"Wind River" Review by Tim Hellman

'WIND RIVER': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new crime-thriller from acclaimed screenwriter Taylor Sheridan; who also wrote 2015's 'SICARIO' and 2016's 'HELL OR HIGH WATER'. Sheridan also directed the film, in his sophomore directorial effort (following the 2011 horror flick 'VILE'). The movie stars Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olson (Hawkeye and Scarlet Witch together again) as a US Fish and Wildlife Service agent, and an FBI rookie, trying to solve a murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The movie has received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics (like Sheridan's other two screenwriting efforts), and it's also been a success in it's limited theatrical run at the Box Office so far (also like Sheridan's other recent movies). I found it to be pretty dang good.

Cory Lambert (Renner) is a US Fish and Wildlife Service agent who's currently investigating the killing of livestock at the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. While trying to find the den of the suspected lions involved, Lambert comes across the body of an 18-year-old female resident. The FBI sends a rookie agent, named Jane Banner (Olson), to lead the Tribal Police there in their investigation. Due to Lambert's skills at tracking in the area, Banner asks him to assist them as well. Their efforts soon lead them to some very dark, and brutal places. Places that Lambert is very familiar with, having also lost a daughter there (the same age) in a similar way.

The movie starts out a little slow, in my opinion, and then it keeps picking up pace, until a very intense and dramatic conclusion. The climax is definitely my favorite part of the film, but it's also very dark and violent (and you have to have some patience to get to it). The character development, and performances, are both excellent though (Renner is always good outside of Marvel movies, I think). I got pretty teary eyed multiple times throughout the film as well. It's another near masterpiece from Sheridan, in my opinion, and he proves himself as a very talented director here too.

Ray Kroc Bio Pic "The Founder" Hits DVD & Blu-Ray

Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company recently released information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray of "The Founder". The film stars  Michael Keaton (Best Actor, Birdman), Nick Offerman (TV’s “Parks and Recreation”), Linda Cardellini (TV’s “ER”), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), BJ Novak (TV’s “The Office”) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park).

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes The Story Behind the Story” Featurette, “Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc” Featurette, The McDonald Brothers” Featurette, “The Production Design” Featurette, “Building McDonald’s: Time Lapse Video” and Press Conference with Filmmakers and Cast.

"The Founder" hits retail on April 18th.

Press Release :

Experience the rise of the biggest fast food franchise in history when the critically acclaimed The Founder arrives on Digital HD on April 4 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand April 18 from Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company. Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh, The Founder chronicles the rise of the biggest fast food chain in history. Academy Award® nominee Michael Keaton (Best Actor, Birdman) leads the film’s super-sized cast, which includes Nick Offerman (TV’s “Parks and Recreation”), Linda Cardellini (TV’s “ER”), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), BJ Novak (TV’s “The Office”) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park).

Directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side), The Founder features the true story of how Ray Kroc (Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. Writer Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) details how Kroc maneuvered himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire. The film also stars Laura Dern as Ray Kroc’s first wife Ethel, John Carroll Lynch as Mac McDonald and Nick Offerman as Dick McDonald.

The Founder home entertainment release features five behind-the-scenes featurettes and a press conference with the filmmakers and cast. The Founder will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

"Lion" Review by Tim Hellman

'LION': Five Stars (Out of Five)

Another upcoming Academy Awards hopeful is this drama, directed by debut feature filmmaker Garth Davis. It tells the story of a 5-year-old Indian boy, that falls asleep on a train car and is taken 1600 kilometers from where he lives. He is later adopted, by an Australian couple, and 25 years later he decides to track down his birth family, by using Google Earth. The film is based on the 2014 non-fiction book 'A Long Way Home' (by Saroo Brierley), and it was scripted by Luke Davies. It stars Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman and David Wenham. The film has performed well at the Box Office, and with critics, and it's also been nominated for multiple respected awards (and it's also won some). I loved it.

