"The Disaster Artist" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE DISASTER ARTIST': Five Stars (Out of Five)

A comedy-drama biopic based on the making of Tommy Wiseau's 2003 beloved cult film 'THE ROOM', which is considered (by many) to be one of the worst movies ever made. The film was directed and co-produced by James Franco, who also stars as Wiseau. It was written by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (the duo previously co-scripted such critically acclaimed hits as '500 DAYS OF SUMMER', 'THE SPECTACULAR NOW', 'THE FAULT IN OUR STARS', 'PAPER TOWNS' & 'OUR SOULS AT NIGHT'). The script is based on Greg Sestero (who costarred in 'THE ROOM') and Tom Bissell's non-fiction book, of the same name. The movie also costars Dave Franco (James's brother), Seth Rogen (who also co-produced the film), Alison Brie (Dave Franco's wife), Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcherson and Jacki Weaver. There's also a shitload of other celebrity cameos in the movie as well (including ones by Kevin Smith and Judd Apatow, two of my favorite filmmakers). It's received nearly unanimous rave reviews from critics (especially for Franco's performance), and a shitload of awards attention as well. I found it to be a very powerful, and well made movie! It's also pretty disturbing though.

The story begins in San Francisco, in 1998, where young aspiring actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) meets another aspiring actor named Tommy Wiseau (James Franco). Tommy is much older than the 19-year-old Greg, and he's also very odd, eccentric and possibly mentally unstable. Greg is impressed by his passion for acting though, and the two become close friends. They then move to Los Angeles together to pursue their dreams. After failing to get cast in any major roles, the two decide to make their own movie together, 'THE ROOM', so they can cast themselves in big roles. The film then follows the whole long, bizarre process of the making of that cult classic movie.

The film is a beautiful character study, of a very unique but passionate character, Tommy Wiseau, and his loving friend, Greg Sestero. The Franco brothers are both good in their roles, and Rogen is once again a fantastic scene stealer. Franco also does a really good job directing. I love the movie, because it's about having an uncontrollable passion for an art form (film in this case, and mine), and it's also about accepting people that are different, and dealing with their mental illness. The film is really disturbing, and intense to watch at times, because Wiseau's mental illness does sometimes turn abusive, and creepy. It's still always incredibly fascinating to watch though, and funny. I worry a little that the filmmaker's are exploiting Wiseau, and others involved in the making of 'THE ROOM', but I think it's mostly a loving tribute. I really enjoyed it, and I do think it's one of the year's best movies.

Disaster Strikes with Official Stills for "The Disaster Artist"

A24 recently released stills for their upcoming release "The Disaster Artist". The film stars Dave Franco, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Ari Graynor, Alison Brie, Jacki Weaver and Josh Hutcherson. It's based on Greg Sestero's best-selling book "The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made".

"The Disaster Artist" hits theaters on December 1st.

Press Release:

It's a disasterpiece! First poster and teaser trailer arrive for James Franco's THE DISASTER ARTIST, coming this December.

Based on Greg Sestero's best-selling tell-all about the making of Tommy Wiseau's cult–classic disaster piece THE ROOM ("The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made"), THE DISASTER ARTIST is a hilarious and welcome reminder that there is more than one way to become a legend– and no limit to what you can achieve when you have absolutely no idea what you're doing.

– In Theaters December 1 –

Official Teaser Trailer and Teaser Poster for James Franco's Upcoming Film "The Disaster Artist"

A24 recently released the official teaser poster and teaser trailer for their upcoming release "The Disaster Artist". The film stars Dave Franco, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Ari Graynor, Alison Brie, Jacki Weaver and Josh Hutcherson. It's based on Greg Sestero's best-selling book "The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made".

"The Disaster Artist" hits theaters on December 1st.

Press Release:

It's a disasterpiece! First poster and teaser trailer arrive for James Franco's THE DISASTER ARTIST, coming this December.

Based on Greg Sestero's best-selling tell-all about the making of Tommy Wiseau's cult–classic disaster piece THE ROOM ("The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made"), THE DISASTER ARTIST is a hilarious and welcome reminder that there is more than one way to become a legend– and no limit to what you can achieve when you have absolutely no idea what you're doing.

