Dallas Movie Screening

Dallas Movie Screenings started out as a mailing list on Yahoo Groups to facilitate finding free screening passes in the DFW area. When Yahoo Groups shut down, we are now posting screenings on our Facebook page at http://www..facebook.com/groups/dallasmoviescreenings
Earlier Reesa's Reviews can also be found at:http://www.moviegeekfeed.com

Logo art by Steve Cruz http://www.mfagallery.com

Website and Group Contact: dalscreenings@gmail.com

Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Attorney




This new Korean movie which opens in the U.S. next week is the directorial debut of former web-toon artist Yang Woo Seok who has worked on the story Byeonhoin, also known as The Attorney, since the 1990's. The film opened with amazing success last December and has joined the 10m-admissions club joining just eight other movies in the history of Korean film. Based on the real life events of Korea's ninth president Roh Moo Hyun, it tells the story of how after he became a successful lawyer with only a high school diploma, he turned into a civil liberties activist.

Song Kang ho, who also starred in The Face Reader and Snow Piercer, plays Song Woo Seok. In 1978 Busan, he quits his job as a judge and decides he wants to make money. But he doesn't get that much respect from his fellow lawyers because he never went to law school (in Korea you can take the bar exam without law diploma) and he hands out his cards on the street. Considered a tacky move, like an ambulance chaser. He takes on easy quick cash jobs like notarizing real estate paperwork. It makes him money, and soon others are doing the same, so he takes on tax cases. He's challenged by his reporter friend that he needs to open himself up to the world. That life as a lawyer should be more responsible than just making money. In 1981 when a high school student Park Jin Woo (K-pop group ZE:A member Siwan) is arrested and detained for months under that National Security Act, he is asked by the boy's mother to help him. They discover the boy has been brutally tortured and forced to write a confession that a group of students were a secretly espousing communism under their guise of being a book club. Song becomes outraged and decides to defend the young man in trial that is bent on making an example.

The real life Roh was set on the course to becoming president by this trial even though his time in office lost the approval of his constituents during his last year in office. After that he was suspected of bribery and he committed suicide by jumping off a cliff. It was felt by many the investigation may have been politically motivated. And perhaps that may be the reason why this film hit a nerve for Korean audiences due to their current government has been tarnished by allegations of electioneering and the president's party had discredited a left wing group accused of pro-North Korean activities. People can relate to the atmosphere of the story.

For American audiences, it's a good solid story. It shows a man who despite his humble beginnings, works hard, tries to be a good father and faithful friend can work hard and find success. He carves the phrase into the wall of a place that he help build then later bought for his family that says “Never Give Up”. It's the motivator that carries him through when fighting for justice. Especially the justice that he hopes for the people of his country. Heavy handed but inspiring just the same. The film opens at AMC Grapevine on Feb 7.
(Review by reesa)



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That Awkward Moment




The newest bro-com to hit the screen features some nice looking 20 something's who are too immature and unwilling to commit to relationships. Encouraging each other to create a roster of women to indulge their sexual exploits so they can stay single to have fun. The directorial debut and writer of this fanciful tale, Tom Gormican is funny and apparently insightful of today's male dating culture. Which if what he shows is true, means that young men today are arrogant, dumb, and insensitive. And you certainly won't want them dating your daughters.

Zac Efron has pretty much shrugged off his High School Musical image, although his pretty good looks may keep him pigeon holed into these kind of light movies. (He also has Executive Producer credits on this film). He plays the party boy Jason who works as a book cover artist with one of his best friends Daniel (Miles Teller, Project X, Spectacular Now). The third member of their group is doctor, Mikey (Michael B. Jordan, Fruitville Station), who just found out his wife wants a divorce. Jason and Daniel decide that Mikey needs to get back into the game so they vow that the three of them will hit the clubs to build their rosters. They have a whole system of hitting on their marks, with the help of their friend Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) as wingman to rope in the girl by complimenting their shoes, then introducing them to her “friend”.

Jason meets Ellie (Imogen Poots) in this smart cute chemistry filled encounter that leads to a one night stand that ends when Jason misunderstands thinking she's a hooker. The next day of course she turns out to be their newest client at this company. They get along so well, that soon they are spending more time together. Meanwhile, Mikey tries to get back with his wife, and Daniel is finding love with the last person he expected. Their plans to remain young, sexy and single are suddenly curtailed by the discovery that the women in their lives could be more important than the need to be footloose.

Of course their journey of taking responsibility with their hetero relationships fills the movie with slapstick and embarrassing situations as they fight tooth and nail becoming full functioning adults. There are silly moments like the costume Jason wears to Ellie's party, or the bathroom sex that gets the boys kicked out of a Thanksgiving dinner. Sometimes the jokes don't always work as in Daniels need to do number 2 every time he goes to Jason's place. Or it's hysterically funny when trying to figure out how to do number one after one is under the influence of Viagra. Potty humor seems to be the mainstay of male oriented movies. This will be an OK movie for women to take their dates to see for Valentine's day. At least they will have eye candy to distract them.
(Review by reesa)



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Labor Day



There's a scene in Jason Rietman's new film that rivals the classic pottery wheel moment between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghost. This is new big romantic swoon worthy heart pounder with Josh Brolin and Kate Winslet making a peach pie that will be a favorite for women. Those women who enjoy those romance novels, everyone else will giggle on the ridiculousness. Joyce Maynard's 2009 novel of the same name has been directed and written by Jason Reitman about a mother and son who harbor an escape criminal managed to garner Kate Winslet a Golden Globe nomination for her performance.

Set in a small New Hampshire town in 1987 (filmed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire), the story is narrated by 13 year old Henry (Gattlin Griffith). He lives with his mom Adele (Kate Winslet) who has been suffering from depression. Henry spends Sunday's with his dad's new family, but Henry makes it his responsibility to watch over his emotionally fragile mom. Only going out of the house once a month for supplies it is a big traumatic experience for Adele that makes her hands shake. While shopping, Henry is approached by a bloody Frank Chambers (Josh Brolin) who with a quiet and dangerous manner gets Henry and Adele to take him with them to their house. Frank had just escaped from prison custody after an appendix operation. Frank promises not to hurt anyone, but ties Adele to the chair to make it look like she's being held hostage as the police and cruising the neighborhood.

Even though Frank is serving 18 years for murder he is too good to be true. He does repairs around the dilapidated house, fixes the tires of the car, mops the house floors, teaches Henry how to play baseball and best of all he cooks. The scene with the pie making makes women grin greedily. He also manages to break through Adele's fears and lets her learn to fall in love again. Meanwhile Henry is dealing with pubescent yearnings and confusion. His position in his mother's life is being usurped by Frank, although he appreciates the lessons that he hasn't been able to learn from his real dad (Clark Gregg). The new girl in town Mandy (Maika Monroe) a victim of a broken family, fills his head with possible scenarios of what happens with a parent falls in love with someone else.

