which in this case is being a self-employed mover. His decision leads to him living out of his own car while his wife and son live their own lives without him. He is obviously regretful for some of the actions that led him down this path but cannot find it in him to fully progress beyond his current situation in life until he meets Jim Evans (Played by John Squire) a choke addicted (financial) Fund manager whom has just lost his job in the industry after blowing millions in investments in the recession and is looking for someone to help him move his stuff. After the two become acquainted their personal lives and dire situations become entwined with each other.

Frog Dreams might not be the Oscar worthy indie drama most people kill to see, but it’s proved to be a very interesting conversation piece that worth looking into to say the least. The general plot is appealing and very relatable. Watching these characters and their inner personal problems bleed out in the open before each other leaves each of the characters venerable, but it’s their vulnerability and the risk taken for another human being that’s a complete stranger none the less, that’s also strengthening and leave both with a unlikely friend out of the ordeal which I found to be heartfelt and quite powerful. For an indie on a small budget, Frog Dreams stands out for having top notch film quality that I can honestly say can rival some bigger budgeted Indies I’ve seen in the past. The dialogue plays a major part to the film as much of the movie takes place in or around the characters conversing between each other, and while the dialogue at times proved to be compelling and helps the film progress, it also plays as it’s Achilles’ heel because the film tends to slow down and drags on in certain areas. But that’s easily forgiven as most conversational dramas like this tend to do the exact same thing from time to time. What I did feel was a deal breaker for me though sort of speak, was it’s underwhelming ending that left me feeling like things didn’t quite get resolved as I would have liked it to have. Throughout the film we’re presented with multiple obstacles for both Mickey and Jim to overcome, and there is a clear presence of tension building up big to one of these obstacles (I‘m not gonna spoil it so bare with me here) and when the time arrives for this moment of truth we’re left under-whelmed with a less then par result that to a degree angered me. However despite the disappointing hiccup of a ending Frog Dreams still has a lot of value in it that is something worth looking into.

As for the acting: the acting was a slight mix bag here, from having some solid performances to just okay performances to underwhelming performances. I’ve always been the type of person who starts off with the good news so lets start with the good shell we. Daniel Jordano performance as Mickey was superb and serves as the perfect complement to John Squire’s performance as Jim, it’s pretty clear that the chemistry onscreen resonates from a real life friendship between the two as there is a sense of authenticity present here, which means that either they’re friends in real life or this is proof of fantastic acting between them. Kara M. Tyler delivered a incredible performance as Sophia Chanos, her performance as an angered and emotionally hurt spouse was just and true to the character and deserves kudos for it. Keith Jamal Downing was very exceptional as the drug dealer Rashad, serving as the film’s antagonist, though one would argue that the real enemy in the film was actually the main character’s themselves at times as their own worst enemy for holding themselves back at achieving their goals true goals. But Keith still pulls off an exceptionally well performance I did have one slight complaint here, while he did a fantastic job for the most part onscreen the end scene felt a bit held back for the character and should have gone further. still though, it’s only one minor problem. Toni Vitale gave an acceptable performance as Marisa Evans, though I would have liked to had seen a little more tension onscreen between her character and John Squire’s character. Her performance was still very acceptable in my opinion. Lauren Steffany performance as Kristen Evans was one of the major problems I had in the film. Her character felt painfully unmoving for someone who’s been disappointed by her father her whole life, nothing against the actress as I’m sure she’s a decent actress to boot, but her performance came off as mild and noticeably scripted, as a viewer, not just a critic, I should be taken in by the characters in the film and feel for them, their emotions is what connects the viewer to them and more importantly, the story, and sadly I was not feeling this with Lauren as Kristen.

Final Say: Like many films, Frog Dreams suffered from the same generic problems most movies tend to encounter especially with keeping focus on the main plot, yes it’s very flawed and there seems to be a slight issue with plot pacing from time to time. But the film did present a very interesting and somewhat empowering message, that life isn’t going to be easy and it probably never will for some, but just because life is going to be rough doesn’t mean you should just through in the towel and give up, that you should man up can take what’s dished out and continue moving forward. Frog Dreams may not have been the masterpiece I would have like, but it’s certainly worth taking a stab at.

The Social Media Massacre Shows Us it’s Heart in Latest Episode!

2011-07-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

If there’s one thing that’s truly nightmarish for someone in my field, it’s having your computer go on the fritz causing you to lose data that wasn’t backed up. As I sit here re-writing this very article, I’m left with the regret of not backing it up once it was done, oh how painfully agonizing the feeling is to put work into something only to lose it in a flash of a blue screen fail. Oh well, it’s done and gone and I’ve already gone through the process to re-written it all back up again.

But enough about that. For all you indie horror fans eagerly awaiting the next installment of indie filmmaker Ron Purtee’s next installment of The Social Media Massacre, well wait no further because the latest episode which is titled “FROM THE HEART” is here! With the latest episode Purtee has teamed up with award winning UK horror writer Garry Charles to bring forth a dark tale of love, obsession and bodily mutilation all wrapped up in a neat little package. Purtee's idea is to create short based within the confines of our online social world, a series of webisodes that are confined by the limitations of the single camera set up.

So far we have been treated to murder, suicide and envy fuelled revenge, a steady build up of creeping terror preparing us for this journey into the mind of twisted lovers, brought to life on the screen by talented newcomers Shaun McGregor and Nikki Farce. Anyone familiar with Charles' writing will know he has no qualms with crossing the lines of good taste and he does so here with what seems to be a knowing smile on his face, penning a script that manages to rub taste's nose in the dark stench of Taboo's darkest areas.

The latest installment is ever more disturbing then the last one and as morbid as they come, but for those who’ve seen the previous installments this is to be expected of indie filmmaker Ron Purtee and his directing style. I can guarantee you one thing, this series is not for everyone, especially those squeamish to blood or other bodily dismemberment, so know that you’ve been warned.

WARNING MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

Side Note: So far this series has manage to not cease to disturb me on how gruesomely shocking it can get at times.

Is "Mad Men" Star Christina Hendricks our Next Wonder Woman?

2011-06-22T21:32:00.000-07:00

When people think of the Amazonian princess Wonder Woman, the thought of beauty meets might easily comes to mind, because she‘s a unique heroin that embodies the consciously sound mind and the relentless strength and devotion to truth, justice and equality of a Superman whiles retaining the soft delicate touch of a woman, which is why she is called a Wonder. But for some odd reason she is also a heroin that is incredibly hard adapting into the live action scene, not since Lynda Carter has there been a successful transition of the Truth Lasso welding princess into live action. To date the only successful telling of the heroin aside from the comics has been the animated genre.

And over the last decade there’s been talks and actions put forth into motion to see the Amazonian princess make her gallant march to the silver screen, or at least a return to prime time. The latest attempt was done in 2011 with the intent of it becoming the fall superhero replacement in NBC’s primetime timeslot, but ultimately the production suffered major backlash by the fan base after pictures of actress Adrianne Palicki in costume appeared online which caused a firestorm of viral attacks by fans of the heroin over how horrible the costume turned out, then after the production changed the wardrobe designs to appease to the fans, the show’s producers were criticized for showing a sign of weakness for giving in to the attacks. But the final nail to go into the coffin was when NBC’s bigwigs got a chance to see what they’d eventually would be paying for, and rumor has it they weren’t impress with what they saw to say the least (honestly what did you think you was going to get when you pay for a Wonder Woman who looked like an overly dressed porn star!?!?) so the show was passed on, which left the producers with only one option, to shop it around, but how do you sale something nobody wants?

When talking about actress Christina Hendricks the famous George Takei catch-phrase “Ohhhhhh my” comes to mind. Yes if you’re a guy then you’ve most likely heard of the modern day bombshell by now, who’s notorious for her classic pinup curves and her eye catching upper regions. Well it seems that the new plan for the Wonder Woman franchise is to once again bring it to the silver screen, and director Nicolas Winding Refn, whom is working hard at getting the project off the ground as soon as possible wants the voluptuous Mad Men actress to star as the Amazonian princess and was quoted by Movie Line for saying "If I ever get to do it, she's [Hendricks] going to be it." And it’s well known since last year the Miss Hendricks would most defiantly be game for it as well seeing that she told Rachael Ray last December that "I've been wanting to wear that outfit my whole life". While nothing is yet set in stone on this idea, one can still dream right?

Side Note: Okay for years I’ve been demanding for anyone involved in the Red Sonja project to consider Hendricks as a potential candidate for the lead role, but now I’m seriously reconsidering that thought and would like to see her donning the Red White and Blue! What say you?

Jackass Star Ryan Dunn Dies in Car Crash At Age 34.

2011-06-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

Update: Pennsylvania police have concluded in their preliminary investigation into the crash that killed “Jackass” star Ryan Dunn, in a statement that was issued by West Goshen Police Chief Michael Carroll said, "The initial crash reconstruction investigation determined that Mr. Dunn's vehicle was traveling between 132-140 mph at the time of the collision." The coroner’s Toxicology report showed that Dunn’s blood alcohol level was 0.196 at the time of the crash which is way over the legal limit of 0.08. The report also showed that Dunn did not have any forms of drugs or substance abuse in his system other then alcohol at the time of the accident.

Today is truly a dark day for JACKASS fans everywhere (myself included). Jackass star Ryan Dunn has died in a car crash early Monday morning (June 20th) in Pennsylvania. Celebrity gossip website TMZ has confirmed Dunn’s passing through fellow Jackass co-star Bam Margera's mother.

Dunn and an unidentified person both died in the crash which happened around 3 a.m. at Route 322 and New Street in West Goshen Township. It's unclear who was driving the car. We're told the car caught fire in the crash -- and hours later, a tow truck was called to the scene to remove the charred wreckage.

Dunn had just posted pictures of himself parting with friends on his Twitter page prior to the accident by only a few hours and seemed to had been having a good time. Police believe that speeding may have been a factor in the crash but have not confirmed if alcohol played a factor in it. What’s even more distressing is that this week’s episode of Dunn’s new reality series “Proving Ground” on the G4 network was pulled off of it’s schedule shortly after his death was made public (talk about a dick move), leaving the fate of the series and it’s production completely in limbo. Only time will tell what will become of the show if G4 does in fact decide to proceed with keeping the show alive on their network without Dunn as host.

R.I.P.

Ryan Dunn

June 11, 1977 – June 20, 2011

Side Note: No matter how the crash accrued, we must first remember that two lives were lost in this, and a great many people have been hurt in the process, so we at TCWReviews would like to extend our sincere condolences to all those hurt by this tragic news. R.I.P. Ryan Dunn June 11, 1977 – June 20, 2011.

First Look at Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise in ROCK OF AGES!

2011-06-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

There’s just something magical about classic 80’s rock music that holds a special place in my heart, from the big hairdos to the lather outfits and ridiculous getups, the 80’s is a unique time that will live on, or to better phrase it, rock on!

If someone told me that a day would come when I’d see Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise in full blown 80’s rocker gear rocking out I would have stood in disbelief and said something in line of “shut the **** up!” and if you told me that I would get to see these two iconic stars standing side by side in full gear I would have told you to “Get the **** outta here, no way!” but it appears that day has come as pictures featuring the stars donning long hair in the upcoming adaptation of the Broadway play ROCK OF AGES (yeah you read right, Alec Baldwin in long beautiful blond hair! Go on it’s okay to call your therapist now and schedule an appointment)

The first picture below displays Baldwin alongside British comedic actor Russell Brand (AKA Katy Perry‘s plaything) and the two appears to fit well into the roles of Dennis Dupree (Baldwin) and Lonnie (Brand). And finally below that features Tom Cruise as rocker Stacee Jaxx, which could quite possibly be the most awesome photo still you’ll see since the Star Wars Rock Band Concert Poster! But of course you be the judge and take a look yourself below.

ROCK OF AGES is directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray 2007) and is based off of the book and Browdway play by writer Chris D'Arienzo, which tells the tale of a small-town girl arrives in Hollywood at the height of the 1980s rock-music scene. The film will star: Tom Cruise, Paul Giamatti, Malin Akerman, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bryan Cranston, Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta and Mary J. Blige.

Side Note: you could say I was sold by the fact the film features a talented all-star cast, or by the fact such talents as Anne Hathaway and many other A-List celebrities are rumored to possibly making cameos in this, but it was the still of Cruise as Jaxx that sold me for it’s shear awesomeness.

First Look at Rosewood Lane!

2011-06-20T05:04:00.000-07:00

The horror film “Rosewood Lane” is really starting to shape up into something with potential, first the film landed Jeepers Creepers’ writer and director Victor Salva, who aside from having a troublesome and somewhat turbulent past, knows how to scare the bejesus out of his audience (did I mention he made Jeepers Creepers!?!?) and then we heard that the film landed a spot on cast which included the likes of such talents as the gorgeous Rose McGowan, Showtime’s “Dexter” co-star Lauren Vélez, soap actress Lesley-Anne Down and veteran actor Ray Wise just to name a few. But now there’s even more great news coming out of this project since it‘s official site got a major expansion recently. Instead of more jibber jabber scow on down and take a look at the awesome new poster and some the great stills!

