Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: Mother’s Day!

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Denise

Mother's Day onesheetAhh, Mother’s Day.  Brunch, home-made macaroni necklaces…and Julia Roberts?  Well, that last one comes with the movie Mother’s Day, but you can bring your mom to it.  Bingo!  Synopsis!

“Mother’s Day” is the latest star-studded ensemble comedy from director Garry Marshall (“Pretty Woman,” “Valentine’s Day”). Bringing together Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson and Julia Roberts along with Jason Sudeikis, it’s a celebration of mothers everywhere. This big-hearted comedy invites us all to enjoy the laughter, tears and love as three generations come together in the week leading up to Mother’s Day.

I enjoyed Valentine’s Day.  And of course Pretty Women is a classic.  So who’s with me? Continue reading →

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: Sing Street

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Denise

sing streetThe 80s were awesome.  Not just because I could rock my frizzy-ass hair and call it style.  But because of the music.  Ah, the music.  (And also the horror movies…but I’m making a point here.)

So Sing Street, the latest from the creator of Once, takes us back to the 80s, and what it must have been like to strike up the band.  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.

Peep the trailer.  Don’t worry, I’ll wait.  Ready?  Okay!

Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: “Suicide Squad” trailer from the MTV Movie Awards is music to my ears, and eyes.

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Denise

suicide squad posterWoot!  Each time DC releases a new Suicide Squad trailer, they top themselves.  And yes, unlike the “yeahokay I’ll watch Batman v Superman because nerd” feeling I got with BvS, I’m truly stoked for the Squad.  Why?  Harley, natch.  But also for the cinematography, which keeps the dark vibe of the current DCU but is vivid enough to actually enjoy looking at without squinting (or trying to push through the grit that must come standard with every DC film.)

There’s more Joker here, and even a Bat.  But my favorite thing is how they managed to get some cool tunes in on the action.  Trailer #3 has “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore and Sweet’s “Ballroom Blitz”.  Who doesn’t love 60s girl power ballads and glam rock?  And they work perfectly.  Wanna see?  Here ya go.  Suicide Squad opens August 5th, and it can’t get here soon enough.

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Latest images from “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” shows a battle brewing

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Denise

Huntsman Winters War onesheetWinter’s coming y’all. No, I’m not talking about Westeros.  Yet.  I’m talking about the land of evil queens, brave huntsmen, and a girl with a dog.

The Huntsman: Winter’s War is a prequel for Snow White and the Huntsman, and part of the trilogy they promised when Snow White hit theaters.  I’m betting if there’s a third film, it’ll be a prologue that wraps things up.  Maybe.  Either way, if there’s a third film, I’m hoping for more witches riding bigass bears!  Yay bears!

So check out these images — courtesy of Universal Studios — and gear up for the fight.  Read on for the full synopsis from the studio…

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Continue reading →

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Andy Price comes back to Bronycon!

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Denise

bronycon andy price 2016More and more coolness coming to this year’s BronyCon, everypony! This time, they’re announcing Andy Price’s return to Baltimare; Price is of course known for his work on My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, as well as his work on the Rarity one-shot.  But did you know he’s worked on issues for Marvel and DC?  A’yup.

He was awesome in panels last year (and if you’ve got a great idea, he just might text the powers-that-be and ask…) so giddy-up already y’all!

Read on for the full press deets, and see you at the ‘con!

Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch – “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ” is the prequel we’ve been looking for

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Denise

rogue one a star wars story teaser onesheetYeah yeah yeah. The last Star Wars live action spin-off was Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. In 1985. So, does this signal Disney taking the lead and getting more Star Wars stories out there? Well, if the trailer for Rogue One is any indication, I welcome our new Disney overlords.  From the official Star Wars Twitter account:

A band of resistance fighters unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans in ‘Star Wars’ anthology film, Rogue One

The trailer shows Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) as Jyn Erso, a young woman fighting on the side of the Rebellion.  But she’s a loose cannon; think Han Solo with a touch of Rey.  Donnie Yen, Forest Whitaker, and Genevieve O’Reilly (as a younger Mon Mothma) are also prominent in the trailer, but there’s a guy with a badass cape that could be Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), though Ben Mendelsohn is shown wearing that same cape/lando style in the trailer.  But I’m hoping it’s a Mads walkaway shot.  Yay!

Word on the street is that Alan Tudyk (Firefly) will be playing a motion-capture character…and damn if you’ll get any info from IMDb.  But that’s just the way I like my Star Wars info; thin on plot details, but rich in set design and general awesomeness.

Only one problem; as we all know, Mon Mothma tells the rebels “Many Bothans died to bring us this information” on the Death Star II.  So thought we’re dealing with the original Death Star in Rogue One, I’m betting that we’ll see heavy casualties here as well.  Maybe bring a hankie?  I know I will.  Just in case.

Rogue One comes into our galaxy December 16th, 2016.

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New images from “Bad Moms”: looking pretty good

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Denise

Bad Moms sounds like a dudebro buddy film, but with da laydeez.  But the cast – which includes Mila Kunis, Christina Applegate, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kristen Bell – sounds like a great ensemble.  So I read the synopsis, and I can get behind this.  Synopsis!