What saves this movie from being another drippy Nicolas Sparks type of overblown bodice ripper is the caliber of acting from it's strong cast. Otherwise it retains the same slow, quiet steam of a summer Harlequin paperback novel. Frank's impossibly perfect manliness will make you roll your eyes, and think “guys don't really do that”. The small town intimacy of everyone knows your name and your business it's no wonder Adele is agoraphobic. The threat of Frank being discovered at the house keeps the movie slightly off kilter.
This is definitely a chick flick. Something for book clubs and a nice lunch afterwards for discussion.
(Review by reesa)



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The DSA ScriptsLIVE! Presents WHEN HARRY MET SALLY at the Alamo Drafthouse




The DSA ScriptsLIVE! Presents WHEN HARRY MET SALLY
at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Richardson


The Dallas Screenwriters Association (DSA) is excited to announce the inaugural ScriptsLIVE! event February 12 at 7 pm hosted by the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Richardson and feature a reading of the perennial favorite, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY.

ScriptsLIVE! is a dramatic reading of a classic screenplay in front of a live audience. The actors, seated in director’s chairs, will present the material with a fresh read providing the audience with a new take of a popular film. Behind the cast of celebrity guests and local actors will be projected establishing shots to set the scene.

"We're super excited to not only be partnering with the Dallas Screenwriter's Association but to have Alamo be the setting for such a great concept in ScriptsLIVE! Similar to what Jason Reitman has done in LA with his now famous live script readings, I think ScriptsLIVE! will be a fun way for both budding screenwriters and movie lovers in general to be exposed to some of the most classic films scripts of all time in a whole new, fun way!" said James Wallace, Alamo DFW, creative manager.



WHEN HARRY MET SALLY written by Nora Ephron (with additional credit to Rob Reiner and Andrew Scheinman) is considered one of the classic romantic comedy screenplays of all time. The script is ranked number 40 on the Writers Guild of America, West “101 Greatest Screenplays.” It was selected by the DSA to launch the ScriptsLIVE! event because Nora Ephron was a superb writer that all aspiring screenwriters can learn from as well as the fact that the film is highly entertaining for both men and women. Pair that with Valentine’s Day, which is only a few days later, and you have a match not even eHarmony.com could have arranged.

Based on the popular Script Read events produced by Jason Rietman at the LCMA in Los Angeles, the DSA is launching this new program as a way to educate people about the art and craft of screenwriting while also entertaining them.

“The Alamo Drafthouse is the perfect partner for this type of program,” says Douglas King, DSA board member and director of ScriptsLIVE! “Alamo Drafthouse has always been a location where film fans can enjoy special films and alternative programming while enjoying a great meal and a drink. This is exactly the type of environment that the DSA wants to present for the ScriptsLIVE! events where people can learn how important screenwriting is to the craft of filmmaking.”


FEATURING TALENTS
The majority of the actors involved have been cast from the large local pool of talent that lives and works in Dallas. Fort Worth. The role of Sally will be read by Cooper Harris (MY FUNNY VALENTINE, daytime dramas: “The Young and The Restless,” and “As the World Turns”) while the role of Harry will be read by Dallas’ own funny man, Bryan Massey (Oliver Stone’s W, YEAR ONE, MAD MONEY).

The supporting roles of Marie and Jess (originally played by Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby respectively) are being read by Adam Litwin and Sarah Adams. Both actors have performed in television commercials and web series.

Giovannie Cruz (LOVE LAND, 8 DAYS) and Chase Austin (Discovery Channel’s “Unusual Suspects,” THE VIRTUOSO) will read the secondary females and males roles, respectively. And the special vignette couples will be read by Elizabeth Dukes Melancon (TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT, CRY) and Troy Randal Smith (S/A/T/X, FAISAL GOES WEST) where they are tasked to bring to life a mixed variety of married couples throughout the reading.



New ScriptsLIVE! events will be held every other month, always on the second Wednesday of the month. Future screenplays may include TOY STORY, GROUNDHOG DAY, BACK TO THE FUTURE and more.

The event is free to attend with a reservation. http://drafthouse.com/movies/scriptslive-when-harry-met-sally/dfw



The Dallas Screenwriters Association
The Dallas Screenwriters Association is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of the Dallas/Fort Worth screenwriting community. The DSA provides monthly meetings featuring some of the best guest speakers in the industry, scene readings, workshops, seminars, networking opportunities and much more.

Our mission is to educate and encourage individuals in the art, craft, and business of screenwriting and its application in the entertainment industry and to promote communication among the members of the DSA and trade publications, trade associations, industry professionals, and organizations.


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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

MOVIE ‘50 to 1’ ANNOUNCES ROAD TOUR




MOVIE ‘50 to 1’ ANNOUNCES ROAD TOUR

Feature film about Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, an inspiring underdog tale
of misfit cowboys and their long shot racehorse, starring Skeet Ulrich, Christian Kane,
William Devane, Madelyn Deutch, Todd Lowe and jockey Calvin Borel.



Hollywood, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2014) — The cast and filmmakers of ‘50 to 1’ will hit the road rock-star style on a cross-country tour beginning March 17 to promote the major motion picture’s release, says the film’s producer, director and
co-writer Jim Wilson, Oscar®-winning producer of ‘Dances with Wolves.’



“We’re bringing ‘50 to 1’ to the people of America,” Wilson says. “The group will travel in a tour bus from New Mexico to Kentucky, making stops in cities and towns along the way, mirroring the trip racehorse Mine That Bird took on his way to the 2009 Kentucky Derby.



Cast members joining the tour will be Skeet Ulrich (Jericho, ‘Scream,’ ‘As Good As It Gets’), Christian Kane (Leverage, ‘Friday Night Lights,’ ‘Secondhand Lions,’ ‘Just Married’), Todd Lowe (True Blood, ‘The Princess Diaries,’ Gilmore Girls) and Hugo Perez (‘Machete,’ ‘The Longshots,’ ‘Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay’). Also on tour will be Wilson and co-producer, co-writer Faith Conroy. The real Mine That Bird will make special appearances along
the tour.



“When was the last time Hollywood’s leading men hopped on a bus and toured the country from town to town, introducing their film to the people of America?” Wilson says. “It’s unprecedented.”



“I’m extremely excited to hit the road with a film I’m very proud to be a part of,” Ulrich says. “It seems fitting we’d be selling our wares from a gypsy-like caravan, given the underdog nature of our story, and I’m hoping this journey answers three burning questions. One, are audiences tired of the blockbuster and ready to be uplifted by the values of hard work and integrity? Two, can we inspire our audiences to stick to their guns and do what they love at all costs? And three, does Christian snore louder than Todd?”



“Man, this almost feels like we’re carnies or something. Or an old whistle-stop political campaign,” Lowe says.
“I’m looking forward to rolling into different towns and shaking hands and kissing babies.”



“Personally, I’ve always wanted to be a rock star,” Conroy says. “And seriously, traveling across the country for weeks
on end with a busload of gorgeous cowboys? Sign me up!”



“I’ve done tours before. I’m excited!” Kane says. “It’s old hat for me in the sense that when you love something so much, you will put 18 wheels and lives in motion just to bring it into town and say, ‘I hope you like this. I made this for you.’”



“It’ll be a fun, fun road trip vacation for me, part of the dream-life I want to live,” Perez says. “It’s also an honor and I’m so fortunate to be a part of this adventure.”



Inspiration for the tour came during a brainstorming session by Wilson and Conroy. “I thought, why not meet the audience this movie is intended for, introduce them to the stars and shake their hands,” Wilson says. “It’s the audience that matters the most. It’s why we make these stories, to share them with the world.”