Saroo (Pawar) goes with his older brother, Guddu (Abhisek Bharate), to work at a train station one night. When Saroo is then too sleepy to help, he waits at a bench, for Guddu, while his brother goes to work. When Guddu doesn't return though, Saroo goes looking for him. He then falls asleep on a train, while looking for his brother, and the train takes off with him sleeping inside it. It takes Saroo 1600 kilometers away, to Calcutta. Having no idea how to get back home, or how to tell anyone where he's from, the boy is forced to live on the streets. He's later put in an orphanage, and then adopted by an Australian couple (Kidman and Wenham). 25 years later, Saroo (now played by Patel) decides to track down his biological family, and finally return home. He uses Google Earth to help him do this, although at first it seems impossible.

The movie is very involving, and quite fascinating; I was hooked on it from the very start. The characters are all lovable, and the performances are all topnotch (especially Patel and Kidman). It's also a very emotionally moving film, and in some ways it's quite inspiring. I look forward to seeing what Davis directs next; this movie is definitely one of the year's best, and it deserves all of it's awards recognition.

"Regression" Review by Anthony T

You would think a film starring Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson would appear on your radar screen when looking at upcoming theatrical films. This wasn’t the case with their latest film “Regression”, as the first time I heard about it was when I did a news story about the film’s upcoming home video release. It got me thinking that this looked like one of those films where it must have been shelved or is bad enough that it was released quietly release in limited release. Still, I wanted to that chance and see this.

The film takes place in 1990 where a detective (Ethan Hawke) is investigating a horrific crime when a young woman (Emma Watson) thinks that her father John is involved. Soon, her father admits that without recollection that he committed that crime. A psychologist is brought in to help John as he tries re-piece the moments his mind and find out what truly happens. This unveils what truly happened. The film also co-stars David Dencik and David Thewlis.

No wonder why this never made it into many theaters in the first place. That was my first thought after watching “Regression”. It was very surprising that this was very bad because this had a good cast on paper and the fact that I really liked Alejandro Amenabar’s “The Others”. Sadly, this was a film where I felt bored from start to finish as nothing works.

Most of the reason why I didn’t like this film was Amenabar’s direction. One of the things that I didn’t like about it was the fact that nothing grabbed my attention. Whether it was the way the scenes were approached to how he approaches the action, everything was just flat out dull and not engaging. When that happens, you lose interest in a film like I did with this film. The other thing that Amenabar doesn’t do right was the way that he handles the performances. It felt the same as the directing. You would think the performance aspect would be decent with Ethan Hawke and Emma Watson in this, but it wasn’t the case as they didn’t look like they were interested in the material. Their performances felt more phoned in, as they didn’t bring anything to their characters that. It’s the bad directing and screenplay that made it all possible.

Speaking of the screenplay, it was very bad from start to finish. One of the things that I didn’t like was the way Amenabar writes some of the film’s scenes. It felt like there was nothing in them to make me interested with what was happening in the story. Some of the scenes felt like it came out of something that you would see in a Lifetime film as it felt dull and lifeless at times. The other thing that makes this bad was the fact the character and story development either wasn’t there as it felt rushed and not important. It would’ve been nice to slow down and develop everything. This would’ve made the story a little more interesting. Instead, I’m not given a reason to care about the characters or the action that takes place.

This is easily one of the worst films that I’ve seen so far this year as there is nothing good about this. From its weak direction to an unenergetic screenplay, “Regression” is a film that should’ve stayed on the studio shelves.

Review Rating: One Star

New Clips from the Music Drama "Sing Street"

The Weinstein Company recently send us over the official concert poster and film clip for their new film "Sing Street". The upcoming film is directed by John Carney (Once, Begin Again) and stars Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor, Lucy Boynton and Mark McKenna.

"Sing Street" hits theaters in limited release on April 15th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/singstreetmovie

Plot Synopsis:

SING STREET takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band's music videos. There's only one problem: he's not part of a band...yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he's promised - calling himself "Cosmo" and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Inspired by writer/director John Carney's (ONCE, BEGIN AGAIN) life and love for music, SING STREET shows us a world where music has the power to take us away from the turmoil of everyday life and transform us into something greater.