– In Theaters December 1 –

"The Disaster Artist": Teaser Trailer

"Why Him ?" Review by Tim Hellman

'WHY HIM?': Four Stars (Out of Five)

A modern re-imagining of 'MEET THE PARENTS' (Ben Stiller even serves as a producer for the film). This updated version tells the story of a conservative father that gets in a feud with his daughter's socially awkward billionaire boyfriend; the variation is that the father is the normal one (in this version), and the boyfriend is extremely eccentric. It's once again set at Christmas time, and it's also extremely vulgar. The movie stars James Franco, Brayan Cranston, Zoey Deutch, Megan Mullally, Griffin Gluck, Keegan-Michael Key, Cedric the Entertainer and the voice of Kaley Cuoco. It was directed and co-written by John Hamburg; who also performed the same duties on 2009's 'I LOVE YOU, MAN' and 2004's 'ALONG CAME POLLY' (also starring Stiller). It was also co-written by actor Jonah Hill (a good friend of Franco's) and Ian Helfer. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics, but it's performed pretty well at the Box Office (so far). It's not as good as the Ben Stiller classic, but I enjoyed it.

Ned Fleming (Cranston), his wife Barb (Mullally), and their 15-year-old son, Scott (Gluck), are all visiting Scott's 22-year-old sister, Stephanie (Deutch), at Stanford. Once there they meet her very crude, and extremely blunt, billionaire boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (Franco); who they knew nothing about previously. Laird's awkwardness, and free spirit attitude, take a lot of getting used to (for Ned and Barb). Barb warms up to him, as does Scott (immediately), but Ned decides to wage war against Mayhew, when Laird asks for his blessing to marry Stephanie.

The movie is pretty funny, at times, and Franco and Cranston are both fantastic in their roles. The film is definitely too long, and the end seems to go on forever (the movie runs over 2 hours long)! They definitely could have used some better editing, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. The concept has been done before, many other times as well, but it still makes for a pretty amusing movie. This version is definitely somewhat fresh as well. I think most viewers will have a pretty good time.

Official Stills for the Upcoming Comedy "Why Him?"

20th Century Fox recently released stills for the upcoming comedy "Why Him?" The film stars James Franco and Bryan Cranston.

"Why Him?" hits theaters Christmas Day.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://whyhimmovie.com.

Plot Synopsis:

Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The straight-laced Ned thinks Laird, who has absolutely no filter, is a wildly inappropriate match for his daughter. The one-sided rivalry-and Ned's panic level-escalate when he finds himself increasingly out of step in the glamorous high-tech hub, and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.

First Red-Band Trailer for the Upcoming James Franco/Bryan Cranston Comedy "Why Him?"

20th Century Fox recently released the red-band trailer for the upcoming comedy "Why Him?" The film stars James Franco and Bryan Cranston.

"Why Him?" hits theaters Christmas Day.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: http://whyhimmovie.com.

Plot Synopsis:

Over the holidays, Ned (Bryan Cranston), an overprotective but loving dad and his family visit his daughter at Stanford, where he meets his biggest nightmare: her well-meaning but socially awkward Silicon Valley billionaire boyfriend, Laird (James Franco). The straight-laced Ned thinks Laird, who has absolutely no filter, is a wildly inappropriate match for his daughter. The one-sided rivalry-and Ned's panic level-escalate when he finds himself increasingly out of step in the glamorous high-tech hub, and learns that Laird is about to pop the question.

"Why Him?": Official Red-Band Trailer

Official Stills for the Upcoming Drama "True Story"

Fox Searchlight Pictures recently released stills for their upcoming release of "True Story". The film stars Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones, Robert John Burke, Ethan Suplee and Gretchen Mol.

"True Story" hits theaters in limited release on April 10th.

Plot Synopsis:

When disgraced New York Times reporter Michael Finkel meets accused killer Christian Longo—who has taken on Finkel’s identity—his reporting job morphs into an unforgettable game of cat and mouse. Based on actual events, Finkel’s relentless pursuit of Longo’s true story encompasses murder, love, deceit, and redemption.