‘50 to 1’ is based on the inspiring true story of Mine That Bird and the cowboy trainer and owners who became the ultimate underdogs in a showdown with the world’s racing elite at the 2009 Kentucky Derby. The film was shot in 40 locations across New Mexico, Kentucky and California, and will open theatrically in roll-out fashion beginning in New Mexico March 21, followed by Texas and Louisiana April 4, Oklahoma and Arkansas April 11, Tennessee and Kentucky April 18, and will then expand across the country.



The tour mirrors not only the true story, but also the release, and will weave its way from town to town through the initial seven states. “This is just for starters,” Wilson says. “We have every intention of crisscrossing America, but it’s dependent on demand. If you want us to come visit your city, let us know.”



People interested in having the ‘50 to 1’ tour stop in their town can email their requests to 50to1themovietour@gmail.com.

Include in the subject line: 50 to 1 Movie Tour – First and Last name, Town, State and Zip Code.



Wilson won the Academy Award® for Best Picture for ‘Dances with Wolves,’ which he produced. Other producing credits include ‘The Bodyguard,’ ‘Wyatt Earp,’ ‘Swing Vote,’ ‘Mr. Brooks’ and ‘Message in a Bottle.’ Wilson’s previous directing credits include ‘Head Above Water,’ ‘Whirlygirl’ and the critically-acclaimed documentary about Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., ‘Laffit – All About Winning.’



Mine That Bird was born May 10, 2006, and began racing in 2008 in Canada, winning four of his first six starts. His career slumped after he was purchased by Mark Allen in the fall of 2008, going winless until his monumental upset at the 2009 Kentucky Derby at 50-to-1 odds. Mine That Bird continued his run for the Triple Crown that year, finishing second in the Preakness Stakes and third in the Belmont Stakes. He amassed $2,228,637 in earnings throughout his career but never won another race in nine starts after his win at the Kentucky Derby. Mine That Bird was retired from racing in November 2010 and currently lives with his owners at Allen’s Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell, New Mexico.




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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Alamo Drafhouse Love Centric




http://vimeo.com/83247135


Alamo Drafthouse Cinema DFW
Special Programming:
Love-Centric
February 2014




Dallas – January 27, 2013— At Alamo (100 S. Central Expressway #14, Richardson, TX 75080) this month, the spirit of Valentine’s Day permeates all February long with a full slate of love-themed movies. http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson.


"Love is in the air this February at Alamo Drafthouse! When programming February, the theme was obvious: Valentine's Day. But that day, synonymous with chocolate, flowers, greetings cards and stuffed animals the size of VW Beetles, isn’t all of that for everyone; therefore, we programmed the films that we are in love with. This results in films that capture every level of relationships: from falling in love to falling out of love, to being so love-struck that you can't do anything but sing, to full-frustration mode to fight your love’s 7 evil exes to win his or her affections. Basically, no matter what love means to you, we promise that there's a film that will capture your heart—the classics, the sappy, the indie, the comedy, the '80s rock ballad, and more. This February, we hope you choo-choo-choose Alamo Drafthouse as your Valentine!" said James Wallace, creative manager, Alamo DFW.

February’s Special Programming includes:

2/1—Big Screen Classics: GROUNDHOG DAY at 1:00p
2/3—AGFA SECRET SCREENING at 7:30p
2/6—Action Pack: ULTIMATE ‘90S PARTY at 8:00p
2/7—DRAFTHOUSE FILMS: THE ACT OF KILLING at 10:00p
2/8—DRAFTHOUSE FILMS: THE ACT OF KILLING at 10:00p
2/9—WEST SIDE STORY at 12:30p
2/9—DRAFTHOUSE FILMS: THE ACT OF KILLING at 10:00p
2/10—Girlie Night: YOU’VE GOT MAIL at 7:45p
2/12—Dallas Screenwriters Association's SCRIPTSLIVE!: WHEN HARRY MET SALLY at 7:00p
2/13—THE NOTEBOOK at 6:55p
2/13—Master Pancake: THE NOTEBOOK at 7:30p
About Master Pancake presents THE NOTEBOOK:

Whether your t-shirt reads: “I Heart Valentine’s Day” or “I Hate Valentine's Day,” chose your own Valentine's Day adventure with THE NOTEBOOK.

In one theater, Alamo presents a lovey-dovey showing of THE NOTEBOOK complete with fancy-dancy menu specials for all hoity-toity lovebirds.

For all, uh, hatebirds, Alamo presents Master Pancake Theater’s take on THE NOTEBOOK. The movie mockers bring the hammer down, and go-all-Gosling via DRIVE on the romance classic.


2/15—Action Pack: SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD QUOTE-ALONG at 9:30p
2/16—AN EVENING OF JOHN WILLIAMS MUSIC: HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN at 3:30p
2/16—AN EVENING OF JOHN WILLIAMS MUSIC: INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE at 8:00p
2/18—Action Pack: MOULIN ROUGE SING-ALONG at 7:35p
2/20—JARED’S EPIC PARTY PRESENTS TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES PIZZA PARTY at 7:15p
2/21—JARED’S EPIC PARTY PRESENTS TMNT II: SECRET OF THE OOZE W/ KEVIN EASTMAN, ERNIE REYES JR. AND MORE at 8:00p
2/22—Action Pack: THE BIG LEBOWSKI QUOTE-ALONG at 9:00p
2/23—Big Screen Classics: CASABLANCA at 12:30p
2/24—Tough Guy Cinema: STREETS OF FIRE at 9:00p
2/26—Action Pack: THE LOVE BITES SING-ALONG at 8:00p


Both YOU’VE GOT MAIL and CASABLANCA are selections from the “Alamo 100,” a list of essential films chosen by the theater’s programmers. Unveiled in January, “Alamo 100” titles, listed on http://alamo100.com, will be a part of the theater’s nationwide programming throughout 2014. Free collectible button pins themed to each title will be available while supplies last at every Alamo 100 screening.


“All in all, if you're in love this February or loving to hate the Love month, you’ll love being at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson as always with all this special programming, we, of course, have our full slate of first-run movies such as MONUMENTS MEN, THE LEGO MOVIE and more!" concluded Wallace.


About the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience but also introducing unique programming and high profile, star studded special events. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema‑Richardson, 100 South Central Expressway, #14, Richardson, TX 75080 (972) 534-2120.




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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Movies scheduled 1/26-2/1

Please don’t forget to respond to the person offering the pass or wanting the pass and not to the group. I get a lot of people who do it wrong and most of the time I remind them but there are times I get busy and just delete them. Then I feel bad since you didn’t get your pass.

Remember we have to enter the contest just like you do so replying to one of our posts and saying you want a pass won’t get you a pass. It really isn’t that hard to put the link in and enter the contest.
See you at the movies

Sunday
Jan. 26th

Monday
Jan. 27th

Draft Day 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas

Tuesday
Jan. 28th

Labor Day 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas

Wednesday
Jan. 29th

That Awkward Moment 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
Thursday
Jan. 30th

Friday
Jan. 31st

Saturday
Feb. 1st

The Lego Movie 11:00 am AMC Northpark
The Lego Movie 11:00 am Cinemark West Plano


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Saturday, January 25, 2014

Gimme Shelter





This movie, based on inspiring true events is written and directed by Rodney Krauss. Mr. Krauss presents a young adolescent Agnes Bailey (as played by Vanessa Hudgens) who uses determination and hope as she break away from her drug-abuse mother, Jane Bailey (as played by Rosario Dawson) in search for a better life. Her hope lies in the form of an old letter, as she searches for a way out of a bad environment into a place where she can be accepted. After countless failures she soon finds that hope in the form of a priest and among the least expected source a homeless shelter for unwed mothers.