"Sing Street": "Rio" Film Clip

"Sing Street": "Confronting Barry the Bully" Film Clip

First Clip for John Carney's New Film "Sing Street"

The Weinstein Company recently send us over the official concert poster and film clip for their new film "Sing Street". The upcoming film is directed by John Carney (Once, Begin Again) and stars Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Jack Reynor, Lucy Boynton and Mark McKenna.

"Sing Street" hits theaters in limited release on April 15th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/singstreetmovie

Plot Synopsis:

SING STREET takes us back to 1980s Dublin seen through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy named Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who is looking for a break from a home strained by his parents' relationship and money troubles, while trying to adjust to his new inner-city public school where the kids are rough and the teachers are rougher. He finds a glimmer of hope in the mysterious, über-cool and beautiful Raphina (Lucy Boynton), and with the aim of winning her heart he invites her to star in his band's music videos. There's only one problem: he's not part of a band...yet. She agrees, and now Conor must deliver what he's promised - calling himself "Cosmo" and immersing himself in the vibrant rock music trends of the decade, he forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos. Inspired by writer/director John Carney's (ONCE, BEGIN AGAIN) life and love for music, SING STREET shows us a world where music has the power to take us away from the turmoil of everyday life and transform us into something greater.

"Sing Street": Film Clip

"The Hateful Eight" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE HATEFUL EIGHT': Five Stars (Out of Five)

Writer/director Quentin Tarantino's gruesome western epic; about nine vile strangers, that hold up together in a stagecoach stopover, during a deadly blizzard (in Wyoming), sometime after the American Civil War. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demian Bichir, Tim Roth, Bruce Dern, Michael Madsen, James Parks and Channing Tatum. The film was released in two versions; a standard 167 minute theatrical cut, and a special 70mm Roadshow version (that's 20 minutes longer). I saw the Roadshow presentation, and it was well worth it. The film is a classic; Tarantino at his best!

The story takes place in the Wyoming winter, sometime after the Civil War. It revolves around a bounty hunter, named John Ruth (Russell), and his prisoner, Daisy Domergue (Leigh). They're headed to the town of Red Rock; where Daisy will hang, for her notorious crimes. Along the way they meet up with another bounty hunter, named Major Marquis Warren (Jackson), and a man who claims to be the new sheriff of Red Rock, named Chris Mannix (Goggins). When the group becomes stuck, in the middle of a horrendous blizzard, they head to a well known haberdashery; to wait it out in. Once there, they meet four more strangers; and none of them appears to be very trustworthy.

The film is classic Tarantino; if you like his stuff, you should love it. It's filled with grotesque violence, foul language and other disgusting debauchery; but it's also a fascinating character study, with a strong message about race relations. The movie plays out in two distinct acts; the first being filled with lots of character development, excessive dialogue, and plot buildup. The second act is almost all violent, bloody, payoff (it's like two different movies almost). I love the way it was structured, and I was intrigued by nearly all of the film's despicable characters. I also really enjoyed seeing the movie in it's glorious 70mm presentation (it's well worth the extra ticket price, in my opinion). The pacing, in the first act, will test some viewer's patience (as all Tarantino films do); and so will the violence, and offensive imagery. I think it's all worth it, in my opinion, though. The film is a masterpiece; and seeing the Roadshow presentation of it, was one of the greatest filmgoing experiences I've ever had!

Official Stills and New Poster for Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight"

The Weinstein Company recently released official stills and new poster for the upcoming Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight". The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Channing Tatum.

"The Hateful Eight" hits theaters on 70mm on December 25th and theaters everywhere on January 8th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as "The Hangman," will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town's new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie's, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who's taking care of Minnie's while she's visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all...

Official Trailer for Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight"

The Weinstein Company recently send us over the official trailer for the upcoming Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight". The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir, Channing Tatum.

"The Hateful Eight" hits theaters on 70mm on December 25th and theaters everywhere on January 8th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as "The Hangman," will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town's new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie's, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who's taking care of Minnie's while she's visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all...

"The Hateful Eight": Official Trailer

Official Trailer for the Upcoming Bradley Cooper Comedy "Burnt"

The Weinstein Company recently released the official trailer for John Wells' (August: Osage County, ER) upcoming film "Burnt". The upcoming comedy stars Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Matthew Rhys, Uma Thurman and Emma Thompson.