ROSEWOOD LANE is written and directed by Victor Salva (Jeepers Creepers). The story follows McGowan as she plays Doctor Sonny Blake, a radio talk show psychiatrist, when she moves back to her childhood home after her alcoholic father dies. Once back in her old neighborhood she discovers the local paperboy is a frightening and cunning young sociopath that targeted her father and now targets her. When the boy starts calling her show and recites eerie nursery rhymes, an unnerving game of cat-and-mouse begins. When the game escalates, she suddenly finds herself in a terrifying all out war, one that forces her to redefine her ideas of good and evil, and has her fighting to stay alive.

Side Note: Personally, I don’t agree with nor support or respect the terrible things that Mr. Salva did in his past, but to that same respect neither do I agree with or respect the very things Roman Polański did in 1977, but what these filmmakers did in their personal lives don’t necessarily reflect their work as a filmmaker.

Exclusive Interview With Actress Danielle Nicolet.

2011-06-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

TCWreviews’s Administrator and Editor in chief, Clifford Kiyabu, sits down with actress Danielle Nicolet for an exclusive interview! It’s always a pleasure interviewing such talented people here at TCWRevirews. And this time around, we have a very special guest taking a seat in our virtual interview chair. The oh so talented Danielle Nicolet will be talking to us about her love of horror and Science Fiction and video games, but above all, her upcoming film SyFy film Red Faction: Origins, which is serves as a companion to the upcoming game Red Faction: Armageddon.

Clifford: First off, I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your hectic day to do this little interview for us. It’s not everyday we have such an incredible talent such as yourself dropping by our part of the web, but when we do it’s always a memorable one, so know that it‘s a real pleasure doing this interview with you.

Danielle: Thank you so much!! I'm honored. I'll do my best not to disappoint!

Clifford: Alright so instead of doing the usual “Where are you from” and “What got you into acting” routine most interviewers like to throw at stars we’re gonna do something a little different if that’s okay with you?

Danielle: Sounds great.

Clifford: I see you’ve been pretty busy this year thus far with having two films out. First with the Ticking Clock and now with Red Faction: Origins premiering on the SyFy channel. I bet it’s been pretty hectic with schedules in between projects. So what do you do to wind down in between roles?

Danielle: Well, let's see... I watch a lot of movies, spend time at the beach and do my best to relax. I'm not real good at the relaxing part!

Clifford: This is an odd question and I‘m willing to bet no one‘s asked you this yet but, you’re known by your dedicated fan base as an actress that can either make you laugh or cry, or in some cases both. But have you ever considered doing something completely out of norm for your fan base like say, be the antagonist of a horror? And I’m not talking about “oh she’s a real bad guy in this one“, no I’m saying straight out serial killer take no prisoners type of antagonist? [Laughs]

Danielle: OMG, who told you that I am secretly addicted to horror movies?! Seriously, I love them. You name a scary movie and I've seen it. Probably twice. I would absolutely love to be the killer!!! Sadly, at 5 feet tall and 100 pounds I don't get that call very often. I think they see me a little more as the "victim of the mean, nasty serial killer"...but I think it could work. No one would ever suspect little ol' me!

Clifford: Indeed, no one would ever think for a second that someone so innocent looking such as yourself to be the nasty killer in the film, and that would make for the ultimate twist, but what type of killer would you be?

Danielle: Definitely a twisted, Eli Roth style killer. Someone who is relentlessly wicked. I'd love to be that woman that you inherently trust because she seems so nice and helpful and would never hurt a fly, but in the end...she's Norman Bates.

Clifford: Okay so what can you tell us about Red Faction: Origins, is it based off of the first game, is it a prequel or a sequel or something in between?

Danielle: It's literally something in between. It takes place in the years between Guerilla and Armageddon. It's a great place to be because the game offers the framework of the world, but our story has not been told yet.

Clifford: Will the film reference any of the events that transpired in the previous games?

Danielle: Yes, the film has quite a few references to the events of previous games. It's really a continuation of the story of Alec Mason, the hero of Red Faction: Guerilla. Something fun for the game fans: there are little easter eggs throughout the film that are directly from the game.

Clifford: So how’d you feel about acting in a Sci-Fi project such as Red Faction?

Danielle: I absolutely loved it! I am big time science fiction fan, and this kind of movie is a dream job! I really enjoy watching the shows on the SyFy network, and Red Faction is just the best of the best. We have Brian J. Smith from Stargate Universe, Kate Vernon from Battlestar Gallactica, Robert Patrick from Terminator 2, Garreth David Lloyd from Torchwood, and Michael Nankin (Battlestar, Caprica) for a director and Andrew Kreisberg (Warehouse 13) writing and producing! It 's a SyFy dream team, and the movie really reflects all the talent that's involved.

Clifford: You play the character Tess De La Vega, what was it like playing this character and how does personality differ from yours?

Danielle: Playing Tess was really fun! She's smart. Really smart. Too smart, in fact. It causes her to suffer from foot in mouth disease more often than not. I especially enjoyed playing the "fish out of water" aspects of her experience. She doesn't really have the constitution to be cold, adventurous and uncomfortable! I suppose that's how were similar. My idea of a dangerous adventure is 2 star hotel!

Clifford: I’ve heard talks of Red Faction might get picked up as a series, any odds you can spill the beans if you live or die in this movie?

Danielle: I think I'm pretty safe in saying that Tess would never go down without a fight!

Clifford: I remember reading somewhere that you’re somewhat of a gamer. To what are some of your favorite games?

Danielle: I really like the GTA games, Call of Duty (who doesn't?!), Saint's Row...

Clifford: Well dropping titles like GTA, COD and Saint’s Row will gain you a lot of geek points from my readers… believe me. But now I have to ask; are you a online COD multi player?

Danielle: Not too often. I like to play alone. I hope that doesn't lower my geek points. Please let me know if it does and I will stop being such an isolationist!

Clifford: Did you play any of the Red Faction games for research?

Danielle: Not before we got started. I really wanted to stay as ignorant to the Martian landscape as my character was. Tess spends the film surviving a series of new and uncomfortable situations, and I wanted the sets to be a mystery for me as well. Now that it's over, that's a different story! My copy of Armageddon is on it's way!

Clifford: Keep in mind that this next question I’m about to ask you will determine if you’re awarded geek notary or not. [Laughs] But I’ve read that you’re a fan of the Star Wars trilogy, but which one?

Danielle: The real one! Wars, Empire and Jedi (yeah, even with the Ewoks!)

Clifford: Okay now this next question is TCWreviews’ signature question so don’t feel alarmed, you’re not the only one [Laughter]

Danielle: Uh-Oh!

Clifford: The term ‘For The Sake of Art’ has always been coined in the entertainment industry for how far an actor/actress would be willing to go for, well… the sake of art. So my question to you is; How far are you willing to go for the sake of art in this industry?

Danielle: All the way! It's art. Putting limits on it totally ridiculous. That's like trying to control the weather. You have to let go, be willing and the art becomes it's own entity. Wait a second..."All the way"...what exactly do you mean by that?! Never mind! I don't want to know! [Laughs]

Clifford: As part of a recently established tradition here at TCWreviews, we allow one anonymous reader a chance to ask our celebrity guests a question, but don’t worry we’ve filtered out any nasty obscenities [Laughs].

Danielle: Oh no, you must have been hard pressed to find a question then! haha!

Clifford: A reader asks what was it like working with the late Bernie Mac?

Danielle: Great question. It was one of the best experiences of my working life. My first episode of the show, I was feeling pretty shy and heading to my room to eat lunch by myself and heard his unmistakable voice behind me. "Baby girl! Where you going? You come in here and have lunch with me!". I went to his room and the whole cast, half the crew and a professional boxer were all in there! Bernie embraced me, and that meant that everyone else did too. From that day, I could talk to him about anything. He always told the truth and never forgot how fortunate he was to have such success. He taught me how important it is to take care of the people around you, and to value friendships above all else. I will forever be in his debt.

Clifford: Thank you once again Danielle for taking the time out to do this interview, I guarantee you we at TCWReviews will no doubt be watching Red Faction: Origins this Saturday evening and readers will be checking it out as well. I’d also like to invite you to come back and do this again with us sometime, and as always it’s been a hug pleasure.

Danielle: The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for watching our movie. I really hope that you enjoy it. Let me know what you think!

And that concludes my interview with actress Danielle Nicolet. As the Editor in Chief and Chief administrator of TCWReviews, I can tell you that I‘ve done my fair share of interviews in the past as well as talked with many actors and actresses, and I can honestly tell you that Danielle has a natural charisma about her that makes it incredibly hard to not be constantly engaged in conversation with her. There’s no doubt I’ll be watching her film Red Faction: Origins when it premiers on SyFy Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 9 pm. Danielle was a fantastic addition to our celebrity guests here and I want to once again extend my sincere thanks for taking the time to sit down and converse with a little movie buff such as myself. I‘d also would like to thank Wendy Shepherd for making this interview happen in the first place, Thanks Wendy!

New Character List Revealed For Up Coming Season of Dexter!

2011-05-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

From the moment I watched the very first episode of Showtime’s “Dexter” I was hooked by the twisted sense of humor it projected in each and every homicidal episode. There’s just something about a psychotic Miami forensic scientist that moonlights as a serial killer vigilante who brings blood and justice to the scum of the earth. And what further complements this dynamic force of nature even more is the added ingredient of talent by none of then actor Michael C. Hall.

With that being said, how many of you was left wanting more at the end of last season of Dexter? Well the wait is almost over as production for the sixth season of Dexter is underway to begin at the ending of the month and TVLine has acquired some interesting info regarding the line up of new characters coming on the upcoming season. Be aware you’ve been warned… SPOILERS!

Jamie: Described as an outgoing and fun Latina in her mid-20s, this Florida native relocates to Miami for grad school.

Chicago Mike: New thirtysomething African-American homicide detective who possesses a finely turned BS detector. The Windy City native does not play well with (Dexter) others.

Louis: A buddy of Masuka’s (C.S. Lee) who joins MMP as a new lab intern. Role calls for a Caucasian actor in his 30s who is “attractive in his own way.”

The usual season regulars are expected to make their return on the upcoming season of Dexter which comes after the post announcement when it was announced that Hall was battling Hodgkin's lymphoma and his wife, Dexter co-star Jennifer Carpenter, had filed for divorce late last year. Dexter is expected to air on Showtime this fall.

Side Note: So do you think Hall and Carpenter will be able to continue working together on the show without a hitch or will there be a noticeable show of tension between the two?

Review: Ill Square (2009) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-05-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

Directed by: Edgardo Flores Written by: Edgardo Flores
Written By: Edgardo Flores
Genre: Comedy/Musical
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 10 August 2009
Starring: Barry Schwam, Edgardo Flores, Joe Fraley, M. Running Bear Bunch

Plot: An ill depressed man in search of love, a neurotic old git and a lonely documenter converge in this offbeat, experimental musical.

Review: 5/10

The Story is about: Three tales converge in this mind warping directorial debut by Edgardo Flores. A love sick man (Edgardo Flores) sits at home broken hearted and hopeless. After months of rebuilding his confidence, he sets out to find his one true love, but what he ends up with instead is something far more complex. Meanwhile, a neurotic old man (Barry Schwam) and his son (Joe Fraley) prepare for a zombie invasion, after an emergency broadcast sends them off. Armed with a pellet gun and a hand saw, this father son duo will stop at nothing to save the world.

My Thoughts: Originality is a hard thing to come by these days, especially in the film industry since it’s a rat race to the finish line for the next big idea. Filmmakers and writers pushing the envelop and taking things up a notch all the time, pushing the boundaries between what’s acceptable and what’s not. And most importantly, what’s never been done before. And every once in a while there will come a film unlike any another. And when that serendipitous moment arrives for a viewer, it’s always one they’ll soon not forget.

As I sat quietly in my chare viewing Writer and Director Edgardo Flores’ directorial debut “Ill Square” for the first time, one pivotal thought ran through my head as the film began to play out… Just what the heck is a “Ill Square” anyway!?!? Well the answer hit me like a solid brick to the face. Ill Square is a offbeat experimental musical on a very low micro budget of about $2000. Now I know that the idea of a overly ambitious filmmaker directing a low budget indie doesn’t quite go together seeing that it’s the perfect combination that equals for total disaster most of the time (More common then we‘d like I‘m afraid ), and lord knows how many times I’ve personally seen that unfortunate scenario play out in the past. But in this case it doesn’t quite end completely that way. Flores brings something very much different to the table then most wouldn’t be accustom to in a indie feature, to best describe what this cinematic experiment actually is would have to compare to something in line that Tim and Erick from “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” would proudly make had they gone into the feature making business, and with that being said the film works very well for being just that, an experimental piece of filmmaking which no doubt earns my respect for taking a leap into the unknown for this type of genre let alone going into making something as ambitious as this with no sureness or guarantee of an outcome, and only being armed with a loyal cast and a skeleton budget, I tip my hat off to Flores for doing this. The story basically follows a handful of different individuals who’s plots take much different courses of action in terms of theme, one being of a man who’s brokenhearted and hopeless to the love he has for the woman who broke his heart, and after finally building up the confidence to win her back he discovers a shocking revelation. The story proves to be interesting to say the lease, but unfortunately fails to maintain a strong grasp over my attention long enough to keep a hold on me at times mostly due in part that the first story felt overly bland, making it somewhat bitter.