First there is Agnes, who prefers to call herself Apple, the adolescent who is not sure of herself or her sense of belonging…leaves her drug abusive mother to run away towards a unknown father, Tom Fitzpatrick (Played by Brendan Fraser) whom she’d never met before. Using the one and only letter written before she was born, as a way to reach him, she only finds herself in another situation where a sense of belonging becomes a way of controlling and a feel of loneliness becomes her way of life. Her father’s wife Joanna (as played by Stephanie Szostak) makes the situation worse by acknowledging her dislike when Apple is accepted in to their home. Soon Apple discovers she is pregnant and is forced to consider the only alternate by her father and stepmother wants, to terminate the pregnancy. Realizing the alternative is more than she is ready accept she runs away toward the cold and lonely streets of Newark. Not a place for a young girl like Apple, she struggles to outsmart one situation after another but soon lands herself into the hospital after a she had a car accident—She awakes in the hospital bed to find a older man, Priest McCarthy (Played by James Earl Jones) in her room. He soon become like a surrogate father offering her a chance of happiness and contentment. He offers her a place of refuge where she later finds and feels the warmth and love from the most unlikely source--through a group of strangers that welcomes her as their family. The lovely Ms. Kathy DiFiore (Played by Ann Dowd) is the picture of the perfect foster parent to a home of pregnant young girls and young mothers. She is shown as a strong leader but is as gentle as a lamb when it comes to protecting the young women. She is shown to demonstrate strength, patient with lots of control when dealing with Apple’s restless mother who would stop to no end to claim control over her daughter’s life again.

Apple’s character seemed to be brave and tough on the surface is very vulnerable as a typical adolescent just looking to belong and a sense of hope. The writer seems to understand the role as Vanessa portrayed. Although, seeing Vanessa in a totally different movie than High School Musical, this role showed a great transition as she transcends into mature, extending to more drama-fill adult role. Rosario’s role although unexpected demonstrated that she can adapt from her traditional roles as a business woman, leader, or a take charge person to a believable drug addict mother who would step to any length just to gets her daughter back. You would think that the writer could sense these links and fill in the gaps

Although, the movie was good…I didn’t feel that the writer convinced us as some of the parts were useless and insignificant to the focus of the movie. I believe that the writer fails to make Brendan’s role as the dad more realistic. As to say once his daughter left the clinic, there were no scenes shown that he was out looking for his daughter. Everyone had to be blind to see that Jane was on drugs or something. Even being in the hospital there, no one who cared or paid attention to her irrational behaviors. I believe that writer wanted to see this as an emotional feel drama but at time it fell to deliver that exact point. It was too many holes in the story to capture the point.

I would recommend this movie because it was a good movie. I like that it was based on true events and that you got to see the real individuals that were a part of that story. It is recommended for parental guidance.
(Review by Dr. Dwanna Swan-Ary)



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Thursday, January 23, 2014

I Frankenstein



I really disliked this movie. It felt flat and the characters are about as one dimensional as a plain white wall. The acting and dialogue from the script were atrocious. The hour and half run time felt like five hours. Please skip this and see one of the Best Picture Oscar Contenders this weekend. My full rant is in the video. 2/10
(Review by Chase Lee)




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Gimme Shelter





Vanessa Hudgens does a good job in the role but is it Oscar worthy? No, I will tell you why. This movie is presented in a solid way but what it suffers from is trying to hard to be this Oscar contender. The directing is fine and gritty to where it does look real and I will give the director props for making an authentic movie with a shoestring budget. Vanessa Hudgens does well enough in her first role after her Disney days, I don't count Spring Breakers because she wasn't the main character, and she does carry this movie and everyone else around does fine. Like I said the problem is it feels like everyone is trying to hard. The cinematography is handheld and gritty and it feels like you are on the streets but that's all it has going for it. The pace is fine and the movie keeps going steadily even if you can see each plot point a mile away. Overall it is a good movie but everyone needs to tone it down about trying to get that Oscar. I still don't fault it for feeling small and authentic with good acting. If Vanessa keeps growing and do more films like this I think she will be fine. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)




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Sunday, January 19, 2014

Movies scheduled 1/19-1/25

Raymond said it best last week at the screening I was at. The actors are not able to hear you so don’t talk to them in the movie.



Please know that when we send you a email about a contest we will provide the link for you to hit and enter the contest. So then just fill out the info that they ask for and cross your fingers. They usually let you know if you won a pass the weekend before the screening.



Please contact me if you have any questions at damitdaina@hotmail.com



Sunday
Jan. 19th



Monday
Jan. 20th

Brother’s Five 7:00 pm Alamo Draft House
Ondine 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas



Tuesday
Jan. 21st

Gimmie Shelter 7:30 pm Cinemark 17
That Awkward Moment 7:30 pm TBA Arlington



Wednesday
Jan. 22nd

Labor Day 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas



Thursday
Jan. 23rd

Endless Love 4:00 pm TBA
Gimmie Shelter 7:30 pm Cinemark Tinseltown Grapevine
I, Frankenstein 7:30 pm TBA



Friday
Jan. 24th



Saturday
Jan. 25th


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Saturday, January 18, 2014

SAG Award Winners 2014


Outstanding Cast Performance in a Motion Picture: "American Hustle"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Matthew McConaughey, "Dallas Buyers Club"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Cate Blanchett, "Blue Jasmine"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Jared Leto, "Dallas Buyers Club"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Lupita Nyong'o, "12 Years A Slave"

Outstanding Action Performance by Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture: "Lone Survivor"

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: "Breaking Bad"

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: "Modern Family"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series:
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series:
Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series:
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:
Michael Douglas, "Behind the Candelabra"

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries: Helen Mirren, "Phil Spector"

Outstanding Action Performance by Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series:
"Game of Thrones"







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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit



The latest reboot of Tom Clancy's character Jack Ryan adds to the already impressive series of movies adapted from Clancy's novels. Although this is an original story conceived by screenwriter Hossein Amini the screenplay is by Adam Cozad and David Koepp and directed by Kenneth Branagh. Chris Pine follows the footsteps of former Jack Ryans played by Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck and Harrison Ford. Considering this new crisper, modern version of the character who in the books was born in 1950, the franchise will hopefully continue with new adventures as Mr. Clancy passed last October 2013.

Jack, a graduate student working towards his PHD in economics at Oxford University in England, drops out to join the Marines after 9/11. He is later badly injured in a helicopter crash that puts him in rehab, where he gets addicted to pain killers. His therapist is his future wife Cathy (Keira Knightley) who is studying to be an eye doctor. She challenges him to get off the pills and maybe she will go out to dinner with him. Jack is also being checked out by Commander Harper (Kevin Costner) who works for the CIA and offers him a chance to keep serving his country. They want him to finish his PHD, work at a bank and track terrorist money. It takes 10 years, but Jack comes across some Russian investments at his bank that causes concern. Harper wants him to come to Russia.