"Burnt" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) had it all – and lost it. A two-star Michelin rockstar with the bad habits to match, the former enfant terrible of the Paris restaurant scene did everything different every time out, and only ever cared about the thrill of creating explosions of taste. To land his own kitchen and that third elusive Michelin star though, he’ll need the best of the best on his side, including the beautiful Helene (Sienna Miller). BURNT is a remarkably funny and emotional story about the love of food, the love between two people, and the power of second chances.

"Burnt": Official Trailer

Official Poster for John Wells' Upcoming Film "Burnt"

The Weinstein Company recently released the official poster for John Wells' (August: Osage County, ER) new film "Burnt". The upcoming comedy stars Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Matthew Rhys, Uma Thurman and Emma Thompson.

"Burnt" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) had it all – and lost it. A two-star Michelin rockstar with the bad habits to match, the former enfant terrible of the Paris restaurant scene did everything different every time out, and only ever cared about the thrill of creating explosions of taste. To land his own kitchen and that third elusive Michelin star though, he’ll need the best of the best on his side, including the beautiful Helene (Sienna Miller). BURNT is a remarkably funny and emotional story about the love of food, the love between two people, and the power of second chances.

Official Trailer for Antoine Fuqua's Upcoming Boxing Drama "Southpaw"

The Weinstein Company recently send us over the official trailer and poster for their upcoming film "Southpaw". The film is the latest from director Antonie Fuqua (Training Day) and stars Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

"Southpaw" hits theaters on July 24th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and screenwriters Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy ) and Richard Wenk (THE MECHANIC), SOUTHPAW tells the riveting story of Billy "The Great" Hope, reigning Junior Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World (Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal). Billy Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely savior at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city's toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick's guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.

"Southpaw": Official Trailer

"Woman in Gold" Review - Written by Jim Herling

Woman in Gold is a movie that manages to glorify art and its inherent value while simultaneously telling two stories: one about how an old woman lost her family and her history and her struggle to reclaim them both; the other about how a young lawyer finds his heart and his passion through helping her. And the best part about it is that it's a true story.


Directed by Simon Curtis and written by Alexi Kaye Campbell, Woman in Gold is the story of a Jewish woman in her eighties, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren, whose performance is absolutely sparkling as the mischievous, feisty senior in question), whose family lost everything to the Nazis in World War II, and her fight with the Austrian government over a painting. The painting in question is a work by Gustav Klimt, entitled Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, who was Maria's aunt. The Nazis took the painting when they seized the Altmann home, and Austria wound up with it after the war. At Maria's side in her quest to regain her family's greatest treasure is a young lawyer named Randol Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds, in his best performance in years), who at first is hesitant to help because he sees it as a waste of time, but is soon drawn in by Maria and her story, becoming just as passionate about recovering the painting as Maria.

I found the way the story was told to be flawed, as it spent too much time flashing back to the events that led up to Altmann fleeing her home and not enough time in the present exploring the nuances of her and Randol's struggle (although the flashbacks did give Tatiana Maslany a chance to shine as young Maria). The passage of time during the legal battle wasn't marked well for me either, with years passing by in unacknowledged blinks. But the acting performances are the heart of this movie. From the undeniable and surprising chemistry Mirren and Reynolds have to the strong supporting performances from the aforementioned Maslany, as well as Katie Holmes as Randol's wife Pam and Daniel Brühl as Hubertus Czernin, the crusaders' guide in modern Austria, right down to Charles Dance in his small role as Sherman, Randol's skeptical boss, every actor involved is fantastic.

Woman in Gold is a flawed movie that survives on impassioned and talented acting, and is with watching for that alone. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Official Trailer and First Still for Antoine Fuqua's Upcoming Film "Southpaw"

The Weinstein Company recently released the official trailer for the upcoming film "Southpaw". The film is the latest from "Training Day" director Antoine Fuqua and stars Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal, Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Rita Ora, Naomie Harris and Victor Ortiz.

"Southpaw" hits theaters in July.