The second story follows a lone documenter who quietly ventures around the city and transit stops filming random people, though this story has no particular plot it does serve the film with some lovely shots of random locations as well as a few interesting people along the way that proves to be quite interesting that a artsy crowd might appreciate. And if you don’t appreciate it then it will also serve the viewer as the perfect intermission point before the next plot driven story starts back up. Now with that said, the third story follows an old man and his son who has purposely trapped themselves in someone’s empty house in the middle of the night after hearing an emergency broadcast over the car radio claiming of a zombie invasion (which if you‘ve been following the previous plot lines then it's most likely a radio prank gone wrong) armed with only a pellet gun and a handsaw the father/son duo prepares for a zombie apocalypse. In all honesty the third story is actually where the film becomes extremely entertaining as it serves up both comedy and horror to the viewers in a very pleasing way. Sadly, because the film bounces back and forth between storylines it leaves you waiting to see the father/son due back in action on your screen rather then the other interconnecting storylines. Now with that said the other flaw I found was that the film prides itself on the music numbers in the film's description, yet much of the music doesn't quite hold up to be the slightest bit memorable and comes off as easily forgettable, which is not the fault of songs themselves but rather it just doesn't fit in with it all to well. But the film’s biggest problem seems to stem from a lack of proper story pacing that would connect these stories together in a more understanding manner and because these stories are very different in terms of theme, it makes it incredibly difficult at times to keep up with the pacing making you wishing the film would just settle with watching the quirky father/son due for the duration of the film rather then anything else, which is not an attack on the other plots in the film or the filmmaker, but rather pointing out the flaws in a constructive manner, because Ill Square is in itself an interesting piece of indie work made out of next to no budget and little film tech at it’s disposal, and I have no doubt in my mind that it’ll gain a cult following with time. My only wish is that Flores will see these flaws presented here and ratify them in his future endeavors.

As for the acting: Well the cast did a fairly okay job here, though the real eye catcher is no doubt Barry Schwam, he brings a truly captivating persona to the table that has a life of it’s own, and at times it proves to be an overwhelmingly compelling personality that is extremely hard to ignore then alone dislike. Joe Fraley’s performance only further complements Schwam’s performance with his Simple Simon attitude towards everything, especially everything being told to him by Schwam’s character. Edgardo Flores, who not only wrote and directed the film, but also starred in it, did a pretty good job in his performance, though I really did wish there was more life and emotion put into his character, because the biggest flaw to Flores’ character is that it lacked the emotion one would have had they just gotten their hopes knocked to the curb with a curve ball. As of the rest of the cast, they all did pretty decent in the film, however, because of the third storyline taking the biggest interest here, it’s hard to really follow the performances of the rest of the ensemble cast with a earnest opinion of those actor’s not directly involved in that particular plot.

Final Say: although Ill Square was not the slam dunk I would have liked, it was still very much interesting jumping into, and despite my not recommending it or giving it a somewhat low rating, Edgardo Flores is a filmmaker who is now on my radar as one to lookout for in the near future, and I very much look forward to seeing him prefect his craft.

R.L. Stine’s Latest Book Get’s The Silver Screen Treatment!

2011-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Being a child growing up in the 90’s there was one author that stood so vividly out for me, R.L. Stine. From his “Goosebumps” books, to the TV show, there was just something about his writing that naturally gave me the willies, and this is coming from a guy who watched A Nightmare on Elm Street as a bedtime movie! Maybe it was his storytelling that appealed to the child that I was at the time, but some of the stuff he created scared me more then anything some of the big wig horror icons to come up with, one memory that easily comes to mind is seeing the cover art to his novel Night of the Living Dummy and watching the Goosebumps episode “The Haunted Mask” (which is one of my favorite episode by the way) creeped me the heck out!

But with that being said, R.L. Stine is the master mind responsible for scarring the bejesus out of an entire generation of youngsters, and it looks like one of his works will be finally getting a theatrical treatment. The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that one of Stine’s latest books "It's the First Day of School...Forever!" has been optioned by the Gotham Group for the silver screen.

The story will follow "12-year-old Artie, whose second day at his new school is exactly like his first, which just happened to be the worst day of his life. The boy finds himself reliving the same horrible day and must find a way to change his nightmare." The book is expected to hit book shelves sometime in July. Meanwhile The Gotham Group commented of what they in vision the live action adaptation will be like "a thoroughly reimagined Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets Groundhog Day," also saying it combines the elements that have made Stine a household name among the kid-lit set, namely horror and humor." at the moment no writer is currently attached to write a script, but it is expected that a writer/s will be attached in due time.

Side Note: So what say you, are you down for a R.L. Stine movie hitting the cinema?

Review: Crestfallen (2011) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski]

2011-04-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

Starring: Deneen Melody, Michael Partipilo

Written By: Russ Penning

Directed By: Jeremiah Kipp

Grade: B+

Crestfallen tells the tragic story of Lo, a young woman who finds herself unable to deal with her husband and best friend’s betrayal. She can’t deal with the pain any longer so she decides to end her suffering by killing herself. Lo slides in to the tub one night with a knife at hand as all of the memories of the past come pouring back to her.

Writer, Russ Penning, really reflected the pain and anguish going on with this woman. It’s more difficult to write a script with little or no dialogue, but I always respect it when one is done right. Although there are many interesting dynamics and insights that can be brought out through dialogue, it’s films like Crestfallen that can help remind you that at its core filmmaking is a visual from of storytelling. Without one word we completely understand this heartbreaking tale.

While there is a beautiful story here, I could see Crestfallen not having as much of an impact as it does without the visuals and sound; the two areas of the film that truly shine. The beautiful imagery commands the audience’s attention and the score makes us hold on, already feeling so invested in the characters and their world. DP, Dominick Sivilli, did an outstanding job. The entire film is full of striking images, both of light and darkness, bringing out the appropriate balance for the subject matter.

Of course the man I really need to single out is director, Jeremiah Kipp. I was really impressed with his very stylistic short, Contac. After Crestfallen it is clear he is just an impressive filmmaker; this is the standard he brings to the table. Kipp really brings all elements together; heartfelt performances from his actors, a disquieting and troubling tone, and the right atmosphere to let the story not only be told but experienced.

Adrianne Palicki in Action As Wonder Woman With New Costume Design!

2011-03-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Last week the first official photo of actress Adrianne Palicki in costume as Diana Prince AKA Wonder Woman for NBC’s new Wonder Woman reboot was realest via Entertainment Weekly and it wasn’t long before the pic went viral. Well the results wasn’t exactly pleasant as a great many of the fan base wasn’t too please about the revamping of the amazonian princess’s battle attire (honestly though can it really be considered clothing of any sort when in factuality it‘s just a blue panty a red corset and a pair of boots?) the main argument about the change of look mainly dealt with the shiny bright blue latex looking pants and the changing of the boots from traditional red to matching blue.

Well it seems that someone high up must have been checking in on the forms regularly because they’ve immediately fixed what was already being considered disastrous for the reboot which is already being said by some for having one foot in the grave already. But when the production team was spotted out and about on the streets of Los Angeles this week onlookers got their first crack at seeing Adrianne in costume running up and down cars in the intersection while they filmed what I presume is a action sequence for the pilot. What caught most onlookers attention was the change in costume appearance… Well sort of that is, check out below and judge for yourself if you like the changes done…

Admittedly I wasn’t too keen about this project because the choice of actress and choice of costume design resulted in what looked like something that would have fit perfectly in a porn parody rather then a prime time slot on NBC. But after looking at this new pic I’m actually feeling kind of optimistic about the project now.

Side Note: Is it just me or does Adrianne Palicki look a little like Katy Perry in this new pic?

A Tribute To Elizabeth Taylor!

2011-03-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Someone once asked me; what was the definition of a true cinematic class act? To which my replay was; look no further than Elizabeth Taylor, a woman who always strived big and never failed in her goals and managed to make it look all too easy before our very eyes.

I won’t dare go into reporting what the entire world already knows, that cinematic enthusiast’s everywhere lost a great star the Hollywood skies will never see the likes of again. Instead why not celebrate the life that once was and how her triumphs both onscreen and off influenced the lives of millions all over. Most people remember her for her most memorable cinematic roles or by her personal life off screen which was always plagued with controversy. But not everyone knew that Taylor appeared in her very first motion picture at the age of nine in the 1942 black and white Universal Pictures film “There's One Born Every Minute” alongside Little Rascals’ star, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, the film would prove to be her only film by Universal Pictures before a falling-out which lead to allegations of rumored differences with the studio that lead to her sinning with MGM, but make no mistake “There‘s One Born Every Minute” stands as the stepping stone to her greater career. A year later she’d return to the spotlight co-starring in a small role in “Lassie Come Home” a film that would prove to be a blockbuster success of it’s time, she would later appear with her fellow Lassie Come Home Co-star Donald Crisp in the film “National Velvet” a film that also starred a young Mickey Rooney and Angela Lansbury. Afterward she’d return to the Lassie franchise in a entirely new role but this time as the leading human star in “Courage of Lassie”.

Taylor would continue her path to stardom with a slew of classic films in which some she’d play the lead and others the co-star. Then in 1950 she’d go on to shine in the classic comedy “Father of the Bride” a film that would prove to be so successful that a sequel was immediately spawn the following year called “Father's Little Dividend”. by this time she had rose to being a name to be reckoned with in the business and had gone on to appear in a array of films following the years, but in 1963 she would go on to playing her biggest role yet. She went on to play the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt in “Cleopatra” alongside some memorable classics which included her then soon to be husband, Richard Burton, and actor Martin Landau and Roddy McDowall. Many will also remember her for being a captain of industry having invested in multiple jewelry and perfume lines and having developed a line of jewelry and perfumes of her own.

Taylor’s career was filled with a great many achievements, but those achievements didn’t come without it’s fair share of baggage. She had a troublesome road of rocky marriages over the years that drove the press into a crazed feeding frenzy of gossip and rumors that soon captivated folks everywhere, but like a true star she’d always bounce back without skipping a beat because that was the type of elegance and grace she commanded in both show business and her personal life. People who knew her personally have said over the years that she was the type of person who carried the kind of attitude towards people that if she liked you, then she was your friend and there was no ifs or buts about it. You where stuck with her friendship no matter what firestorm would hit you because that was the type of loyalty she had for those she called friend, after developing a close friendship with singer Michael Jackson she proved her loyalty by being one of the very few stars who stood by his side during his trials of child abuse allegations to which Jackson was found not guilty on all accounts. Later she attended Michael Jackson's private funeral on September 3, 2009. remaining a true friend to him in the end. But her biggest attributes was none other then her devotion to her causes.

She’d been a major activist and humanitarian towards the fight against HIV and AIDS. Her advocacy efforts and funding to HIV and AIDS-related projects and charities proved to be inspiring, she was also one of the very first celebrities who stood up as a champion for those with the disease long before anyone in the business wanted to associate themselves with it, she spent decades holding fund raisers to get proper funding and confront the discrimination of those with the disease and fought to expand research, treatment access, much proper education on the disease, and government funding to find a cure.

In hindsight Elizabeth Taylor is a true class act who’s legacy will no doubt stands the test of time as a legends in the industry and in life and will serve as inspiration to young women all over that no matter what some might think of you, or what they might say you can or cannot do, as long as you stand your ground and remain true to yourself and those around you anything is possible… the skies the limits.

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor

February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011
R.I.P.

Entertainment Weekly Unveils New Wonder Woman!

2011-03-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

The 70’s was a time for women’s empowerment, women everywhere were rebelling from past old traditions and rising up for themselves and no longer hiding behind the shadows of men. One of the greatest things to help the movement pave that way for women to feel in power but remain as sexy as ever was television. Women were in the lead everywhere and showing they were not fragile as some would think. Shows like Charlie’s Angles, and The Bionic Women would no doubt show as a shinning example to these accomplishments. But for some it was seeing the talented and beautiful donning the battle armor of the legendary Amazonian princess! Yes folks I speak of none other then WONDER WOMAN! For years many have attempted to revive the character in the live action medium and with that a slew of actresses have tried to lasso themselves the title role, and many have come close to doing just that, but it would seem that the role was cursed since Lynda Carter’s popular portrayal of the DC comic’s heroine. Even legendary Buffy The Vampire Slayer Creator, Joss Whedon had been at one point in time attached to birthing the character back onto the big screen but nothing successful had arise from it.

That is until NBC decided to step up and take the series away from the silver screen and back to it’s original fame and glory days of television with the reboot of the classic 1970s series. No word as of yet as to when the series will premier other then sometime in the fall of 2011. At the current moment there isn’t much to follow on about the show other then it’s cast which includes some notable good talents and Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights) portraying Diana Prince AKA Wonder Woman! But wait! There’s more!!! Entertainment Weekly landed themselves a sweet exclusive on the upcoming project in the form of a the first exclusive picture of the young starlet in the official outfit!