Jack is used to crunching numbers and analyzing data when he is suddenly confronted by some hostility and Harper promotes him to field agent. Jack meets Viktor Cherevin (Branagh) who is the head of the Russian bank and also at the center of the plot to cripple the global economy. On top of it all, Cathy shows up unexpectedly thinking that Jack is acting suspicious and she's afraid he's having an affair. Harper and reluctantly Jack decide to use Cathy to help distract Viktor while Jack has to break in the bank and hack into their system to find the evidence they need to thwart a terrorist attack.

Patrick Doyle's quick paced score underlines quite effectively the think quick or die harrowing action scenes. There's a time crunch chasing Jack as he hacks in to steal the info and the music makes the heart pound harder. As Jack discovers a more devious scenario besides the economic disaster, they are suddenly regrouping to stop it before the countdown starts. It's a chance to see the magic of Jack Ryan as he uses the CIA computer resources as he thinks outside the box and analyzes the situation to track down the sleeper cell. Cathy watching her future husband is as impressed as the audience.

This is a very worthy addition to the previous Jack Ryan movies in case anyone is willing do do a marathon of these movies one day. The filmmakers wisely kept the best of the character and Chris Pine like he did for Captain Kirk, makes Jack Ryan his own. This is the perfect January movie when there is nothing else out there. The perfect popcorn flick.
(Review by reesa)



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The Nut Job



Director Peter Lepeniotis did a short animated film in 2005 about Surly Squirrel that involved pizza, a bank robbery and gun fire. Expanding that story, this new Canadian-South Korean computer animated feature still has Surly but this time there are nuts, a power crazed raccoon and a bank robbery. Written by Lorne Cameron and Lepeniotis, the story takes place in Oakton sometime in the late 50's. The animation is really detailed and great to look at, but the 3D effects are not worth the price for the glasses.

Will Arnett is the voice of Surly, a purple squirrel with a bad attitude. He looks out only for himself and his own needs. His best friend Buddy the rat (Robert Tinkler) is faithful despite Surly's treatment of him. One of Surly's misadventures results in the destruction of Liberty Park's winter food stash being immolated. The park's collective critters lead by raccoon (Liam Neeson) decide that Surly should be banned from the park. Andie (Katherine Heigl) another squirrel tries to defend him, but Surly, being surly stalks off in anger. Having to live in the city streets prove problematic with the gangs of rats, cars and pedestrians, but one day he finds the lost city of Nutlantis. Maury's Nut Store. Unfortunately the store is a front for gangsters who are tunneling under the bank next door in order to pull a heist. Somehow they have to get the nuts out without getting caught by the gangsters and their cowardly bull dog Precious (Maya Rudolph).

Meanwhile Andie and the park hero Grayson (Brendan Fraser) set out of the park to locate food. Grayson who is more brawns than brains gets separated from Andie, who finds Surly and the nuts. She tries to talk him into sharing the nuts with the park critters. Eventually she is able to strike a deal, but after reporting it to Raccoon, he decides to double cross Surly. Because who ever controls the food is in control. Surly and Mole (Jeff Dunham) decide to tunnel the nuts out too. Their plans run into trouble with the gangsters who keep closing their holes.

Most of the story has some nice lessons on friendship and loyalty. How power corrupts, and it seems kind of a dark theme for kids movies. The characters don't really lend themselves to being cute and cuddly. Surly is often times mean and ornery. On top of it all there is the inclusion of Psy's "Gangnam Style". Once you hear it in the movie, you are bound to think, wait, that is so last summer. But the catchy tune is fun and the closing credits with and animated Psy dancing with the animated characters will have kids dancing out the theater. Although the lyrics of the song have nothing at all to do with nuts or animals. Celebrity casting aside the movie is full of nuts.
(Review by reesa)



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Ride Along





It doesn't take much of a story to create a concept to pair comedian Kevin Hart and rapper turned actor Ice Cube. Directed by Tim Story and written by Greg Coolidge, Jason Mantzoukas, and Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi the movie delivers 100 minutes of fast talking mayhem. Opening the same weekend as Jack Ryan, it's probably going to be the 2nd choice when the other shows are sold out the night you hit your local metroplex.

Kevin Hart plays Ben who spends his days playing video games. He's known as a premium player called Black Hammer (it's sexual innuendo is part of the running joke). He works as a security guard at a high school and wants to marry his live in girlfriend Angela (Tika Sumpter). To do that he must get the blessings from her formidable brother Atlanta detective James Payton. James is a bit of a rogue cop who is obsessed with finding the elusive bad guy Omar (Laurence Fishburne) who no one has ever seen. Even his undercover partners Santiago (John Leguizamo) and Miggs (Bryan Callen) and his boss Lt. Brooks (Bruce McGill) try to tell him that he's got to give up his search.

Ben gets accepted to the police academy and thinks this is a good way to impress his future brother in law. James decides the best way to get rid of Ben is take him on a “ride along” to prove that Ben is not cut out for this line of work. He secretly asks the dispatcher to send him on all the crazy calls which he sends Ben out to deal with on his own while he waits in the car. Eventually their adventures with some inadvertent help from Ben leads them to the climactic confrontation with Omar.

This movie is basically a showcase for Kevin Hart's fast talking stream of consciousness ranting. It's amusing at times but after awhile it becomes somewhat annoying. Ice Cube is left to be more stoic wearing a constipated expression wondering why he's in the movie in the first place. Ben's constant whining for James' acceptance and approval and why James gives into him would probably have ended the movie in the first half hour. So they obviously find themselves in the middle of some serious situations with Ben's over confidence, bravado and stupidity pulling them through the entire movie. Sure there were a few laugh out loud moments and this movie will entertain if you have nothing else to do.
(Review by reesa)




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50th Anniversary Screening of DR. STRANGELOVE




Alamo Richardson Special Programming
January 2014 Highlights:
50th Anniversary Screening of DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB hosted by Chris Vognar and Robert Wilonsky, Dallas Morning News (Jan 29)




Dallas – January 16, 2013—Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Richardson (100 S. Central Expressway #14, Richardson, TX 75080) celebrates the 50th Anniversary screening of DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB on January 29, the day it premiered in 1964. http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson.


DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB – Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014

DR. STRANGELOVE, the British-American black comedy film, satirizes the nuclear scare of the mid- 20th Century. It was directed, produced, and written by Stanley Kubrick (co-written by Dallas resident Terry Southern) and stars Peter Sellers and George C. Scott featuring Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, and Slim Pickens.

“We couldn't let the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick's monochrome masterpiece go unnoticed, especially with its roots right here in DFW—screenwriter Terry Southern graduated from Sunset High School in Oak Cliff and an SMU alum—which is why we've tracked down a pristine print of the film on 35MM to be shown on its original release date, January 29. We’ve invited a couple of our friends, namely Chris Vognar and Robert Wilonsky of The Dallas Morning News to introduce it and lead a discussion after the film. Something tells me, we won't have to tell them there's no fighting in the war room on this one!" said James Wallace, Alamo DFW programmer.

Find out tidbits and trivia about DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 7:45 pm when Robert Wilonsky and Chris Vognar of The Dallas Morning News host the screening 50 years to the day of its release in 1964.

Tickets: http://drafthouse.com/movies/dr.-strangelove/dfw
Admission: $10




About the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:

The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience but also introducing unique programming and high profile, star studded special events.

*Please note: Some dates subject to change. Always check http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson for up-to-date showtimes and tickets.