Plot Synopsis:

From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY) and starring Academy Award® nominated Jake Gyllenhaal (NIGHTCRAWLER, BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN) comes a story of tragedy, loss and the painful road to redemption… Billy “The Great” Hope (Gyllenhaal) is the reigning Junior Middleweight Champion whose unorthodox stance, the so-called “Southpaw,” consists of an ineloquent, though brutal, display of offensive fighting…one fueled by his own feelings of inadequacy and a desperate need for love, money and fame. With a beautiful family, home and financial security, Billy is on top both in and out of the ring until a tragic accident leaves his wife dead and sends him into a downward spiral. His days now an endless haze of alcohol and prescription drugs, his daughter taken by Child Services and his home repossessed by the bank, Billy’s fate is all but sealed until a washed up former boxer named Tick agrees to take the bereaved pugilist under his wing so long as he agrees to his strict ethos. Relentless and utterly committed to a fighter that thinks as much as he throws punches, Tick rebuilds Billy into a new man: one that is agile, fearsome and uncompromising in the ring while thoughtful, loving and disciplined outside of it. Now, as he works to regain custody of his daughter and mounts a professional comeback, Billy must face his demons head-on as he learns.

"Southpaw": Official Trailer

There's No Escaping the First Trailer and Stills for the Upcoming Thriller "No Escape"

The Weinstein Company recently released world premiered the first trailer for the upcoming thriller "No Escape". The film is the latest from director John Erick Dowdle (Devil, Quarantine) and stars Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell.

"No Escape" hits theaters on September 2nd.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NoEscapeMovie 

Plot Synopsis:

An intense international thriller, NO ESCAPE centers on an American businessman (Wilson) as he and his family settle into their new home in Southeast Asia. Suddenly finding themselves in the middle of a violent political uprising, they must frantically look for a safe escape as rebels mercilessly attack the city. Directed by John Erick Dowdle and written together with his brother Drew, NO ESCAPE stars Owen Wilson, Pierce Brosnan and Lake Bell.

 

"No Escape": Official Trailer

Official Stills for the Upcoming Drama "Woman in Gold"

The Weinstein Company recently released stills for their upcoming film "Woman in Gold". The upcoming film stars  Helen Mirren (The Queen), Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern), Daniel Brühl (Rush) Katie Holmes (The Giver) and Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black).

"Woman in Gold" hits theaters on April 3rd.

Plot Synopsis:

WOMAN IN GOLD is the remarkable true story of one woman's journey to reclaim her heritage and seek justice for what happened to her family. Sixty years after she fled Vienna during World War II, an elderly Jewish woman, Maria Altmann (Helen Mirren), starts her journey to retrieve family possessions seized by the Nazis, among them Klimt's famous painting Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I. Together with her inexperienced but plucky young lawyer Randy Schoenberg (Ryan Reynolds), she embarks upon a major battle which takes them all the way to the heart of the Austrian establishment and the U.S. Supreme Court, and forces her to confront difficult truths about the past along the way.

"Paddington" Review by Jim Herling

Star of more than twenty beloved children’s novels and multiple animated TV shows, the impeccably polite Paddington Bear (whose real name is an adorable roar unpronounceable by the human tongue) finally makes the leap from his home in Darkest Peru to the big screen in all his hapless glory. And his cinematic debut, written by Paul King, who also directed, and Hamish McColl (based, of course, on the stories written by Michael Bond) felt just like a classic Paddington story.

Which means that it’s cute and fun and fluffy but there isn’t a whole lot of meat to it.