The show is being helmed by “The Event” Creator Jeffrey Reiner and written by “Harry's Law” writer David E. Kelley. And will star Adrianne Palicki, Cary Elwes, Tracie Thoms, Elizabeth Hurley, Pedro Pascal Brett Tucker. According to EW “NBC promises the project, if picked up to series, will offer a serious, non-campy take on the DC Comics” theirs is no word as to what the plot will follow or if any other notable characters from the comic will make an appearing in the project as of yet but if this show does get picked up for the fall line up I’m sure more news regarding this will suffice. To read more on this news read the article on EW.com to read up more on this.

Side Note: I don’t mean to be a cynic here, I really don’t because I’m just as big a fan of superhero shows as the next guy but, is it just me or does NBC have too bad of a track record with superhero shows for this to have any chance in being successful? That. On top of the fact that this first Wonder Woman image makes her look like a porn star auditioning for her latest hit.

Red Dawn Remake Get's a China to North Korea Villain shift!

2011-03-24T04:44:00.000-07:00

As a fan of the original I can tell you now that the RED DOWN remake is on the very bottom of my list because it’s completely and utterly unwarranted and unwanted. (And anyone who disagrees can suck it) I don’t care what anyone says, there isn’t a single person on the damn planet that can fill the shoes of Patrick Swayze, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey and Charlie “Duh, Winning!” Sheen. They just were the perfect cast for the perfect setting. The 80’s were indeed no doubt a high tide moment for the cold war which is what made the film’s setting work, this remake’s modern day setting with China being the occupiers over the US just sounds ridiculously cheesy (No I am not under China‘s payroll for saying that, I’m just stating a fact here how ridiculous that sounds, I mean why would they invade/occupy the US when they already own much of our debt to begin with?).

Anyway, it’s no secret that China is displeased with the choice of villains in the film and who wouldn’t when they’re being depicted as villains before an entire movie going audience (Let‘s face it, even the Russians weren’t too keen with the original for the way they were depicted onscreen, but it‘s okay because we won the cold war… right? Right?) Well I’m not insinuating anything but perhaps some high ups realized that demonizing China might alienating their upcoming multi million dollar film from most of the Asian market and has since then changed the main villains from China to, get this… North Korea! Yeah you read right, and I’m sure somewhere in Pyongyang an ailing Kim Jong Il is reading news of this and jumping up an down thinking this means the rest of the world will take him more seriously. But I digress, it seems that Ain't It Cool News received an email by the project’s producer Tripp Vinson whom explains why the sudden villain shift which ultimately shifted the film itself.

“I know there is a lot of interest and questions as to the changes announced regarding ‘Red Dawn.’

This movie has been rebooted because the filmmakers all love the original movie. The experience of seeing Red Dawn as a young boy in the middle of a Cold War, was life changing for me and a generation. I assure you that everyone involved with the reboot is keenly aware of the responsibility of delivering a movie that can stand eye to eye with the original.

The changes made to ‘Red Dawn’ in the last few weeks were made in consultation with military think tanks and people that specialize in game theory. Really smart people that spend their days constructing doomsday scenarios for our military and government. The type of people that know the limitations of the North Korean military. The type of people that can project a series of events that could lead to some very scary things happening to our Country. I can assure you, we listened well to those people, especially with regards to the capability of the North Korean military.

‘Red Dawn’ isn’t for everyone. So, if you are interested in seeing a movie filled with preachy political discussions – ‘Red Dawn’ ain’t for you. If you love movies in which Americans are the bad guys – Red Dawn ain’t for you. If you get emotional watching daytime television – ‘Red Dawn’ ain’t for you. If you’re a vegetarian – ‘Red Dawn’ probably ain’t for you.

But! If you like meat with your potatoes, muscle cares that roar, tanks, guns and things blowing the fuck up by American’s kicking some Commie ass – the we have something special coming your way.

WOLVERINES!

Tripp Vinson”

As many already know MGM went bankrupt recently which forced the remake to be shelved which completely knocked it off of it’s original release date so will these changes take the film off the shelf and back on the block or will they do nothing to save the film from remaining on the back burner?

To read more about this head on over to AICN

Side Note: personally I don’t think changing the villains is a bold move for a project this late in the game it only makes things look bad for the production.

Review: The Absent (2011) [Reviewed By Kelsey Zukowski]

2011-03-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Starring: Bryan Kirkwood, Denny Kirkwood, Sam Ball, Damon Abdallah
Directed By: Sage Bannick
Written By: Sage Bannick, Damon Abdallah, Ari Bernstein
Grade: D-

The best part of The Absent is the very beginning, which is more of a backstory than anything else. It shows two greedy parents who conspire to kill their own son so they can benefit off the insurance money. This sounds crazy enough, but watching them put this plan in to action is pretty entertaining. Even better, their son is no dummy. He knows what they’re doing.

Imagining what it would be like to be that age and for your parents, those who are supposed to care for you and love you unconditionally, to try to kill you is pretty hard to wrap your mind around. Luckily, this kid is smart and he decides to turn the tables on his murderous parents, leading up to their final bloody fall and Oscar’s jail sentence.

I’m not saying the beginning was anything great, but it was enjoyable enough just to watch everything unfold. Honestly, I think it would have been better as a short film just dealing with this subject matter. Instead, the film fast forwards to Oscar as an adult, getting out of jail. This already exposes two flaws: he would not have been in jail until he was nearing middle age, for a crime he committed at that young of an age, and it is not even clear if he was released or escaped from jail. The Absent is full of plot roles though, such as there only being one sheriff in the town and the only one investigating a string of grisly murders, leading back to a serial killer. So in retrospect these are some of the more minor offenders, the worst comes at the end, where the whole film falls flat and any merits that it did have being shattered.

Oscar comes back to find his brother, Vincent, having a relationship with one of his students. Without making his presence known Oscar sets out to help his brother keep his dirty little secret by killing off anyone who might be suspicious or have knowledge about the affair. One by one he kills off Vincent’s students, marked absent from there on out.

The acting wasn’t all that good, especially the parts with the sheriff, which were all in all just atrocious. They were cheesy, horribly overacted, and ridiculous. Some actors can bring out the best in those they work with, giving them something good to work off of. Sam Ball is the opposite. Anyone he was in a scene with he seemed to make worse, almost as if his bad acting was contagious.

I don’t know how much of the running time consisted of random landscape shots that didn’t appear to have anything to do what was going on in the film. It really just felt like filler. If it just looked beautiful then at least it would have been something pretty to look at, but the shots and scenery were nothing all that notable, for some reason though the cinematographer was clearly obsessed with them. There is even a horribly random cut to a wolf after a scene with Vincent and his student, then after a second or so cuts to another completely different scene.
I try to keep an open mind about a film until it’s over, even if my opinion is clearly being steered in one direction. I did this with The Absent, but it ruined anything it had going for it with the ending. If it was just a bad or pointless ending, that would be unfortunate, but even worse it tries to pull the twist ending that is so contrived and artificial; if it were true than nothing else we say in the film would be. I’ve seen this before and it’s one of my biggest pet peeves with films. Sure some can do the split personality, blurring the lines of internal and external manifestation like Fight Club, but most films that try this are kidding themselves if they think there is any real merit in what they’re doing aside from trying to trick the audience and shock them in to having the film stick with them.

WHAT THEY SAY: An Inside Look On A Upcoming Indie Drama!

2011-03-12T06:33:00.000-08:00

They say that darkness lurks within us all, and all it takes is the right moment to nudge that darkness out from us and into the world. The question is; once the darkness is out, how can you contain it, how can you lock it away again?

The self mutilation practice, commonly referred to as; ‘Cutting’, has become an epidemic of sorts, with many of today’s young people doing such a dangerous act as self-inflicted cuts unto themselves. For some it’s to have the sense of release from the peer pressure that comes with the every day to day routine. For others it’s that sense of adrenalin that reminds them they’re still alive. And for others, it’s just to feel something, or anything at all other then the complete and unsettling depth of darkness that renders them utterly numb inside.

A chilling new indie project is in the works by Fathead Films, the same people who’ve helmed the new indie vampire horror “Afraid of Sunrise” is now working on a new indie short that focuses on the thought provoking subject of cutting with the new indie film “What They Say”, a compelling indie film that’s based off of a story written by and will also star Writer/Actress Heather Dorff and was recently adapted into script by friend and co-star Kelsey Zukowski. Both Heather and Kelsey are no strangers to working with each other as the two have worked with each other in the past on various projects including the indie vampire horror “Afraid of Sunrise” and a indie short earlier this year called “The Social Media Massacre: I’m Streaming Death”. Now the pair is at it again with the project, What They Say, which is a dark psychological drama that takes you inside the mind of an anguished and tortured young women. Her struggle to control her urges and an inability to trust anyone send her spiraling out of control and into total chaos.

The film’s writer and star, Heather Dorff said the whole idea behind the story came to her one day while she was going to work during a dark time in her life. “It reminds me of how far I've come emotionally and in life in general since I wrote the short. It's a story very close to my heart as I really love and cherish the dark tone of the story. I had never written anything similar to the short before then, and since I realized it could be made into a film and started pre-production it has become that much more important to me” Said Dorff while describing the film’s dark themes and the importance of having this story made into a reality for her. Heather then went on to describe the motives behind her character and what drives the character into chaos. “She's damaged. Broken. I don't think she knows how to piece herself back together anymore. I don't think she wants to”.

Friend and Co-star, Kelsey Zukowski adapted Heather’s short story in to the script. “As soon as Heather told me about it I was immediately drawn to it and knew it was something I wanted to be involved with. It takes your average suicidal demise story and makes it much more visceral and raw; that dark urge inside hungering for more. There‘s a great questioning of whether there‘s still hope or if it defeating this girl is inevitable”, says Zukowski describing her getting involved with the project.

If that was enough to wet your whistle into wanting to see this film, TCWReviews managed to snag an exclusive first look at the film’s new Teaser Poster that just spews out an eerie atmosphere tone that is darkly compelling. Take a look below to see for yourself!

What They Say will be filmed in Chicago this spring and be directed by Justin R. Romine of Fathead Films. Co-founder of Fathead Films, Keith Romine, is a producer of the project as well. Fathead Films recently wrapped up their short Chicago-based vampire film, Afraid of Sunrise, starring Heather Dorff and Andy Schatner. What They Say also stars Tina Renee as the “the best friend” and horror queen, Kitsie Duncan.

To learn more About this project visit the Official website. To learn more about how you can contribute to this project check out it’s Indiegogo page and it’s Rockethub page and also make sure to “Like” them on the Official FB Fan Page.

Side Note: The premise sounds very promising and I’m sure you’ll all be very much looking forward to hearing more on this as it develop. Anyhow, Thanks to TCWReviews’ very own Kelsey Zukowski for providing us with this inside scoop.

Exclusive Interview With Actor Jason Burkey.

2011-02-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

TCWreviews’s Administrator and Editor in chief, Clifford Kiyabu, sits down with actor Jason Burkey for an exclusive interview! In the short few years that we at TCWreviews have been around doing what we do best, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing an array of some of the indie scenes most interesting people, from writers and producers, to actors and directors. We have come a long way with every interviewee we encounter. And it is our most sincere pleasure to sit down with actor Jason Burkey and chat with him about all things in the performance art, including co-starring in a upcoming project entitled “The 10 Commandments of Chloe (2011)” starring Naama Kates and Directed by Princeton Holt.

Clifford: Good day Jason and welcome to TCWreviews. In just the last few short years, we’ve had some magnificent talents in the very same spot as you right now and we’re pleased to have you as our next interviewee.

Jason: Thanks so much. Happy to be a part of it!

Clifford: Before we go into anything I think there’s an important question that I needed to ask you: With Super Bowl XLV being broadcast to a estimate 111 million people nationwide recently, I’m assuming you caught the game, so who’d you root for, Steelers or Packers?

Jason: Neither. I’m from Chicago so as a Bears fan I hated to see the Packers win, but to be honest it didn’t really matter either way. I was too busy eating mini hot dogs and chips...

Clifford: I feel you, man. Being a life long Cowboys fan I was not watching the game for the game but rather for the half time show and for the commercials! [Laughs]

Clifford: but back on point. I’ve heard a great many things about you, Jason. All good of course! After taking a look over your resume I must say, you’re quite the ambitious person, I mean between 2009 and now you’ve been involved with 8 different projects according to your IMDB. Is there more that isn’t listed?

Jason: Thank you, I appreciate that. Honestly, since I finally worked up the courage to start pursuing acting as a career a little over two years ago, I have been blown away by the opportunities that I’ve had. Doors have opened that I never thought would and I feel very blessed to have been able to work on some great projects with very talented people. There are a couple projects that aren’t listed on IMDB yet; one was an independent feature film I worked on with Chris Odom (the Director of Photography for “10 Commandments of Chloe”) and the other is a TV pilot I’ll be shooting in North Carolina called “Home”, which I’m excited to start working on.

Clifford: Television and feature films are two very different style of entertainment
mediums, which do you prefer more?