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The 86th Oscar Nominations for 2014




Best Picture

American Hustle
Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison, and Jonathan Gordon, Producers

Captain Phillips
Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, Producers

Dallas Buyers Club
Robbie Brenner and Rachel Winter, Producers

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman, Producers

Her
Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay, Producers

Nebraska
Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Producers

Philomena
Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan and Tracey Seaward, Producers

12 Years a Slave
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers

The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominees to be determined


Actor
in a Leading Role


Christian Bale
American Hustle

Bruce Dern
Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio
The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor
12 Years a Slave

Matthew McConaughey
Dallas Buyers Club


Actress
in a Leading Role


Amy Adams
American Hustle

Cate Blanchett
Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock
Gravity

Judi Dench
Philomena

Meryl Streep
August: Osage County



Actor
in A Supporting Role


Barkhad Abdi
Captain Phillips

Bradley Cooper
American Hustle

Michael Fassbender
12 Years a Slave

Jonah Hill
The Wolf of Wall Street

Jared Leto
Dallas Buyers Club


Actress
in a Supporting Role


Sally Hawkins
Blue Jasmine

Jennifer Lawrence
American Hustle

Lupita Nyong'o
12 Years a Slave

Julia Roberts
August: Osage County

June Squibb
Nebraska


Animated Feature Film

The Croods
Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco and Kristine Belson

Despicable Me 2
Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and Chris Meledandri

Ernest & Celestine
Benjamin Renner and Didier Brunner

Frozen
Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho

The Wind Rises
Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki


Cinematography
The Grandmaster
Philippe Le Sourd

Gravity
Emmanuel Lubezki

Inside Llewyn Davis
Bruno Delbonnel

Nebraska
Phedon Papamichael

Prisoners
Roger A. Deakins

Costume Design

American Hustle
Michael Wilkinson

The Grandmaster
William Chang Suk Ping

The Great Gatsby
Catherine Martin

The Invisible Woman
Michael O'Connor

12 Years a Slave
Patricia Norris

Directing

American Hustle
David O. Russell

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón

Nebraska
Alexander Payne

12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen

The Wolf of Wall Street
Martin Scorsese


Documentary Feature

The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen

Cutie and the Boxer
Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher

Dirty Wars
Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill

The Square
Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer

20 Feet from Stardom
Nominees to be determined

Documentary Short Subject

CaveDigger
Jeffrey Karoff

Facing Fear
Jason Cohen

Karama Has No Walls
Sara Ishaq

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
Edgar Barens

Film Editing

American Hustle
Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten

Captain Phillips
Christopher Rouse

Dallas Buyers Club
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger

12 Years a Slave
Joe Walker
More Information


Foreign Language Film

The Broken Circle Breakdown
Belgium

The Great Beauty
Italy

The Hunt
Denmark

The Missing Picture
Cambodia

Omar
Palestine

Makeup and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Stephen Prouty

The Lone Ranger
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny

Music
Original Score


The Book Thief
John Williams

Gravity

Her
William Butler and Owen Pallett

Philomena
Alexandre Desplat

Saving Mr. Banks
Thomas Newman


Music
Original Song


"Alone Yet Not Alone" from ALONE YET NOT ALONE
Music by Bruce Broughton; Lyric by Dennis Spiegel

"Happy" from DESPICABLE ME 2
Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams

"Let it Go" from FROZEN
Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"The Moon Song" from HER
Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze

"Ordinary Love" from MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson

Production Design

American Hustle
Judy Becker (Production Design); Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration)

Gravity
Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration)

The Great Gatsby
Catherine Martin (Production Design); Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration)

Her
K.K. Barrett (Production Design); Gene Serdena (Set Decoration)

12 Years a Slave
Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Alice Baker (Set Decoration)

Short Film
Animated


Feral
Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden

Get a Horse!
Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim

Mr. Hublot
Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares

Possessions
Shuhei Morita

Room on the Broom
Max Lang and Jan Lachauer


Short Film
Live Action


Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)
Esteban Crespo

Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)
Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras

Helium
Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson

Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)
Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari

The Voorman Problem
Mark Gill and Baldwin Li

Sound Editing

All Is Lost
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns

Captain Phillips
Oliver Tarney

Gravity
Glenn Freemantle

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Brent Burge

Lone Survivor
Wylie Stateman

Sound Mixing

Captain Phillips
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro

Gravity
Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson

Inside Llewyn Davis
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

Lone Survivor
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow


Best Picture


American Hustle
Charles Roven, Richard Suckle, Megan Ellison, and Jonathan Gordon, Producers

Captain Phillips
Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca, Producers

Dallas Buyers Club
Robbie Brenner and Rachel Winter, Producers

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón and David Heyman, Producers

Her
Megan Ellison, Spike Jonze and Vincent Landay, Producers

Nebraska
Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, Producers

Philomena
Gabrielle Tana, Steve Coogan and Tracey Seaward, Producers

12 Years a Slave
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Steve McQueen and Anthony Katagas, Producers

The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominees to be determined


Actor
in a Leading Role


Christian Bale
American Hustle

Bruce Dern
Nebraska

Leonardo DiCaprio
The Wolf of Wall Street

Chiwetel Ejiofor
12 Years a Slave

Matthew McConaughey
Dallas Buyers Club


Actress
in a Leading Role


Amy Adams
American Hustle

Cate Blanchett
Blue Jasmine

Sandra Bullock
Gravity

Judi Dench
Philomena

Meryl Streep
August: Osage County

Actor
in A Supporting Role


Barkhad Abdi
Captain Phillips

Bradley Cooper
American Hustle

Michael Fassbender
12 Years a Slave

Jonah Hill
The Wolf of Wall Street

Jared Leto
Dallas Buyers Club

Actress
in a Supporting Role


Sally Hawkins
Blue Jasmine

Jennifer Lawrence
American Hustle

Lupita Nyong'o
12 Years a Slave

Julia Roberts
August: Osage County

June Squibb
Nebraska


Animated Feature Film

The Croods
Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco and Kristine Belson

Despicable Me 2
Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin and Chris Meledandri

Ernest & Celestine
Benjamin Renner and Didier Brunner

Frozen
Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee and Peter Del Vecho

The Wind Rises
Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki

Cinematography

The Grandmaster
Philippe Le Sourd

Gravity
Emmanuel Lubezki

Inside Llewyn Davis
Bruno Delbonnel

Nebraska
Phedon Papamichael

Prisoners
Roger A. Deakins

Costume Design

American Hustle
Michael Wilkinson

The Grandmaster
William Chang Suk Ping

The Great Gatsby
Catherine Martin

The Invisible Woman
Michael O'Connor

12 Years a Slave
Patricia Norris

Directing

American Hustle
David O. Russell

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón

Nebraska
Alexander Payne

12 Years a Slave
Steve McQueen

The Wolf of Wall Street
Martin Scorsese

Documentary Feature

The Act of Killing
Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen

Cutie and the Boxer
Zachary Heinzerling and Lydia Dean Pilcher

Dirty Wars
Richard Rowley and Jeremy Scahill

The Square
Jehane Noujaim and Karim Amer

20 Feet from Stardom
Nominees to be determined

Documentary Short Subject

CaveDigger
Jeffrey Karoff

Facing Fear
Jason Cohen

Karama Has No Walls
Sara Ishaq

The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Malcolm Clarke and Nicholas Reed

Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall
Edgar Barens

Film Editing

American Hustle
Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten

Captain Phillips
Christopher Rouse

Dallas Buyers Club
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa

Gravity
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger

12 Years a Slave
Joe Walker

Foreign Language Film

The Broken Circle Breakdown
Belgium

The Great Beauty
Italy

The Hunt
Denmark

The Missing Picture
Cambodia

Omar
Palestine

Makeup and Hairstyling

Dallas Buyers Club
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathews

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Stephen Prouty

The Lone Ranger
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny

Music
Original Score


The Book Thief
John Williams

Gravity
Steven Price

Her
William Butler and Owen Pallett

Philomena
Alexandre Desplat

Saving Mr. Banks
Thomas Newman

Music
Original Song


"Alone Yet Not Alone" from ALONE YET NOT ALONE
Music by Bruce Broughton; Lyric by Dennis Spiegel

"Happy" from DESPICABLE ME 2
Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams

"Let it Go" from FROZEN
Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

"The Moon Song" from HER
Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze

"Ordinary Love" from MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson

Production Design

American Hustle
Judy Becker (Production Design); Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration)

Gravity
Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration)

The Great Gatsby
Catherine Martin (Production Design); Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration)

Her
K.K. Barrett (Production Design); Gene Serdena (Set Decoration)

12 Years a Slave
Adam Stockhausen (Production Design); Alice Baker (Set Decoration)

Short Film
Animated


Feral
Daniel Sousa and Dan Golden

Get a Horse!
Lauren MacMullan and Dorothy McKim

Mr. Hublot
Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares

Possessions
Shuhei Morita

Room on the Broom
Max Lang and Jan Lachauer

Short Film
Live Action


Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me)
Esteban Crespo

Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything)
Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras

Helium
Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson

Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?)
Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari

The Voorman Problem
Mark Gill and Baldwin Li

Sound Editing

All Is Lost
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns

Captain Phillips
Oliver Tarney

Gravity
Glenn Freemantle

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Brent Burge

Lone Survivor
Wylie Stateman

Sound Mixing

Captain Phillips
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro

Gravity
Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson

Inside Llewyn Davis
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

Lone Survivor
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow


Visual Effects

Gravity
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds

Iron Man 3
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick

The Lone Ranger
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier

Star Trek Into Darkness
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton

Writing
Adapted Screenplay


Before Midnight
Written by Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke

Captain Phillips
Screenplay by Billy Ray

Philomena
Screenplay by Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope

12 Years a Slave
Screenplay by John Ridley

The Wolf of Wall Street
Screenplay by Terence Winter

Writing
Original Screenplay


American Hustle
Written by Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell

Blue Jasmine
Written by Woody Allen

Dallas Buyers Club
Written by Craig Borten & Melisa Wallack

Her
Written by Spike Jonze

Nebraska
Written by Bob Nelson






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Sunday, January 12, 2014

Golden Globes 2014 Winners


The 71st Golden Globe Awards winners for 2014.


Best Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER: "12 Years a Slave"

» "Captain Phillips"
» "Gravity"
» "Philomena"
» "Rush"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Comedy or Musical
WINNER: Amy Adams - "American Hustle"

» Julie Delpy - "Before Midnight"
» Greta Gerwig - "Frances Ha"
» Julia Louis-Dreyfous, "Enough Said"
» Meryl Streep - "August: Osage County"

Best Animated Feature Film
WINNER: "Frozen"

» "The Croods"
» "Despicable Me 2"

Best Director -- Motion Picture
WINNER: Alfonso Cuaron - "Gravity"

» Paul Greengrass - "Captain Phillips"
» Steve McQueen - "12 Years a Slave"
» Alexander Payne - "Nebraska"
» David O. Russell - "American Hustle"

Best Foreign Language Film
WINNER: "The Great Beauty"

» "Blue is the Warmest Color"
» "The Hunt"
» "The Past"
» "The Wind Rises"

Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: "Behind the Candelabra"

» "American Horror Story: Coven"
» "Dancing on the Edge"
» "Top of the Lake"
» "The White Queen"

Best Picture -- Comedy or Musical
WINNER: "American Hustle"

» "Her"
» "Inside Llewyn Davis"
» "Nebraska"
» "The Wolf of Wall Street"

Best Original Score - Movie
WINNER: Alex Ebert, "All is Lost"
» Alex Heffes, "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"
» Steven Price, "Gravity"
» John Williams, "The Book Thief"
» Hans Zimmer, "12 Years a Slave"

Best Original Song - Motion Picture
WINNER: Ordinary Love, "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"

» Atlas, "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
» Let It Go, "Frozen"
» Please, Mr. Kennedy, "Inside Llewyn Davis"
» Sweeter than Fiction, "One Chance"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: Michael Douglas - "Behind the Candelabra"

» Matt Damon - "Behind the Candelabra"
» Chiwetel Ejiofor - "Dancing on the Edge"
» Idris Elba - "Luther"
» Al Pacino - "Phil Spector"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical
WINNER: Leonardo DiCaprio - "The Wolf of Wall Street"

» Christian Bale - "American Hustle"
» Bruce Dern - "Nebraska"
» Oscar Isaac - "Inside Llewyn Davis"
» Joaquin Phoenix - "Her"

Leonardo DiCaprio Thanks Martin Scorsese For Allowing Him To 'Stalk' Him

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama
WINNER: Matthew McConaughey - "Dallas Buyers Club"

» Chiwetel Ejiofor - "12 Years a Slave"
» Idris Elba - "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"
» Tom Hanks - "Captain Phillips"
» Robert Redford - "All is Lost"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Jared Leto - "Dallas Buyers Club"

» Barkhad Abdi - "Captain Phillips"
» Daniel Bruhl - "Rush"
» Bradley Cooper - "American Hustle"
» Michael Fassbender - "12 Years a Slave"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: Jon Voight - "Ray Donovan"

» Josh Charles - "The Good Wife"
» Rob Lowe - "Behind the Candelabra"
» Aaron Paul - "Breaking Bad"
» Corey Stoll - "House of Cards"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: Jacqueline Bisset - "Dancing on the Edge"

» Janet McTeer - "The White Queen"
» Hayden Panettiere - "Nashville"
» Monica Potter - "Parenthood"
» Sofia Vergara - "Modern Family"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER: Bryan Cranston - "Breaking Bad"

» Liev Schreiber - "Ray Donovan"
» Michael Sheen - "Masters of Sex"
» Kevin Spacey - "House of Cards"
» James Spader - "The Blacklist"

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series -- Musical or Comedy
WINNER: Andy Samberg - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

» Jason Bateman - "Arrested Development"
» Don Cheadle - "House of Lies"
» Michael J Fox - "The Michael J Fox Show"
» Jim Parsons - "The Big Bang Theory"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
WINNER: Jennifer Lawrence - "American Hustle"

» Sally Hawkins - "Blue Jasmine"
» Lupita Nyong'o - "12 Years a Slave"
» Julia Roberts - "August: Osage County"
» June Squibb - "Nebraska"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
WINNER: Elisabeth Moss - "Top of the Lake"