"The Color of Time" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE COLOR OF TIME': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Biographical drama flick, based on the life of Pulitzer Prize winning poet C.K. Williams; told through flashbacks and narrated by the words of his famous poems. The movie stars James Franco (who also served as a producer on the film), Henry Hopper, Jordan March and Zachary Unger; as Williams, in various stages of his life. It also features celebrities like Mila Kunis, Jessica Chastain, Zach Braff and Bruce Campbell; in supporting roles (It might be interesting to note that Franco, Kunis, Braff and Campbell also all worked together on the 2013 blockbuster 'OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL', which was probably filming around the same time). It was written and directed by twelve New York University film students; including Edna Luise Biesold, Sarah-Violet Bliss, Gabrielle Demeestere, Alexis Gambis, Shruti Ganguly, Brooke Goldfinch, Shripiya Mahesh, Pamela Romanowsky, Bruce Thierry Cheung, Tine Thomasen, Virginia Urreiztieta and Omar Zuniga Hidalgo. I found the movie to be very beautiful to watch, and pretty moving at times, but ultimately unfulfilling.

The film is an adaptation of 11 of C.K. Williams' most famous poems. Each poem is used to tell a pivotal story in Williams' life; from the 1940s to the early 1980s. Franco plays Williams at age 40; when he's married, to Catherine (Kunis), and has two children. As he prepares for a reading, in New York City the next day, C.K. sits down to write new poems. While doing so, he recollects on memories from his past. His memories tell stories of his childhood, teen years and current marriage. Most of his flashbacks deal with important women, like his mother (Chastain), from his past life.

The scenery is breathtaking and some of the imagery is moving; and also disturbingly haunting, as well. We never get to know the characters, in the flashbacks, very well though; including Williams. So while the movie is always stunning to look at, and feels pretty emotional at times, it doesn't leave you with very much to think about, when it's over. It is worth seeing though, just for it's gorgeous visuals alone, and the performances are all more than decent. The film kind of reminds me of one of Terrence Malick's lesser movies; especially while watching Chastain, as a mother in the 1940s. I think these filmmakers have a lot of promise, and will do much better films in the future!

"The Interview" Set to Broadcast on DVD & Blu-Ray

Sony Pictures recently released information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray release of the controversial film "The Interview". The film stars Seth Rogan, James Franco and Lizzy Caplan.

The blu-ray features 90 minutes of bonus features including deleted scenes, behind the scenes featurettes, blooper reel and alternate takes. The Blu-ray and DVD includes The Discovery Channel TV special "Naked and Afraid," starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, as well as commentary by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

"The Interview" hits retail on 2/17.

Press Release

From the writers of Superbad and Pineapple Express, and the directors of This Is The End, the new film THE INTERVIEW arrives on "Freedom Edition" collectible Blu-ray™ and DVD Feb. 17. The action-comedy stars Academy Award® nominee James Franco (Best Actor, 127 Hours, 2010) as a celebrity talk show host and Seth Rogen (Neighbors) as his producer longing to make the jump to serious news. After snagging an exclusive in-person interview with North Korea's Kim Jong-un (Randall Park, "Fresh off the Boat"), the unlikely pair are recruited by a covert CIA agent (Lizzy Caplan, "Masters of Sex") to embark on a mission to take out the reclusive dictator.

The "Freedom Edition" Blu-ray disc comes packed with 90 minutes of bonus feature content, including 14 deleted scenes, multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes, a seven-minute blooper reel that shows the outrageous gags and goofs from the set, as well as three "line-o-ramas" (where cast shot several alternate takes of jokes during filming). Also included on both Blu-ray and DVD are The Discovery Channel TV special "Naked and Afraid," starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, as well as commentary by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

Synopsis: Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) run the popular celebrity tabloid TV show "Skylark Tonight." When they discover that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is a fan of the show, they land an interview with him in an attempt to legitimize themselves as journalists. As Dave and Aaron prepare to travel to Pyongyang, their plans change when the CIA recruits them, perhaps the most unlikely candidates, to 'take out' Kim Jong-un.