Jason: Yes, they are absolutely different in style but both are unique and fun in their own
way. Honestly, I’m not sure if I have a preference. What I love about doing
features is that most times you get to spend at least a month working on the
project, building a strong “family” with the cast and crew. That being said I’ve
always wanted to be a part of a TV show, especially if the show takes off
because then you’re spending even more time filming than you would a feature,
giving you the opportunity to build an even stronger “family” with everyone
working on an ongoing project that you all enjoy.

Clifford: Aside from being an actor, you’re also a writer?

Jason: Yes I suppose I am, but who isn’t? [Laughs] I write scripts for shorts and features on the side simply for the fun of it. I enjoy creating a story and characters out of nothing; that’s one of the coolest parts about the process. It’s kind of odd, but I find that most scripts I write, if not all, are romantic comedies. Not sure if there is some subconscious thing I’m not dealing with there, but I find those the most fun to write. When I’m finished writing, I usually submit a script to a competition just to see what happens. For instance, one of the shorts I wrote, “Date This”, won an online competition for Best Romantic Comedy and was nominated for Best Screenplay at the 2010 World Music and Independent Film Festival last year. Also, my first feature-length script, “Never Two Late”, was a Semi-Finalist in the 2010 Final Draft, Inc. Big Break Contest and Quarter-Finalist in the 2010 BlueCat Screenplay Competition.

Clifford: So it’s safe to say that writing is more of a hobby while acting is your true
Passion then? [Laughs]

Jason: That is absolutely safe to say, yes. [Laughs] Writing can be a lot of fun, but acting
has without a doubt been a passion of mine for most of my life.

Clifford: like most screenplays adapted into feature films, they eventually go
through re-writes and changes during the development stage. Would you have a
problem with another artist taking your works and changing it into their own?

Jason: That’s kind of a tough question. I think the answer is both yes and no. I realize
that a script might/will need to change in order to fit a director’s vision for a film
and that’s fine. I think a problem arises if the script is changed so much that the
most important goal or theme behind the original story is unrecognizable. There
needs to be a balance between “making the script your own” while maintaining
the integrity of the original.

Clifford: I’ve heard of actors having their own personal exercise routine of sort before stepping into a role, for some it’s physical, for others it a mental exercise. Do you do any sort of routine before going on set?

Jason: I wouldn’t consider myself a method actor in the least. That type of routine works great for some actors, for others it doesn’t. When approaching a role, I usually try to find something about that character that I can connect with on a personal level; whether that be a certain experience, relationship, conversation...anything that I can try to relate to. The one physical thing I do on set is right before filming a scene, I like to close my eyes and just picture my character; where he’s been and what he’s about to experience in the story. It helps me focus on the moment itself. However, as soon as the director yells “cut” I’m back to joking around and having fun with the rest of the cast and crew.

Clifford: What was it like Co-starring in “The 10 Commandments of Chloe”?

Jason: It was an amazing opportunity. Naama is such a talented actress, she made it easy to play off her and experiment with our scenes. I had already worked with a few of the other actors in the film, so it was good to see some familiar faces on set everyday. It was evident that everyone involved was dedicated to making this a solid film. Each person played their part perfectly, creating a really unique and enjoyable experience.

Clifford: What's the story behind 10 Commandments of Chloe?

Jason: The film follows this 20-something girl, Chloe, who risks everything to pursue her dream of being a musician in Nashville. She’s really a mysterious character who lives life by her own set of rules or “commandments” and follows them no matter what the circumstance or the consequence. She is soon introduced to other colorful characters who either help or hinder her from attaining her goal.

Clifford: What was it like playing the character "Brandon"?

Jason: I had a blast playing Brandon. He’s a bit more of an edgy character and that’s what I liked about him. Princeton gave us the freedom to completely build our characters from the ground up, which is such a cool opportunity for an actor. Honestly, I feel bad for Brandon. He is a fun-loving guy with a secret. He’s troubled and I think that’s part of what draws him to Chloe. She’s this big mystery to him and he’s determined to discover who she really is. There’s also this sense of jealousy there, because the passion he sees in Chloe he knows is missing in his own life.

Clifford: So would you say that Brandon’s attraction to Chloe is partly conflicted
by jealousy and envy?

Jason: Yes. I believe Brandon’s hesitations about Chloe and their entire relationship are
not simply because Chloe is this closed off, mystery girl, but rather he is unfairly
blaming her for inadvertently pointing out these shortcomings in himself. The
conflicts are more so things that he is dealing with inwardly; it does not change
the fact that he still really cares for Chloe and wants to pursue her.

Clifford: What aspect of the character you play that’s based off of your
personality?

Jason: That’s a good question. The main parallel I found between Brandon and myself was his absolute frustration with Chloe. I had a similar experience with a girl who I was genuinely trying to get to know, but no matter what I said or did I couldn’t figure her out. She was elusive and it made me mad so I gave up. When we were filming the big argument scene with Chloe, I was thinking to myself, “Where have I heard this before?” [Laughs]

Clifford: How’d you get involved with the project?

Jason: It was a fluke! I was hanging out at a friend’s house one night when my actress friend, Wendy Keeling, called me and said she was working on this film and they were still looking to fill the role of Brandon. She explained the story to me, I told her I was interested and the next night I was sitting down with Princeton and Naama in the back of a local coffee shop.

Clifford: I’ve heard that there’s a interesting story behind the first meeting you had with the project’s Director Princeton Holt and the film’s star Namma Kates. Care to elaborate?

Jason: Well I don’t know how interesting it was, but the meeting went great! We all sat around the table for at least an hour, getting to know each other while hashing out ideas for the characters and the story itself. I guess the interesting part about it was the spontaneity of the whole thing; I was cast a night or two before we started filming. I have a bad memory and am probably missing a crucial part of the story, aren’t I? Shoot...

Clifford: What was it like working on a improvisational project like this?

Jason: It was crazy, insane fun. Before this I had never worked on a project that was completely improvised so it scared me a bit, but more than anything I was excited for the challenge. Personally, I felt that this was some of the most raw, authentic acting I think I’ve done or been a part of. Because the whole thing was improvised, the conversations, the arguments and the situations felt so believable because we weren’t restricted by any lines of dialogue. We had the freedom to naturally discover where a scene could go and the effect it would have on the overall story and its characters. I would love to do another film like this one.

Clifford: I can only imagine what the feeling was like to leap into the unknown as you did doing a complete improv feature like this, but in the end it must have been a great
call seeing that you walked away with a new experience learned.

Jason: I agree. It was a little intimidating at first, but it was well worth it. I learned a lot
from an acting standpoint by working on this film and hope to carry some of that
into future projects.

Clifford: Seeing that a lot of improv was done for the project, did you and your Co-stars
have any time for bonding beforehand?

Jason: Because of the last-minute nature of the project we didn’t have much time for “cast bonding”, but the thing was, somehow we didn’t need it. Every actor knew their character so well that when the camera started rolling, everything fell into place. There was such a relaxed feeling on set that it made it easy for us to joke around and discuss our characters with one another before filming a scene. We had all just met each other, but there was a chemistry between the cast members that I believe is evident in the film.

Clifford: What are your thoughts on director Princeton Holt; cool dude or hard ass? Don’t worry he won’t know unless he’s reading this, then I suggest you deny everything! [Laughs]

Jason: Princeton Holt has that crazy ability to be both cool dude AND hard ass. Safe answer? [Laughs] Really though, the man is gifted. We had some good laughs while filming and I loved working with him. I hope we can collaborate on something again soon!

Clifford: In my experience, that pretty much sums it up for me when describing
Holt as a filmmaker. But to that very same respect, it’s what also makes him such
an interesting and uniquely talent in the indie scene, at least, in my opinion. But don’t
worry about the hard ass comment, we’ll just say I forced you to say it! *gives
sinister smile* [Laughs]

Jason: Sounds good to me!

Clifford: This next question is TCWreviews’ signature question so don’t feel
alarmed, you’re not the only one [Laughter]

Jason: …

Clifford: The term ‘For The Sake of Art’ has always been coined in the
entertainment industry for how far an actor/actress would be willing to go for,
well… the sake of art. So my question to you is; How far are you willing to go for
the sake of art in this industry?

Jason: I think about this a lot, actually. I believe that in their pursuit of this insane career, every actor should know ahead of time what the line is that they are or aren’t willing to cross. For me, there are definitely things that I won’t do because there are a set of morals and beliefs that I think are important to stick by and I don’t want to jeopardize who I am as a person and an actor just because someone said that I should give those things up “For The Sake of Art”. I believe that if an actor is not comfortable with doing a certain thing, then there are creative alternatives that can be explored that would still achieve the ultimate goal for the project without sacrificing anything unnecessary.

Clifford: We at TCWreviews announced to some of our readers recently that our
next interviewee was going to be you, and surprisingly got some feedback.
Would you mind answering a question by one of our anonymous readers?

Jason: Not at all, would be happy to!

Clifford: Alright! An anonymous reader asked “What was working with John Schneider like?”

Jason: It was an absolute privilege to work with John Schneider. The man knows his stuff! He's been in the business for so long, he's just a natural at what he does. The scenes I had with him were a lot of fun; he can be a jokester but also knows when it's time to get down to business. If I had the opportunity, I would love to work with him again.

And that concludes my interview with actor Jason G Burkey. Jason and I talked for a bit more and have continued to stay in touch, it was indeed a pleasure sitting down with such a talented individual such as himself, I can tell you now that judging by how well and professionally he handled himself in the interview, the guy has a bright chip on his shoulder and is no doubt going places. I would even dare to say that he is defiantly one to watch out for. Jason can next be seen in “The 10 Commandments of Chloe” starring Namma Kates and Directed by Princeton Holt and is due out this spring (2011). To learn more about Jason visit his official website at Jasonburkey.net, or look him up on his official IMDB page or friend him on Facebook. To learn more about The 10 Commandments of Chloe check out it’s IMDB page or visit Onewaytv.blogspot.com, or “Like” the official Facebook page. You can also follow Chloe by checking out her blog at whoischloe.com.

I’m Streaming Death: Taking a Look At New Webseries By Ron Purtee!

2011-02-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

Indie web-projects have quickly become the new “in style” for getting your story told or your idea out there, and why not seeing most of these projects can be made on a micro budget and isn’t restricted by anyone on the medium, had someone say a few years ago that web-entertainment could become a real contender in the entertainment business you’d be cussed out for being a loony.

And with that being said I was greatly impressed with viewing the latest webisode of the new indie web series “The Social Media Massacre: Im Streaming Death” directed by Ron Purtee, and starring Heather Dorff and TCWreviews’ very own, Kelsey Zukowski. The web series is created by Twisted Central Productions and They Call Me Ron Productions. The story follows what can happen when bullying goes too far and things get settled live on the web!

What makes this series even more so startling and disturbing is that the concept behind it is very real and highly possible in our world today with bullying and cyber bullying being a hot topic in the news today. Heather Dorff plays a young woman named Samantha, the typical popular girl in school who wakes up tied to a chare being confounded by her assailant, Angela, played by Kelsey Zukowski, displays a heartless attitude towards her victim as she torments Samantha for her popularity and tortures and belittles her in her final moments before the highly disturbing climax ending which no doubt will have some feeling morbid over what they’ve just witnessed.

The show’s creator Ron Purtee had this to say about the project: The Social Media Massacre began with a short of the same name in late 2010, and grew into a critically acclaimed web anthology! said Purtee in a press release sent out this week. With that being said, the series has already received positive feedback by many movies sites for it’s originality and addictive story telling which is being praised for by such sites as Dread Central, Horrormovies.ca and much more.

Though I’m not the worlds biggest fan for web series, I recognizes when to dish out credit when credit is due. And I’m impressed with how this series is turning out so far and both Heather and Kelsey preformed their parts very well. I am certainly looking forward to the next episode in this new web series as it has a very intriguing premise.

To learn more about the series and view it’s latest episode visit theycallmeron.com

Review: Awoken (2010) [Review By Kelsey Zukowski]

2011-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

Starring: Aaron Mathias, Edward Sheldon, Alex Odell
Written & Directed By: Casey Chan
Grade: D+

Awoken is a short film that follows a mourning husband, Owin (Mathias), who struggles with losing his wife. She’s in a coma and is now getting to the point where her body is giving up and she is slowly dying. Owin has been researching ways to communicate with coma patients while they are under; to try to reach them and guide them back. His research concludes that their brains are still functioning; they’re just living in another world rather than this one. Owin’s wife was a big believer in different realms. If she can’t come to his realm then he just might have to come to hers. With the help of another researcher who lost his wife, Dr. Albert Kane (Sheldon), he tries the impossible, unwilling to let his wife die.

The ending really frustrated me. It is extremely anti-climatic and the audience is left without ever having any type of satisfaction. Other things could have been cut down, but the essential ending is what should have been concentrated on more. We are given no clue as to what happens next in what should have been the climax. Even beyond that, what lied ahead of our character, one way or another, could have made for the most intriguing material. I’m assuming it wasn’t dealt with because they didn’t have the budget to pull off an “other realm” look, which is a shame.

At moments the film’s low budget shows. The effects are extremely cheesy and some of the acting is very over the top. Edward Sheldon was the worst case of this. His acting was atrocious, which distanced me from the film in the heavily emotional scenes he was in. It was just a reminder that none of this was real and he was simply playing a character, and a poor portrayal of one at that. Luckily, our lead, Aaron Mathias, dealt with the material far better. In fact, he’s probably the best thing this film has going for it. I believed his character and felt for him. He showed a good range and helped keep the audience involved when they might have been losing patience with the film.