» Helena Bonham Carter - "Burton and Taylor"
» Rebecca Ferguson - "The White Queen"
» Jessica Lange - "American Horror Story: Coven"
» Helen Mirren - "Phil Spector"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture -- Drama
WINNER: Cate Blanchett - "Blue Jasmine"

» Sandra Bullock - "Gravity"
» Judi Dench - "Philomena"
» Emma Thompson - "Saving Mr. Banks"
» Kate Winslet - "Labor Day"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama
WINNER: Robin Wright - "House of Cards"

» Juliana Marguiles - "The Good Wife"
» Tatiana Maslany - "Orphan Black"
» Taylor Schilling - "Orange is the New Black"
» Kerry Washington - "Scandal"

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series -- Musical or Comedy
WINNER: Amy Poehler - "Parks and Recreation"

» Zoe Deschanel - "New Girl"
» Lena Dunham - "Girls"
» Edie Falco - "Nurse Jackie"
» Julia Louis-Dreyfous - "Veep"

Best Screenplay
WINNER: Spike Jonze, "Her
"
» Bob Nelson, "Nebraska"
» Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, "Philomena"
» John Ridley, "12 Years a Slave"
» David O Russell, "American Hustle"

Best Television Series - Drama
WINNER: "Breaking Bad"
» "Downton Abbey"
» "The Good Wife"
» "House of Cards"
» "Masters of Sex"

Best Television Series -- Musical or Comedy
WINNER: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"

» "The Big Bang Theory"
» "Girls"
» "Modern Family"
» "Parks & Recreation"







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Movies Scheduled 1/12-1/18

It is getting to that time of year again. Award season! We got to see a lot of them and boy weren't they great movies?

Please make sure you don't kick the seat in front of you at the movies. Sure you might not think a little kick would bother someone but be the person in the seat that is getting kicked throughout the movie. It is very annoying.

Please use common sense. If the theater isn't open yet don't try to sneak in. They will notice when it isn't someone that doesn't work there. Just makes you look bad when you get busted and have to go back and get back in your spot in line.

If you have any questions please email me at damitdaina@hotmail.com

See you at the movies.


Sunday
Jan. 12th

Monday
Jan. 13th

One Chance 7:30pm Angelika Dallas

Tuesday
Jan. 14th

American Idol 7:30pm AMC Northpark
Ride Along 7:30pm AMC Northpark

Wednesday
Jan. 15th

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 7:30pm TBA Highland Village
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 7:30pm AMC Northpark
Ride Along 7:30pm TBA

Thursday
Jan. 16th

Talk To Her 7:30pm Angelika Dallas
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit 7:30pm TBA

Friday
Jan. 17th

Saturday
Jan. 18th




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Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Legend of Hercules



This is the first of the two Hercules movies expected this year. January is the perfect time to bring out a popcorn, mindless, mayhem tale by the director Renny Harlin. There's a handful of writers credited with the bloated storyline including Harlin with Daniel Giat, Giulio Steve, and Sean Hood. The film is shot like a comic book and in 3D. Everything looks like it they used the same computer graphics as in 300. Nothing looks real or natural. All the fighting is in slo-mo. Literally ALL the fighting.

The story starts with two kings battling for control of the kingdom of Argo. King Amphitryon (Scott Adkins) says he's doing it to give his wife. She's disappointed in this warrior attitude because the land they invaded was at peace with them. She goes to pray to Hera who overs her a night with Zeus who has been lusting after her. Hera's messenger tells Queen Alcmene (Roxanne McKee) that she will give birth to a son and she should name him Hercules. The King sort of suspects that the boy is not his son, give him another name and tells him that he won't be the heir. Somehow 20 years later, Hercules (Kellen Lutz) grows up to be a big strapping, handsome younger brother to his smarmy older bro Iphicles (Liam Garrigan). Things get really uncomfortable when Hercules' girlfriend the princess of Crete, Hebe (Gaia Weiss) is betrothed to marry his brother. To get Hercules out the way stepdad sends him on an ill fated mission to Egypt where he is reported dead and his army defeated.

Captain Sotiris (Liam McIntyre) and Hercules do survive and are sold as slaves to a cage fight to the death for sport. They talk the fight manager into taking them to Greece to take on the MMA championship where they have to fight 6 of the greatest fighters at one time. Of course there's lots of battles going on on the way to the big arena. Hercules ends up taking on the fighters on his own. He makes neat work of the them too quickly. But apparently there's too much story they had to get to indulge.

Back at the ranch, the kingdom of Argo isn't going to well. Mom thinks Hercules is dead and tries to kill daddy dearest. Bro is getting all freaked out because his impending wedding with Hebe doesn't quite make her happy. The peasants are getting squeezed for taxes, the army is having to hire mercenaries. It's ripe for Hercules to come home and gather a rebel army to oust the King. Eventually Hercules is going to have to accept his role as son as Zeus and play that card. An he means to get his girl!

Complicated names aside, and accents that seem to come and go, familiar faced actors forced to recite really stiff dialogue and some rad looking leather to enhance Kellen Lutz's well toned pecs, it's not a terrible movie. It's somewhat entertaining. It's also nothing like Kevin Sorbo's Hercules. It's also January and there's nothing else going on.
(Review by reesa)




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The Suspect




The South Korean homage to the Bourne type of action adventure genre is sharply realized by director Won Shin-yeon and writer Lim Sang-Yoon in the new feature, The Suspect. Gong Yoo who rose to fame in the popular Korean television drama Coffee Prince plays against his typical rom-com typecasting as the North Korean super operative. The hand fighting and car chasing sequences are just as exciting and inventive as anything seen in the US and that will please international audiences.

Ji Dong-Cheol (Gong Yoo) is a North Korean defector who is trying to live quietly as a hired driver for Chairman Park. Park an older wealthy former North Korean is partial to Ji as they came from the same town and looks after him like a son. Ji discovers Park being attacked while he's in bed, he quickly dispatches the murderer, but it's too late. Park gives Ji his eye glass case, telling him to bury it. Things get complicated after that when the police suddenly show up. They go after Ji as the main suspect in Park's murder and Park's two housekeepers. It becomes known that Ji is a part of specially trained agents who are the top of their skill set. Ji must not only clear himself from being framed as well as trying to find what happened to his family with the help of a documentary filmmaker who has ties to the case. She had been investigating the correlation of defectors the high number of suicides among the group.

Min Se-Hoon (Park Hee-Soon) a South Korean colonel who chases North Korean spies is put in charge of tracking down Ji. They had once had an encounter in the past where Ji had let him live and the Colonel Min has yet to come to terms with it as he was the only one who survived the mission. Ji had been abandoned by his government while on that mission. The filmmaker tells the Colonel that Ji is after the people who killed his wife and and may have sold his daughter as a slave in China.

Like in the Bourne movies, the use of CCTV to track their man is in heavy use as Min searches for Ji through the streets and malls. The various factions chasing Ji ups the ante, as well as the hand to hand combat using the agents superior fighting skills. Min gets suspicious when he discovers the other men chasing Ji are also members of his government.

This is a well paced and fascinating story and the acting is especially good by Goon Yoo in his first physically demanding role. South Korean cinema is well known for it's superb contributions to quality action thrillers like The Man From Nowhere, The Chaser, The Yellow Sea and A Company Man. It's nice that these types of films are opening up in major cities in the US. Look for The Suspect to open at AMC Grapevine this weekend.
(Review by reesa)



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