The film is directed by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg from a screenplay by Dan Sterling and a story by Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg & Dan Sterling. Executive producers include Dan Sterling, Kyle Hunter, Ariel Shaffir, James Franco, Shawn Williamson and Ben Waisbren. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver serve as producers.

"The Interview" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'THE INTERVIEW': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The most talked about, and controversial, movie of the year (or any year) has to be this sociopolitical action-comedy flick, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as journalists attempting to assassinate the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. It was directed by Rogen and his longtime writing partner Evan Goldberg (the two also directed and co-wrote 'THIS IS THE END' as well as co-wrote 'PINEAPPLE EXPRESS', 'SUPERBAD', 'THE GREEN HORNET' and other popular comedy flicks). It was written by Rogen, Goldberg and Dan Sterling (a TV writer and producer who's probably most famous for his work on 'THE DAILY SHOW'). It costars Randall Park, Diana Bang and Lizzy Caplan and features multiple cameos from stars like Eminem, Rob Lowe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The film has become one of the biggest news stories of the year (in film, at the very least), beginning last June when the North Korean government first heard about the movie and threatened retaliation if it was released. Attention for the film was escalated even further when the studio behind the movie, Sony, was hacked (in late November) by an organization calling themselves 'Guardians of Peace' (or GOP). Several Sony films and confidential files were leaked online and then terrorist threats were made (by the GOP) to any theaters which showed the film. All of the major theater chains backed out of playing the movie and Sony cancelled the release of it entirely. That is until they received a lot of support from movie fans and advocates for artistic freedom and free speech; including celebrities (like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Judd Apatow, Bill Maher and many others) and politicians (like Mitt Romeny, John McCain and President Obama). The movie was eventually released through indie theaters and internet sites (like YouTube, Google Play and X-Box Video), a day before it's original release date. I think all of the hype, media circus (about the film's release) and passionate civil rights advocacy made the movie an even better filmgoing experience. I absolutely loved it!

Rogen plays Aaron Rapoport, a TV producer for the popular pop culture tabloid show 'Skylark Tonight'. Franco plays Aaron's best friend, Dave Skylark, who's also the host (of course) of 'Skylark Tonight'. Their show is a huge hit with mainstream viewers but Aaron feels like he's 'sold out' and doesn't produce quality news, like he had always dreamed of. When Dave finds out that Kim Jong-un (Park) is a big fan of their show, the duo sees it as a chance to finally gain some credibility; through interviewing the hated dictator. Jong-un accepts their interview offer but when the CIA finds out about it, they ask Aaron and Dave to assassinate the North Korean leader instead.

It's almost impossible to separate the film from it's historical media coverage and the political events surrounding it's release, when judging it's quality. This is why I think some viewers are giving it a harsher and more negative review than it actually deserves; because they're trying to prove that they're not being influenced by all of it's hype. I loved it but I'll admit that part of the reason I enjoyed it so much is due to it's 'event status' and unprecedented media attention. Even so it's an amazing film; one of Rogen, Goldberg and Franco's best movies and it's easily the funniest film of 2014. It's also impressively directed (by far Rogen and Goldberg's best looking and edited movie, to date); including some spectacularly cool action scenes, some genuinely suspenseful moments and a decent amount of involving character development. I loved the social and political commentary and I'm also really glad the filmmakers were brave enough to actually make Kim Jong-un the movie's villain (rather than making up a fictional dictator for it's heroes to assassinate). It wouldn't have been nearly as good, or moving, if they had tried to please overly sensitive ultra-liberals (who think it's inappropriate). I don't believe in the death penalty or torture but I also don't care about the possible upset feelings of a mass murderer. It's a great film (and a very important one) because Jong-un is the movie's central antagonist. I also think opinions on the film's quality basically come down to whether you like comedy or not. A lot of seriously close minded people don't see the value or importance of humor, in life or in art. Those are the type of viewers that won't appreciate this film. Everyone else should love it. It's definitely one of the best movies of the year and by far the most important, any way you look at it!