Awoken is so melodramatic at times it’s hard to take it very seriously. It has an interesting enough premise, but once it finally gets to the more compelling material, it is quickly cut short. The over-the-top tone certainly doesn’t help. Aaron Mathias’ performance helps keep us there, with his character, but by the end of it, even he can’t override the lackluster content and production values.

Review: Death of The Dead (2011) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-02-18T03:24:00.000-08:00

Directed by: Gary King
Written by: Bo Buckley
Genre: Comedy / Horror
MPAA: Not Rated
Released: 2011
Starring: Christina Rose, Jack Abele, William Lee, Michael Blaustein.

Plot: When a toxic chemical is accidentally released, a zombie outbreak plague a small town, when Wanda , a geeky young girl with her karate trainer finds out that a rival karate dojo has been infect with the virus turning them into Zombie Ninjas it’s up to Wanda and her overly perverted teacher to save the day before the infection spreads beyond containment.

Review: 6/10

The Story is about: Wanda is an uber-nerd with the coordination of a seizure victim. Her karate trainer is an aging pervert with a penchant for ball gags and various sex toys. When a bus from a rival karate school accidentally runs over a couple scientists dumping a toxic chemical down the sewer, the entire class is turned into high flying, flesh eating baddies! As they wreak havoc on the town turning others into zombie ninjas, Wanda and her instructor must save the planet with the help of a magic karate belt.

My Thoughts: A few years ago I had the pleasure of reviewing director Gary King’s début film, New York Lately (2009), from the start of the film I was instantly taken in by how wonderful his directing style was and how well he was able to captured the life and essence of the east cost lifestyle revolving around a group of individuals who‘s lives take hold of the viewer watching from star to finished. I spent the better part of writing my review for that film trying to figure out what I didn‘t like about the film, any shred of a fault would be suffice, but alas there was none great enough. His cinematography was visually captivating and I eagerly awaited to see what would he come up with next. I had heard he worked on various different projects other then his own but it was later on that I learned of a feature he was working called “Death of The Dead”, to which I found very interesting despite my not knowing much about the project other then it being a comedy of some kind (the title was also a dead giveaway to this) so without having any know-how on what to expect out of a title like that seeing that the filmmaker’s résumé paints a different story about him, one that reads “art-house” filmmaker! but I went into watching this film anyway putting aside all that I had originally thought about him and felt pretty optimistic about it too… but sadly if left me with somewhat mixed feelings with how the end result turned out.

I don’t like to pride myself as a parody buff but I am a fairly decent fan of the genre, and like all good fans I enjoy seeking out a good parody film if that makes any sense, but believe me when I say that there are ways to find the perfect parody if you look hard enough, along the journey of finding perfection you will indeed frequently come across the not so desirable ones in the process, you know, the unsavory comedies you wished you hadn‘t seen or for a lack of a better word, un-see. When I watched Death of The Dead which was directed by Gary King and is written by Bo Buckley, my first reaction to witnessing the first act of the film unfold was like watching what I like to call something that somewhat resemble something in line of if Aaron Seltzer and Jason Friedberg got together to write up a script that would be directed by Lloyd Kaufman as a Troma film, then, my boy Death of The Dead would seemingly be the end result (see where I‘m going with this? Though a Kaufman film isn‘t entirely a bad thing however) but I digress, let me elaborate as to why I feel this way. For a parody such as this to work there needs to be a sense of guidelines that keeps stability for the film and to properly set the jokes up in the right motion, of course the manner in which they are executed need to be timed just right as well or else it will face the inevitable fate of falling short. It doesn’t matter how ridiculous the plot is, or how cheesy the jokes are (the 1980 classic Airplane! Was complete proof of this being so), but what is impotent is to know when to go all in on the joke, and sadly it’s the timing where this films fails short on.

Much of the humor is presented of timed in my opinion and feels more juvenal then humorous, and what jokes that are delivered on key aren’t as comedic due to the joke not, as they say ‘going there’ enough, the film obviously wanted to be as explicitly raunchy as possible like any Troma themed film would want (the beginning locker room scene and the ball-nunchucks is evident of this) but didn’t quite take it all the way there, while some of the film’s aspects do in fact retain hard R rated atmospheric themes with a few decent mature attire humor and sexual themes such as adult sex toys and such featured in it, the problem with it not going there as previously mention is that if there was so much themed material featured in the film why wasn‘t some of it used at their disposal? One that easily comes to mind (Pardon my French) why wasn‘t there a dildo sword fight scene featured in it!?!?!. Because of lack of such usefulness of jokes like this makes a lot of the film come off feeling as if there was a lot being held back. leavening some of the film’s more humorous moments feeling as if it was conflicted between a age range war to gain a wider audience vs. going all out. But with that being said the film did in fact have it’s moments in which I managed to let off a chuckle here and there. There’s isn’t much of a solid plotline going for it other then a group of karate teens get infected by a zombie virus of some sort and faces off against a small town nerdy girl who’s sole purpose is to save the town and hopefully the world. Though that isn’t much to go on with you can’t really hate on it for that on the bases it’s a parody film which means a strong storyline isn’t truly warranted (though it still would have been appreciated). The upside to the film really comes at the closing moment of the film when the director himself redeems the film a little by letting the viewers know that he’s in on the joke and not to take Death of The Dead so seriously and to enjoy it for what it is and nothing else. I may not have initially liked the end product that resulted with this film but I respect the filmmaker and writer for doing this.

As for the acting: Well what can I say, the acting here was not one of the film’s strong suits, usually when a film suffers from too many faults you can always breath a sigh of relief over the fact that there’s at least one good aspect, but this is not the case as it was difficult to find any good in the performance either, which is giving me more reason to believe the strong show of ‘Eye candy’ (Which is much appreciated, guys) at the film‘s beginning was placed to masked what lied ahead. Now I don’t mean to be mean here but I’ve seen a better performance deliverance in a daytime soap opera then I did with Death of The Dead which is saying a lot seeing that I don’t care for soap operas one bit. But on the Brightside it’s not all bad. The leading star Christina Rose, gave a fairly decent performance as Wanda, she played the nerdy girl part well and to a degree won me over with the expression on her face as she yanked out a pair of balls off of a Zombie in one scene in the film. Jack Abele and William Lee gave a somewhat humorous performance as the overly perverted Master Sensei and the Evil Sensei. The pair seemed to work well and would have had high praise on my part had it not been for a few bumps on the road with their performance. Sadly though the film’s bad apple falls flat on Michael Blaustein part in my opinion. I tried to like his performance in this seeing that he’s appeared in ‘New York Lately‘, which is a film I greatly enjoyed, but sadly his performance as Donnie felt too forceful and not organic enough for me to get into the character as one of the film’s main antagonists. All in all the cast proved to be disappointing with the exception of a few.

Final Say: Death of the Dead wasn’t all that it was banged up to be in the end, it had it’s moments and could have been a shining example of a great indie parody, but ended with more cons on it’s check list then pros, but in hindsight to everything I said I will say that I respect the filmmakers for at least attempting to making something that had great potential. Which at the end of the day you’ve got to give kudos for at least trying. So for that I say; Nice try guys, but better luck next time.

Rose McGowan To Star In Rosewood Lane!

2011-02-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Jeepers Creepers (2001) was probably one of the most terrifyingly horror films I had seen in the early 2000s. It was because of that film that (’till this day) I shutter at the sound of the song of the same name, which was originally featured in the 1938 classic “Going Places“. why is this so? because director Victor Salva had manage to take something so innocently harmless like a song from the late 30’s and turn it into a modern day horror element which set the tone of the film from then on... It’s sequel on the other hand wasn’t as impressive. But I digress, actress Rose McGowan (Conan the Barbarian, Planet Terror) is set to star in director Victor Salva’s (Jeepers Creepers, Powder) latest film “Rosewood Lane” which is said to be just as nightmarishly or original as his successful as his “Jeepers Creepers” franchise.

The film’s plot will follow McGowan as she plays Doctor Sonny Blake, a radio talk show psychiatrist, when she moves back to her childhood home after her alcoholic father dies. Once back in her old neighborhood she discovers the local paperboy is a frightening and cunning young sociopath that targeted her father and now targets her. When the boy starts calling her show and recites eerie nursery rhymes, an unnerving game of cat-and-mouse begins. When the game escalates, she suddenly finds herself in a terrifying all out war, one that forces her to redefine her ideas of good and evil, and has her fighting to stay alive.

Victor Salva, the director of Jeepers Creepers had this to say about his latest film, “Rosewood Lane has been a pet project of mine for years now and what I have always regarded as one of my most terrifying stories. To see it finally come to life, is wonderful.”

Rosewood Lane is financed by Voltage Pictures and produced by Emmy Award winner Phillip B. Goldfine (True Justice, Driven to Kill). The film will be Executive Produced by Bryan Sexton (Escapee, The Traveler) and Benjamin F. Sacks (True Justice, Born To Raise Hell) under the Hollywood Media Bridge shingle. Don Fauntleroy (Light Speed, Once Upon A time In the Hood) has been tapped as Director of Photography and will also produce.

Phillip B. Goldfine who’s the film’s producer had this to say about the film’s star Rose [McGowan] on performance as the character “Rose (McGowan) fully embodies the lead character (Sonny), and with her strong cult following I can see audiences as they enjoy watching the horrific experiences her character goes through.”

There’s no official word as of yet to when we can expect a release date but we’ll keep you posted as soon as we receive word.

Side Note: It’s nice to see MeGowan making a return on the silver screen post ‘Charmed’ fame, but where the heck is our Red Sonja movie that we were promised!?!?!

Fury's New Sidekick is Smuldering Hot!

2011-02-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I’ve never been a fan of the CBS’s hit show ‘How I Met Your Mother’ mainly because I could not for the life of me understand how Josh Radnor’s character turns into Bob Saget. I mean how old is Radnor, mid 30’s? so how does he transforms into someone sounding like Bob Saget in less then 20 years? Unless he has some voice box replacement done or was in some kind of horrible accident which rendered him to a life of sounding like that voice from America’s Funniest Home videos I can’t see this being possible.

Anywho, remember earlier there was mention of Samuel L. Jackson’s talk about getting a new side kick for the upcoming Avengers movie on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? Well, it appears that big news regarding that new female side-kick joining Nick Fury’s side has been announced. Deadline revealed that the character in question who will be joining Nick Fury’s side will in fact be Maria Hill, and the actress closing in on landing that role is said to be none other then ‘How I Met Your Mother’ actress Cobie Smulders! Smulders who is said to be the current front runner is not unknown to the Avengers’ director, Joss Whedon. Smulders was at one point seriously considered as a strong candidate to play Wonder Woman when Whedon was attached to the project. And now that Whedon is attached to the upcoming Marvel blockbuster film due out May 4th 2012... Well you get where I'm going with this. Maria Hill is a character that was created by Ultimate Spider-Man creator Brian Michael Bendis, Hill is considered by some in the comic realm as the female equivalence of Nick Fury and is described as a ruthless and tough as nails type of individual who takes crap from no one.

In the comics Hill eventually replaces Fury as the director of S.H.E.L.D. when Fury is forced into hiding. No official word as of yet to what role will the character play in the film other then being by Fury’s side, but one cannot stray from the fact that if Fury sees any hand on action in The Avengers movie then the character surly will follow suit into the action as well.

Side Note: I find it a bit odd that Cobie Smulders was once considered to be the front runner candidate for a high profile franchise like Wonder Woman by Whedon only to wind up being the front runner again for another Whedon project. Coincidence?

First Footage of Captain America: The First Avenger!

2011-02-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Back during the 2010 comic-con director Joe Johnston promised fans that we were going to get a glimpse of America’s original super solder which hinted at the idea of a trailer by year’s end, sadly we were mistaken. But as promised folks, It’s finally here! after countless months of promises by the studios of clips of Capt in action, we’re finally graced with the first official footage of Captain America: The First Avenger, and what better time then any other then airing it during the commercial break of Super Bowl XLV! Though it’s only 30 seconds long and fans have been aching for a full trailer, the footage was more then enough to wet the whistles of some of the industry’s most loyal fans.

Sure it was very brief, but keep in mind to some of the things this 30 seconds showed; first it gave us a glimpse at what to expect out of this film, which I might had doesn’t look too shabby if I may say so, and we get to see how Chris Evans looked in action as the first Avenger himself. And as a bonus if you pause the commercial at just the right moment you’ll get to see what appears to be Hugo Weaving donning the Red Skull face which you can see for yourself by looking at the still below. So all in all it was worth the wait in my opinion.

Side Note: So who’d you cheer on at this year’s Super Bowl? I myself have never been a hardcore sports fan, but I do on occasion catch a game here and there, and I have to say I wasn’t expecting the Packers to take home the trophy this year. But then again I’ve never been a stealers fan either. Here’s hoping to the Cowboys having a better shot at making it to the big game next season.

SAMUEL L. JACKSON TO APPEAR IN THOR AND CAPTAIN AMERICA WITH A NEW FEMALE SIDE KICK!