Amy Mitchell (MILA KUNIS, Black Swan) puts her family first, second, and third. But her man-child husband, high-maintenance kids and idiot boss are taking a toll. She gives and gives, and gives and gives, and then gives a little more, but it’s never enough. When the alpha moms (CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, Anchorman; ANNIE MUMOLO, Bridesmaids and JADA PINKETT SMITH, Magic Mike XXL) at her kids’ school push her too far, Amy finally snaps. Good Amy becomes Bad Amy really fast — and she doesn’t go alone. Teaming up with two other misfit moms (KATHRYN HAHN, Transparent; KRISTEN BELL, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Amy gets a jolt of freedom that shakes up her life and might even make her a better mom. So call a sitter, put on your comfy pants, and pour yourself a double Chardonnay, because these moms are about to get bad.

Girl, I got my comfy pants.  Looking forward to seeing what the trailer will have in store.  But for now, peep these two images. Bad Moms hits theaters July 29th, 2016.

BAD MOMS image 1 BAD MOMS image 2

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Stills from “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” show DeHaan and Delevingne fighting…Cylons?

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Denise

valerian onesheetA Cylon Centurion from BSG, that is.  Well, that’s what the  K-Tron Warrior reminds me of.  Maybe it’s just the chrome.  But Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets has more than a mouthful of a title, it’s got a kickass director in Luc Besson.  Here’s the 411 from Wikipedia:

 Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (Valérian et la Cité des mille planètes in French) is an upcoming English-language French science fiction film written and directed by Luc Besson. The film is based on the French science fiction comics series Valérian and Laureline, written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières. It stars Dane DeHaan as Valérian and Cara Delevingne as Laureline. The film is scheduled for release on July 21, 2017.

Set in the 28th century, the film’s central plot involves two spatio-temporal agents who travel the universe through space and time to protect the interests of the human species. They perform all kinds of tasks: space rescues, interplanetary exploration, diplomacy and galactic aliens negotiations. But one particular rule must be respected: never change the course of events.

Looks like Delevingne is getting into some really groovy genre stuff, with Pan last year, Suicide Squad hitting theaters soon, and this film coming next year.  Of course, DeHaan has his on genre credits, especially Chronicle and The Amazing Spider-Man 2.

Valerian also stars John Goodman, Ethan Hawke, Clive Owen, Herbie Hancock, Rhianna and Rutger Hauer.  I’m kinda digging the all-over-the-place casting.  With Besson, that’s sure to be a cool ride.  I hope. Hey, I just want something as cool as Besson’s The Fifth Element.  I’m sure I won’t get it (that film was lightning in bottle y’all) but until Valerian hits, it’s all hope and finger-crossing.

So peep these first stills from the film, and lemme know what you think!

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: The Jungle Book (2016)!

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Denise

JUNGLE BOOK one sheetHey there folks!  Who doesn’t love animals?  Well, haters.  But let’s not think about them.  What’s better than animals?  Talking animals, that’s what!  No, I’m not off my meds.  But thank you for asking.  I appreciate your concern.

No, I’m talking about The Jungle Book, where a young boy gets to grow up alongside animals that talk to him.  So cool, right?  Well, there’s a new, live-action (okay, live & CGI) version hitting theaters soon.  And I have passes to the Baltimore area screening. Yaaaay!  Fine.  Idris Elba is in this.  No, that’s not my only reason for wanting to see this.  Synopsis!

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016.

I posted the pics of Disney’s photo shoot with the voice cast over on AFan’s Facebook page, and it looks like the cast is all-in.  Are you?  Right this way then… Continue reading →

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Short Film, Short Review: Test

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Denise
Who wants to read a review that’s longer than the film?  Nobody, that’s who.  So here’s my take on a short film that will get you primed to see it, or prepped to pass on it. Herewith, Test!

test short film onesheet“Come.”

We, as human beings, love puzzles.  We try to figure ’em out, look for meaning in their mystery.  With Test, writer/director Jay Lifton leaves you to draw your own conclusions.  And lemme tell you, that drove me crazy…at first.  Then I thought about it a minute.  Why did not being able to fully understand what was going on upset me so much?  I’ll tell you why; because Test is an intriguing film that drew me in.  I wouldn’t have had such a strong reaction if this film hadn’t touched me in some way.  I can walk away from crap without a second glance, but it’s the stories that pique my interest, make me want to know more, that really affect me.  So bravo, Test.  You passed.

The story is a simple one; a man goes through a series of strange, incomprehensible tests. He’s under the watchful eye of four…supervisors?  Instructors?  It’s tough to fully get it, but as the film progresses it’s understood that the people he interacts with are the ones in charge.  (Though while I was watching the film, I thought the man, simply called “Subject” on IMDb, could possibly be the one who was administering the tests, and the others were simply reacting to him.  Could go either way if I really thought about it.)

At 10 minutes, Test manages to build a  eerie sense of foreboding while deepening the mystery of the Subject and the employees.  If this is a low-budget short, (hey, I’m used to low-budget shorts, so that’s my go-to thought) it certainly doesn’t feel like it.  Lighting, set design and cinematography are all top-notch.  Test has been shown in a whole lot of cool-kid film festivals, and with good reason; while you may not walk out of the theater knowing exactly what just happened, you’ll definitely find yourself nodding in approval at the intimate sense of dread this story managed to pull out of you in such a brief period of time.

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