Anchor Bay Entertainment Makes Time for "The Color of Time"

Anchor Bay Entertainment recently released information for their upcoming DVD release of "The Color of Time". The film stars Golden Globe® Nominee Mila Kunis, Academy Award® Nominee James Franco (The Interview), Golden Globe Winner and Academy Award Nominee Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Golden Globe Nominee and Independent Spirit Award Winner Zach Braff (Garden State, “Scrubs”), and Bruce Campbell (“Burn Notice”; The Evil Dead).

No special features were announced at this time.

"The Color of Time" hits stores on 1/27/2015.

Press Release:

On January 27, 2015, Anchor Bay Entertainment journeys through the decades of one man’s life with the star-studded The Color of Time. Traveling across a canvas of joy, pain and discovery, The Color of Time will be available on DVD for an SRP of $22.98. Pre-book is December 24, 2014.

Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning poet C.K. Williams’ TAR collection, The Color of Time is a one-of-a-kind film born out of a collaboration between James Franco and twelve graduate film students from New York University. Using this daring approach, the film begins with Williams’ childhood and adolescence in Detroit in the 1940’s and ‘50s and continues to the 1980’s, through decades of struggle and creativity. Married to Catherine (Golden Globe® Nominee Mila Kunis) and with a growing family, Williams (Academy Award® Nominee James Franco, The Interview) is still tormented by memories of his past and by the conflicts and doubts of the creative mind.

The Color of Time features a dream cast that also includes Golden Globe Winner and Academy Award Nominee Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Golden Globe Nominee and Independent Spirit Award Winner Zach Braff (Garden State, “Scrubs”), and Bruce Campbell (“Burn Notice”; The Evil Dead). It is a virtuoso effort that paints a portrait of a man coming to terms with his memories, his relationship to love and loss, and his wonderful artistic gift.

"Child of God" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'CHILD OF GOD': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Director James Franco's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's 1973 novel (of the same name) about a violent outcast trying to survive on his own, in a world that's shun him; set in the beautiful mountains of 1960s Sevier County, Tennessee. Franco also costars in the movie and co-wrote it, with Vince Jolivette. The film also stars Scott Haze (as it's central character, Lester Ballard), as well as Tim Blake Nelson, Jim Parrack, Brian Lally and Jolivette. I haven't read the book, and don't know how much justice Franco does to it, but this movie is definitely fascinating to watch.

Haze plays Lester Ballard; a depraved man child who lost his parents at a very young age and was continuously rejected by society (all of his life). Forced to live on his own, in the mountains of 1960s Tennessee, Ballard becomes more and more mentally unstable, and increasingly violent, due to society's isolation of him. Nelson and Parrack play a sheriff and his deputy; who are following Ballard. Franco plays a man obsessed with taking the law into his own hands, against Ballard.

While (as I've said) I can't comment on how this film lives up to the book that inspired it; I can say that it's almost equally as entertaining and interesting as other McCarthy film adaptations (like 'NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN', 'THE ROAD' and 'THE COUNSELOR'). All of these movies take a very disturbing and twisted look at human nature. I think Franco does as good a job, as the others, attempting to bring classic McCarthy literature to the big screen (although 'THE COUNSELOR' was actually an original screenplay, written by McCarthy). With this, and 'AS I LAY DYING' (from just last year), Franco continues to show what an amazingly talented and diverse filmmaker he can be. He does an incredible job of showing how society's alienation of someone can turn them to total madness. There is little light or hope here, which is it's main flaw, but it is a very interesting psychological character study and also a horrendously fascinating thriller. I can't wait to see what Franco does next!

Official Stills and Trailer for the Upcoming Thriller "Good People"

Millennium Entertainment recently released the official trailer and stills for the upcoming release of "Good People" The upcoming film stars James Franco, Kate Hudson, Omar Sy, Sam Spruekk and Tom Wilkinson. "Good People" hits theaters in limited release on September 26th

Plot Synopsis:

GOOD PEOPLE is a contemporary thriller about an American couple living in London who fall into severe debt renovating his family’s home. And then they find the tenant in their downstairs apartment has passed away and left 200,000 pounds in cash. All they have to do is take the money and all their problems will be solved. So they do, and that’s when very bad things start happening to good people.

"Good People": Official Trailer