2011-02-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

Who’s the bad mother from a another, who get’s all the bad guys and pleases all the ladies? It sure ain’t shaft, you dig? Since his appearance in 2008’s Iron Man it’s become something of a regular thing that Samuel L. “The Man” Jackson must give us a dose of awesomeness as none other then bad-ass super spy Nick Fury but fan were a little let down when they heard the S.H.E.L.D agent wasn’t going to appear in this summer’s upcoming blockbuster’s THOR and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. But now that all seems to be a thing of the past since news about the actor appearing in both films will in fact happen after came from none other then the actor himself who revealed on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon that he will indeed be making cameo’s in both film’s this year.

“In the next month or so, I have to do one day on Thor, and I gotta do another day on Captain America , and in April we start The Avengers — the big deal with everybody. Thor and Captain America are pretty much done, but I haven’t done my part in them yet. I’m just connective tissue for them to join The Avengers.”

But wait, There’s more! He also stated that he will be getting a new female side kick in addiction to Scarlett Johansson reprising her role as Natasha Romanoff AKA The Black Widow and has said that he’s got to do screen testing with a number of actresses "I gotta screen test like five actresses on Friday. They have this new character that’s my sidekick or something, that’s with me all the time." While Jackson didn't exactly reveal any names as to whom these actresses are the Hollywood Reporter reported that actresses Jessica Lucas, Morena Baccarin, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Cobie Smuthers are set to come in and try out for the yet to be named role.

Side Note: Making one of Marvel comic’s greatest iconic super spies even more bad-ass by having the role played by Samuel L. Jackson was probably the smartest and best decision Marvel has done thus far

KRISTEN STEWART RULED OUT OF SUPERMAN REBOOT!

2011-02-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

The interweb is filled with endless debates about the Twilight series and whether or not it‘s any good or total crap, but even more so is the debate over the film’s leading lady Kristen Stewart who is considered by some the cream of the crop while other argue that she isn’t even in the running to be a A-Lister. I shamefully admit that at one point I was a huge fan of miss Stewart and even considered her to be a Oscar worthy actress. But times change and so do people, and sadly for her I later found her acting repetitive and boring. She went from spellbinding to… Eh!

With the New Superman Reboot currently titled “Superman: Man of Steel” in full swing and monumental names like Zack Snyder attached as the film’s director and INCEPTION director Christopher Nolan as the film’s producer, the film is already starting look like a project that stars would be dieing for be a part of. Well apparently K-Stewart doesn’t think so. It was rumored earlier that actress Kristen Stewart was on the very short list of names for the part of Lois Lane but now NYDailyNews.com is reporting that the doe-eyed starlet had a meeting with Snyder about playing the iconic feminist reporter Lois Lane and later love interest to the last son of krypton. But ultimately the meeting was very brief.

Rumor is she turned down the offer due to not wanting to be sucked into another multi-picture franchise just yet and want‘s to focus on doing more “Smaller, independent films.” meanwhile Stewart’s spokeswoman said only that she "did not read for the part", however this is leaving some in the blogging community to believe that she may have shot down the idea of playing Lois Lane due to not wanting to have a 'Superman Returns' style failure on her career (Sure SR was fun watching for the most part, but in all honesty it‘s like going on a cheesecake bender, sure it‘s fun while it lasts but is it worth feeling 10 pounds heavier the next morning?) and there seems to be some questioning this even further seeing that the actress claims to wanting to be focusing on independent films yet seems to be interested in donning the lead role of another big budget film, SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, which ironically would begin filming around the same time as SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL later this summer and would be released in theaters around the same time as the Superman reboot in winter 2012. So there apparently appears to be what would have been a major filming conflict had she chose to go with the Superman reboot seeing that she has a interest in playing Snow White.

Read the full story over at NYDailyNews.com

Side Note: If you ask me I think the studio and Snyder and his team may have dogged a great big bullet on this one, I mean can you really see her playing a energetic female empowering bombshell reporter like Lois Lane!?! Maybe it’s just me, but why does she always look either bored out her mind or incredibly confused in all of her roles?

Extra Side Note: Congrats to actor Henry Cavill for landing the leading role of the Man of steel himself. I’m sure you’ll do great in the title role.

CAPTAIN AMERICA GRACES THE PAGES OF EMPIRE MAGAZINE!

2011-02-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Only a few more months until the release of Marvels THOR followed by the release of CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. But while we’ve been hearing sooooo much coverage on Kenneth Branagh’s Thor project, not much is known about how well Joe Johnston’s Captain America film will stand in comparison, next to the god of thunder this summer. But now there seems to be an endless supply of news in regards to the first avenger himself. First with news about the first official footage of Chris Evans as Captain America airing this Sunday during the Super bowl, and now brand spanking new stills of the actor in his avenger uniform which graced the cover and pages of Empire Magazine which is out on news stands now! Check out below…

And if that’s not enough to rock your socks off then check out this awesome new poster presented by YAHOO! of Captain America which hints at the avenger’s film!

I don’t know about you but I wasn’t all that excited about this project prier to seeing these photos mainly because I didn’t care for the choice in actor o play cap or the lack of coverage on the project, but now I’m really starting to see this project in a whole new light, and hopefully if all goes well this turn of events will continue even further after the trailer is released this Sunday. Fingers are crossed!

Side Note: I think it’s safe to say that everyone’s in agreement here that we haven’t seen or heard enough about Hugo Weaving playing The Red Skull. Bring on those pics already dammit!

Exclusive Interview With Actress Selene Beretta.

2011-02-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

TCWreviews’s Administrator and Editor in chief, Clifford Kiyabu, sits down with actress Selene Beretta for an exclusive interview! Selene Beretta is a young, talented and aspiring actress that will be making headlines in due time. She’s a actress that will captivate moviegoers on their first encounter, but what’s on the minds of many is; Where did she come from? And most importantly, what is about her and the character she play’s on screen in the indie sensation, Maggie Marvel, that has people asking who is Selene Beretta? Well thankfully for you I got a chance to sit down with the starlet in a Q&A season where I ask her the questions her fans want to know and her upcoming film Maggie Marvel (2010).

Clifford: First off I’d like to thank you for taking the time to do this little interview.

Selene: Thanks Clifford! I'm very happy to answer questions about Maggie Marvel.

Clifford: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Selene: I am a Swiss born, Australian raised, Brooklyn dwelling actress. I trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Have been living in NYC for 5 years and love it. I come from a big family and have always been passionate about the arts.

Clifford: So how’d you get into acting?

Selene: Originally I had wanted to be a Director. I looked into Directing training but most of the courses were post-graduate. So I decided a good director should know something about what they are directing and that I should study acting to learn more. I fell in love with it and here we are.

Clifford: I’d be a fool not to ask this question but, what’s your favorite films?

Selene: So so many. To name a few: Delicatessen, Amores Perros, The Proposition, Spirited Away, Bonnie and Clyde, Unforgiven, Blood Sport, Moonstruck and everything in-between. And I just watched Black Swan and Kings Speech, loved them.

Clifford: Prior to doing this interview, I did some research on you and I was quite impressed to learn that you’ve got quite the taste for theater. What plays have you been involved in?

Selene: Everything from Shakespeare to brand new plays. I work with The Amoralists Theatre Company on raucous new works by Derek Ahonen, The Drilling Company doing Shakespeare in the Parking Lot and whatever else I have time for.

Clifford: You starred in Director Dan Brennan’s latest feature Maggie Marvel. What was it like?

Selene: Maggie Marvel was a wild ride! Working on that movie was exciting, inspiring, tiring, thrilling and so much fun!

Clifford: How’d you get involved with the project?

Selene: I saw the breakdown in Backstage and thought I may as well pop over for the audition.

Clifford: So were there any preparations you went through before stepping into the lead role?

Selene: Many. Learning some basic martial arts, some tap dancing, researching cool moves to kill people...you know...the usual.

Clifford: I’ve been told you had to learn tap-dancing for MM?

Selene: Yes, that was hilarious. I have a dance back-ground so thought it would be pretty easy. I was very wrong! Tap dancing is very difficult!!

Clifford: Difficult as it may be you caught on pretty quickly to be able to do it so well on screen, I personally was quite impressed with the performance.

Selene: Thanks Clifford! It helped that Sabrina Brennan was a pro tapper! It's one of my favorite parts of the movie.

Clifford: Are there any other hidden talents you have that we should know about?

Selene: Most of them are in the movie, I've kept a few up my sleeve.

Clifford: Your co-star Diana Brennan played Samantha Marvel, your onscreen daughter. Were there any bonding between the two of you before filming started?

Selene: We talked and laughed and as soon as I met her I knew she was some-one who would not just be great to work with, but that despite the age difference would be a great friend and an inspiration.

Clifford: Is it true your choreographed all the fight scenes?

Selene: Many of them. There was one that was cut that this awesome actress helped with, she had ninja skills and kicked Maggie's butt. We get some basic fight training at Theatre school so I combined that with my newly acquired martial arts basics.

Clifford: What makes Maggie such a complex character to play?

Selene: Justifying killing people while raising a daughter. I learnt that raising a child is more complex and difficult than killing people.

Clifford: Do you think some of those traits will eventually carry over onto Maggie's daughter in time?

Selene: I think the movie addresses this question, and that if Maggie does not make a change soon, her daughter will very likely follow her mom's path.

Clifford: Is it hard having so many scenes with an 11 year old girl?

Selene: I imagine it could be. But when that girl is Diana Brennan it's a dream. She is so talented and fun to be around that I never felt like it was hard work when I had scenes with her.

Clifford: I take it you guys had a blast working together, do you see yourself working with her again in the future?

Selene: Absolutely. I have a feeling Diana will be in this industry for a long time.
　
Clifford: More importantly, do you see yourself working with Dan Brennan and his team again in the future?

Selene: Dan and Jeanne Brennan are a fantastic team. It felt like family working with them. I could definitely see myself working with them again.

Clifford: You’re a classically trained actress, was this role difficult to approach?

Selene: Classical training is all training. As is true of modern techniques, they can be great for the classics. As an actor you just use bits and pieces from all your experiences to craft each role. Maggie took a bit of everything!

Clifford: How do you prepare as an actress for the very emotional scenes?

Selene: It depends on the context, and then technical details. Sometimes you have time to prepare before shooting starts, other times you have to hit emotional levels in the middle of a scene and then you had better have done your homework.

Clifford: Was it fun to just go out there and be a bad ass killer?

Selene: I would be lying if I said no.

Clifford: What does Selene and Maggie Marvel have in common?

Selene: Are you asking me if I kill people?

Clifford: Well when you put it that way I think that begs the question; do you kill people? [Laughs] What I mean is most actors tend to pour a part of themselves into the character they play, for some it’s personality, while for others it’s emotion, so is there a part of Maggie that you can honestly say that’s you and not the character?

Selene: The accent! Good old Aussie voice. And I would say there are parts of me trickled through-out, in emotion and personality. I don't tend to separate myself too far from the role.

Clifford: I’ve heard you’re fluent in German.

Selene: Swiss-German yes. German almost.

Clifford: Can you say something to for us in Swiss-German?

Selene: "S'chaes chuechli isch im chuchi chaeschtli"

Clifford: Sounds exotic, what did you just say in Swedish-German?

Selene: The cheese cake is in the kitchen cupboard!

Clifford: Is it true you have a flair for special effects make-up and did all of the effects make-up for the film?

Selene: I had some training in Make-up for a martial arts movie in Australia, then you get taught basic bruising and blood in school. There was only a few moments it was needed in Maggie. Mostly we just strangle or poison people.

Clifford: The term ‘For The Sake of Art’ has always been coined in the entertainment industry for how far an actor/actress would be willing to go for, well… the sake of art. So my question to you is; How far are you willing to go for the sake of art in this industry?

Selene: Every-one has their own truths and their own boundaries. I like push up against my own boundaries to find the greatest truth I can in Art. It's a very fun journey to be on.

Clifford: I thank you for taking the time for doing this interview and would like to welcome you back for another Q&A session. We hope to see you more in 2011.

Selene: Thanks Clifford. It was a lot of fun to answer questions about Maggie. I hope everyone enjoys watching the film as much as we enjoyed making it!

And that concludes my interview with actress Selene Beretta. Like all whom I’ve had the utmost pleasure of interviewing, Selene was a lovely interviewee, charming, sophisticated and a true class act. No matter what the question was she remained humbled in every answer. There isn’t any doubt in my mind that we’ll be hearing more about her in the near future. And like the others that I‘ve had a chance to speak with, I’ve invited her back for another interview someday, which I can tell you now will not only be a day to look forward to, but will also be a pleasure. Selene is currently starring in the film Maggie Marvel which now available on DVD and coming soon to download via the web. To find out for about the film visit it’s Official Website. To learn more about Selene Beretta visit her Official Website.

Review: The Green Hornet (2011) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-01-31T13:28:00.000-08:00

Directed by: Michel Gondry
Written by: Seth Rogen (Screenplay) & Evan Goldberg (Screenplay)
Genre: Action / Crime
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content
Released: 14 January 2011
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Tom Wilkinson, Christoph Waltz, David Harbour, Edward James Olmos, Jamie Harris.