Which doesn’t necessarily make it a bad movie at all. The movie, which is fairly beautifully animated when it comes to the CGI used on Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw, who is pretty perfect at capturing Paddington’s tone) and his bear family, Aunt Lucy and Uncle Pastuzo (Imelda Staunton and Michael Gambon. Yes, it’s a Harry Potter reunion all over this movie, as you’ll soon see), tells the tale of how Paddington is forced by an earthquake to leave Darkest Peru and travel to a land an explorer once told his aunt and uncle about, a land known as… London. When he arrives, he is taken in by the Brown family: father Henry (Hugh Bonneville, the first of two Doctor Who connections, because what movie with a British cast wouldn’t be complete without both Hogwarts and the Doctor), mother Mary (Sally Hawkins), and kids Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin), all of whom are reluctant about taking in a bear except for Mary. Eventually Paddington wins them all over with his manners and charm, despite the fact that he is a hysterical hurricane of accidents and disasters. He even wins over the Browns’ housekeeper, Mrs. Bird (Julie Walters). The human cast is talented and capable, and their emotions and reactions are believable, especially when it comes to the main cast. In terms of support, Jim Broadbent (another Harry Potter connection) overdoes it a bit as Mr. Gruper, a foreign antiques dealer who helps Paddington discover where his hat came from in hopes it’ll let him find the explorer his aunt and uncle knew. Instead, it leads him to Nicole Kidman’s Millicent, an evil zoologist who wants to stuff poor Paddington. The supporting cast is rounded out by Peter Capaldi as the Browns’ neighbor Mr. Curry, who, in the great tradition of TV neighbors everywhere, is suspicious of the secrets and mischief in the house next door.

Paddington himself is a wonderful character, beautifully rendered and fully realized. The cast is good, and the movie itself is cute and funny. The problem is that the plot was fairly forgettable, and it was easy to predict. Of course, it’s a kids’ movie, so that’s no surprise. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5, just because I’d hate to have Paddington turn his stare of disapproval on me.

Official Sixty Second Trailer for Best Picture Nominee "The Imitation Game"

The Weinstein Company recently send us a sixty second trailer for for "The Imitation Game". The film recently received eight Oscar nominations Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.

"The Imitation Game" stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Keira Knightley (Begin Again), Matthew Goode (Stoker) and Mark Strong (Zero Dark Thirty). "The Imitation Game" is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

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

Plot Synopsis:

During the winter of 1952, British authorities entered the home of mathematician, cryptanalyst and war hero Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) to investigate a reported burglary. They instead ended up arresting Turing himself on charges of ‘gross indecency’, an accusation that would lead to his devastating conviction for the criminal offense of homosexuality – little did officials know, they were actually incriminating the pioneer of modern-day computing. Famously leading a motley group of scholars, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers, he was credited with cracking the so-called unbreakable codes of Germany's World War II Enigma machine. An intense and haunting portrayal of a brilliant, complicated man, THE IMITATION GAME follows a genius who under nail-biting pressure helped to shorten the war and, in turn, save thousands of lives.

"The Imitation Game": Sixty Second Trailer

Official Trailer and First Still for the Upcoming Animated Film "Underdogs"

The Weinstein Company recently released the official trailer for the upcoming animated film "Underdogs". The upcoming film features the voices of Matthew Morrision, Nicholas Hoult and Ariana Grande.

"Underdogs" has no release date at this time.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/UnderdogsFilm

Plot Synopsis:

From Academy Award® winning director Campanella comes UNDERDOGS, an animated comedy with a little bit of magic and a whole lot of heart. Jake (Matthew Morrison) is a shy, but talented, foosball player. His passion for the game is rivaled only by his love for free-spirited Laura (Ariana Grande). With her encouragement, he beats the town bully, Ace (Nicholas Hoult), in a foosball game. But everything changes when Ace becomes the world's best soccer player and returns years later to turn their village into a new sports stadium. He starts to destroy everything and kidnaps Laura in the process. Just when it looks like all hope is lost, the toy figures from Jake's foosball table come to life. He and the players embark on a wild adventure to save Laura and reclaim their village. With the help of his team, his town, and a little bit of magic, Jake will try to save the day.

"Underdogs": Official Trailer

Official Stills from Tim Burton's Upcoming Film "Big Eyes"

The Weinstein Company recently released stills for Tim Burton's upcoming film "Big Eyes". The film stars Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Danny Huston, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp and Jon Polito.

"Big Eyes" hits theaters on Christmas Day.

Plot Synopsis:

From the whimsical mind of director Tim Burton, BIG EYES tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, painter Walter Keane had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered though: Walter’s works were actually not created by him at all, but by his wife Margaret. The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire world. A tale too incredible to be fiction, BIG EYES centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.