Plot: Following the death of his father, Britt Reid, heir to his father's large company, teams up with his late dad's assistant Kato to become a masked crime fighting team.

Review: 7/10

The Story is about: Playboy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) becomes the new publisher of Los Angeles' "The Daily Sentinel" after the sudden death of his father. Britt's party life is about to change when he and his driver and kung fu expert, Kato (Jay Chou), stop a robbery. With the help of Kato, Britt starts a new career of fighting crime as the masked superhero "The Green Hornet".

My Thoughts: One of my favorite late night shows to watch growing up was the re-runs of the old 1960’s Adam West Batman series which played in the early morning hours on Nickelodeon during their Nick at Nite timeslot. The show was way before my time, but for a child with a good imagination and easily entertained, this show was my late night delight (As you‘ve probably caught on by now I was a kid who liked sneaking out of bed to watch TV while everyone slept, not knowing of my little adventures) And every once in awhile they’d play the cross over episode which featured The Green Hornet which I thought was very interesting seeing that even at a small age I easily recognized Bruce Lee playing ‘Kato’ when others my age didn‘t know who Mr. Lee was, but I digress…

I’ve never really watched The Green Hornet show regularly but I caught a few episodes here and there, and I must admit, in comparison with the Adam West Batman series, it was very different, as where Batman was presented more of a cheesy comedic ZING and BLAM series, The Green Hornet was more of a straight up crime driven drama mixed in with some pretty heavy martial arts. But the two shows were suddenly two in the same when crossing paths but remained complete opposites from each other standing alone. For years there’s be talks in Hollywood about wanting to adapt the classic serial into a full length modern day feature but could never get around to solving their biggest dilemma, trying to decide which course of action to take the franchise. The series has changed hands with studios as well as changed names of filmmakers and stars being attached to the project, this film was considered dead in the water long before filming would even begin. It wasn’t until funny man Seth Rogen and director Michel Gondry took on the project no one was able to tackle.

And the finishing product, though wildly flowed, turned out to be quite enjoyable. I was a bit skeptical about TGH being a comedy action seeing that some would consider it a insult to the source material for it to be mostly comedic, but as Rogen himself had stated that this was his incorporation of the classic series and not a carbine copy of any previous works, which to some degree I can respect even though I’d have prefer those in the industry respect the hard work that went into birthing these original characters. However, TGH proved to be exhilaratingly entertaining and unapologetic. TGH works as a modern day version simply because it’s not hiding the fact it’s a little over the top at times but rather embraces it. I mean here we have Britt Reid (Rogen) a spoiled rich playboy party animal who spends his days doing what he does best, making a fool of himself and dragging the family name down with him but when he suffers a tragedy he suddenly wakes up to his childish ways and becomes the man he was meant to be alongside his trusty companion Kato (Chou).

If that’s not enough to get you to want to watch it then I’ve failed you! it was an all around a blast, the special effect were fantastic, and even more so were the fight sequences which proved to be a quite the sight to see. Though I won’t deny the fact the film had somewhat of a paper thin plot going for it which at times were quite predictable, and must worn the 3D effect weren’t much of a wonder but more a distraction if anything, with the exception of a couple scenes in the film, 3D was completely over hyped and underused in this. Aside from that The Green Hornet’s biggest problem seems to fall flat on the fact it suffered from an identity crises. It simply did not know what it wanted to be, where in some instances it played heavy on family orientated themes, the film carried way to much violence and vulgar language to make any parent feeling awkward from the experience with their child, and that’s not even including the wide use of sexual innuendos throughout the film.

As for the acting: The acting seems to be one of the film’s strong points. Seth Rogen’s performance as playboy Britt Reid was great, he’s not playing the same Britt Reid fan’s of the series are use to, and at time feels a little too similar to Rogen being himself rather in the role but it’s a version you’ll grow to love over time for being completely unapologetically it‘s own. Jay Chou was phenomenal as Kato, his performance was strongly reminiscent of that of Bruce Lee when he played Kato and he alone makes this fight sequences worth wild. Cameron Diaz was fairly decent as Lenore Case but I feel her talents ignored here, there was so much possibility surrounding her character that went ignored. Christoph Waltz, who played the character Chudnofsky AKA Bloodnofsky, was fantastic. He owned the role from the very start and makes for a fun and very unique villain. Another two great performances I feel were completely underused in this were Tom Wilkinson and Edward James Olmos. Both actors are legends in the film industry and should have had more involvement in the plot then what they were given. Shame on the filmmakers for not giving these men more screen time. James Franco’s small cameo as nightclub owner and crime boss ‘Crystal Clear’ in the beginning was hilarious and all around awesome.

Final Say: In hindsight to everything I just said. The Green Hornet was very enjoyable, it sure isn’t going to be a box office break nor does it completely live up the expectations that was building for it over the years, I for one was a little disappointed in the final product but when looking back at it all, it could have been much worst, so to that I say it was an okay way to kill a couple of hours. It’s totally worth checking out but NOT IN 3D. Recommended in 2D.

Review: Machete (2010) [Reviewed By Clifford Kiyabu]

2011-01-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Directed by: Ethan Maniquis & Robert Rodriguez
Written by: Robert Rodriguez & Álvaro Rodríguez
Genre: Action / Comedy / Crime
MPAA: Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language, some sexual content and nudity.
Released: 3 September 2010 (USA)
Starring: Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Steven Seagal, Michelle Rodriguez, Jeff Fahey, Cheech Marin, Don Johnson, Lindsay Lohan,

Plot: After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss.

Review: 6/10

The Story is about: A highly skilled Federale Machete (Trejo) is hired by businessman with illegal dealings to assassinate a U.S. senator who‘s at the helm of anti-immigration radicalism. But soon realizes he's been set up and past off as a patsy in a devious plot by those in higher office. The man without a country of his own is out revenge on his former employers, with the reluctant assistance of his holy brother father Padre Cortez (Marin) and Luz (Rodriguez) a young woman who’s helping those seeking refuge in the states, and Sartana Rivera (Alba) a sexy ICE agent who’s bent on upholding the law. Together they make the bad guys wish they‘d never existed!

My Thoughts: In 2007 Director Robert Rodriguez teamed up with director Quentin Tarantino to direct Grindhouse (2007), a double feature experience that were created as an homage to the lost genre of the 70‘s and 80‘s. Among the double feature were a series of fake trailers that played before the start of each film, among the list of fake trailers were films like: WEREWOLF WOMEN OF THE SS, DON‘T, THANKSGIVING, HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN, and MECHETE. After seeing the fake trailers I became just as enthusiastic about these trailers becoming a reality as the rest of the fan base were, because it was just as entertainingly enjoyable as the film’s they were attached to. So after three long year the fan base finally got what they’ve so desperately wanted. A full Machete adaptation brought to the big screen. What many don’t know however, is that the story of MACHETE was not actually written to be a fake trailer but rather conceived by Robert Rodriguez before he had written the script for Desperado and that the development of the project has been a long labor of love.

So what’s the verdict? Well to put it so simple and straight forward is not that easy, while the film works on one level it simply does not on another, and sadly the film repeats going down this depressing course of action repetitively throughout the course of film‘s run. The Good: The start of Machete is pure nostalgia for any Rodriguez fan out there as it brings a delightful splice between his work on “The Mariachi Trilogy” (AKA The Desperado Trilogy) and his work on Grindhouse, which brought together formulated into it‘s own as a bi-product, it works because it put’s Rodriguez in the zone of what he loves to do most which is making highly entertaining action driven films cuddled with rich Latin culture which he seems to execute quite nicely here, also seeing Danny Trejo and Jeff Fahey reprise they’re roles from the fake trailer was fantastic and seeing most of the scenes from the trailer strategically placed in the film was genus work on Rodriguez‘s part. The Bad: however, while the film seems to work well on the level of being entertaining it fails miserably on providing an adequately entertaining plot that moviegoers can enjoy, instead of giving the viewers a plot that’s worth their wild it ends up becoming overly repetitive and highly predictable to a mind numbing state. For example: Machete kills a bunch of bad guys then winds up with a young beautiful woman in his arms, then gets wounded. Later he winds up killing more bad guys and then, surprise, surprise - He winds up with another young beautiful woman in his arms and then get‘s wounded.. Again!. Sadly this becomes repetitive mostly throughout the whole film and doesn‘t add any new twists or turns that haven’t already been seen coming a mile away.

And The Ugly: it’s pretty obvious that Machete was made with the intention to be an inspiration to those of Latin heritage but I can tell you that I, being someone who has both Spanish and Latin ancestry felt more insulted by the portrayal of Latin’s in the film then inspired. But I digress, the main problem wrong with Machete is that it got a little too political at times instead of being just a all around fun rollercoaster ride of action meets entertainment like Death Proof and Planet Terror was. Simply put, Rodriguez couldn‘t make up his mind on what he wanted the film to be, at some points the film expresses a unreal sense action to the viewers but then demands to be taken seriously. As much as Rodriguez refuse’s to admit it, the film’s timing did seem a bit too coincidental coming out around the same time as when immigration reform is now a hot topic in the country again. In hindsight to what I’ve said. I really wanted to like Machete because the Grindhouse Trailer showed it had soo much to offer moviegoers but instead, wound up becoming mediocre at best

As for the acting: as much as I disliked the portrayal of the characters in the film, the actors did a fantastic job in their performances. First off Danny Trejo is probably one of the hardest working actors in the industry, the man just doesn’t know what it means to take break as he’s working on more projects these days then some of the biggest paying actors do in a few years, and no matter how awful a film may be he always known’s how to shine a little light into it be simply being in it. I know he made the Spy Kids films somewhat bearable just for being in it. His performance in Machete was like watching a Mexican version of Rambo, no I take that back, he is the Mexican Rambo! His performance was outstanding, it was so impressive to see him reprise the role of machete without missing a beat that it was extremely difficult at time to tell the scenes of him from the fake trailer and the new scenes apart. Robert De Niro is a fine actor who’s done some incredibly work, but his performance as Senator McLaughlin didn’t do him any justice on his career I can tell ya, I’ve seen him do a better performance in The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle then this film, but on the Brightside, at least it’s better then any of those Focker films he‘s been in, I mean those are just painfully awful.

No matter how cheesy a film may be, having Steven Seagal, Jeff Fahey, Cheech Marin, and Tom Savini in it is a guarantee win-win on the entertainment level. Sure these guys are old, and out of shape, and probably waaaay past their prime, but having them together on screen is a sight none the less. Michelle Rodriguez was fantastic, but I may not be the only one (yikes I hope not!) but I enjoyed her much more as an actress when she had a harder body. I know she wants to feminine up but it also take a way from the bad-ass persona we were first introduced with all those years ago with Girlfight, Jessica Alba was mildly enjoyable, but if there’s one thing that irritated me the most about her performance in this films, it’s that she lacked complete personality, back in the day she could act, and would always give it her all, but now days it seems like she’s just phoning in the performance for the paycheck. Don Johnson on the other hand was a pleasant surprise in his performance as twisted border vigilante Von Jackson, who’s persona bore a strange familiarity I can‘t quite put my finger on. But if there’s any person who’s gone to the top of the mountain, fallen down to the bottom, climbed back up, only to fall back on her ass it’s Lindsay Lohan, it’s been years since the starlet has proven she’s still got what it takes to be in the big leagues, and though her performance in Machete doesn’t help her cause, she still managed to pull off a reasonable performance as April AKA Sexy Nun!

Final Say: When I initially heard about Machete being turned into a full length feature I was thrilled beyond belief, now that I’ve seen it I kind of wish it had stayed as a fake trailer, at least that way I still would have retained all my hope and love for the project. Though I hold disappointment towards the film I still hope for improvement in a sequel if one should ever be made. It’s defiantly not a recommendation to buy but is a rental fair.

PREMIERE: Brand New Maggie Marvel Trailer!

2011-01-30T01:12:00.000-08:00

Ever hear the phrase; beware a woman’s wrath? If you haven’t then it’s best you learn it now. There’s nothing more dangerous than a woman who’s been wronged. What could possibly be more dangerous than that? A woman wronged and on a mission to get even! Silly Sisters Production and filmmaker Dan Brennan gave indie moviegoers a real treat last year when he released the film Maggie Marvel, which believe me is a movie like no other!

We at TCWreviews had the pleasure of reviewing the film earlier last year and recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the star of the film, Selene Beretta (sorry guys but that little gem of a interview will be up shortly) and in preparation of the film’s release on it’s new purchase option, download via the web, we have the extreme pleasure of presenting the film’s brand new trailer for your enjoyment. So check it out and enjoy!

About the film: Maggie Marvel is about a single Mom who moonlights as a contract killer. Maggie Marvel must balance career and family, murder and math homework. She is pushed into this dangerous world... only to find out she is very good at it.

MM is is Written and Directed by Dan Brennan. And star’s Selene Beretta, Diana Brennan, Katherine Barron, Dan Brennan, Sabrina Brennan, Samuel Whitten, Christopher Douros, Russ Camarda, Dasha Kittredge, And Allison Lane. And is now available to own on DVD and coming soon to download via the web.