Review: Beauty and The Beast
Growing up with Disney films was like going on an adventure every day. You would be transported to a new world and become a new Princess each time you put on one of the fantastic cartoon films. Everyone has their favorite but the one that seems to be the most beloved is, Beauty and The Beast. So it was only natural that when Disney announced they would be doing a live-action version of the film, fans went insane with joy. As the cast was announced for the film and production began the anticipation grew to new heights.
Upon the film's release on March 23, 2017 fans flocked to theaters, helping the film to score a whopping $170 million in it's opening weekend. Last night this reporter had the opportunity to see the film, a recreation of her favorite Disney movie of all time. The Alamo in Yonkers, New York seemed like the perfect venue for such a film after all, it's a theater known for putting the movies first. Going in this reporter had high expectation as the cast seemed almost perfect for their roles with the exception of Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame.
Although an incredible actress, Watson's voice did not hold up with the classic songs from the film. She was on key and her voice was decent enough however, it sounded more like she was singing for the diction of it rather than showing any emotion. The powerful lyrics about wanting "adventure in the great wide somewhere" hardly stood on their own with Watson's lack-luster vocals behind it. Furthermore, Watson's young face made her relationship with a much older looking Prince seem a little bit awkward.
The film still held it's own with actors such as Luke Evans in the role of Gaston. A perfectly cast masterpiece in this reporter's opinion. Evans had the look and the incredible vocal chops to back it up. He was both charismatic, evil and convincing as the character and it made his scenes stand out among the rest. Josh Gab was equally as perfectly cast as his movie counterpart. His comedic genius was almost designed for the role of LeFou. His quick witted lines and knee slapping movements brought out a side of the film that the original did not have. In scenes that could have been mundane and albeit frightening, Gad provided the comedic relief perfectly.
Overall the film is worth the trip to the theater and the growing price of tickets. Although Watson could have given more passion to the role, the classic still shines through beautifully. Well done, Disney, well done!
Upon the film's release on March 23, 2017 fans flocked to theaters, helping the film to score a whopping $170 million in it's opening weekend. Last night this reporter had the opportunity to see the film, a recreation of her favorite Disney movie of all time. The Alamo in Yonkers, New York seemed like the perfect venue for such a film after all, it's a theater known for putting the movies first. Going in this reporter had high expectation as the cast seemed almost perfect for their roles with the exception of Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame.
Although an incredible actress, Watson's voice did not hold up with the classic songs from the film. She was on key and her voice was decent enough however, it sounded more like she was singing for the diction of it rather than showing any emotion. The powerful lyrics about wanting "adventure in the great wide somewhere" hardly stood on their own with Watson's lack-luster vocals behind it. Furthermore, Watson's young face made her relationship with a much older looking Prince seem a little bit awkward.
The film still held it's own with actors such as Luke Evans in the role of Gaston. A perfectly cast masterpiece in this reporter's opinion. Evans had the look and the incredible vocal chops to back it up. He was both charismatic, evil and convincing as the character and it made his scenes stand out among the rest. Josh Gab was equally as perfectly cast as his movie counterpart. His comedic genius was almost designed for the role of LeFou. His quick witted lines and knee slapping movements brought out a side of the film that the original did not have. In scenes that could have been mundane and albeit frightening, Gad provided the comedic relief perfectly.
Overall the film is worth the trip to the theater and the growing price of tickets. Although Watson could have given more passion to the role, the classic still shines through beautifully. Well done, Disney, well done!
When It Comes to Movies, There is "No Alternative"
With the way Hollywood executives run things these days finding a truly unique and captivating film is all but impossible. However, creative minds like William Dickerson's are bringing back everything that was once so special about movies with his new film, "No Alternative."
We were lucky enough to spend some time tapping into Dickerson's mind and finding out more about this special film.
BECCA ROSE: Where did "No Alternative" stem from?
WILLIAM DICKERSON: The film is based on my novel, "No Alternative," which was published in 2012. It's a teen drama about suburban American teenagers in the early 90s. Thomas Harrison is determined to start his own alternative band, an obsession that blinds him to what's either the mental collapse, or the eruption of musical genius, of his little sister, Bridget. Bridget boldly rejects her brother's music, and the music of an entire generation of slackers, by taking on the persona of an X-rated gangsta' rapper named "Bri Da B." Fear is what inspired me to write the novel-- fear of losing my sister, who had a history of addiction and suicidal behavior. I wanted to show her, through my writing, just how horrible it would be to lose a sibling—to lose me—in an effort to save her from herself. However, my creative plea to her just wasn’t enough. Tragically, my worst nightmare came true, when her long battle ended with an overdose at the age of 30.
BR: Take us through the creative process of making the film.
WD: I'm currently in pre-production. It's a microbudget film, which is something I have a lot of experience making. In fact, I just wrote a book on all aspects of microbudget filmmaking called "DETOUR: Hollywood," which details the making of my first feature film, "Detour." The novel for "No Alternative" has generated a following, and since my sister's death, I've been motivated to bring the character she inspired to life on screen. I have half the funding for the movie and have turned to crowdfunding to raise the rest. This is my first crowdfunding effort and I'm really looking forward to building the buzz around the film.
BR: Who is your favorite character in the film?
WD: Bridget "Bri Da B" Harrison, of course! Keep in mind, there are some of my own autobiographical qualities in the character of Thomas Harrison, so it speaks to Bridget's uniqueness as a character for me to hold her in such high regard!
BR: What prompted the title?
WD: I named the novel "No Alternative" for several reasons. Chief among these reasons is that when people are suicidal, they often feel there is no alternative. The story is also set in the world of early 90s grunge, a time when what was deemed "alternative" music became a runway trend, and, consequently, sold out its punk rock roots. In the story, Bridget's alternative to "alternative" is gangsta' rap, which is also an alternative method through which to manage her borderline personality: it's her creative outlet. There's also the personal element for me, If I had just one chance to make one more movie, it would be this one. For me, there is "No Alternative" but to make this film.
BR: What do you want our readers to know about "No Alternative?"
WD: I want your readers to know why I am making this film. I am making this film because I have to make this film. I am making this film as a means of de-stigmatizing mental illness, addiction and suicide. So many refuse to talk openly about such things, and this does far more harm than good. I would like this film to shine a light on these issues, in the hopes of helping those on the verge of succumbing to them. I believe this movie can engender something good from a situation that, in so many ways, was so utterly bad. My sister's talent as an artist was her gift to me, and this movie will be my gift to her, and to those who both knew her and didn’t get the chance to know her. With respect to the our grassroots fundraising effort, Hollywood rarely funds independent films anymore. For filmmakers like me, the generosity of friends, family and patrons of the arts, has become an absolute necessity. For obvious reasons, I’ve never been more passionate about a film. I have to make this film, and I have to make it for my sister, Briana.
BR: Where can we direct our readers so they can learn more and help out?
WD: I encourage everyone to take look at our Indiegogo page at: http://igg.me/at/noalternative
We are offering some really cool and unique perks for contributors. Here are just some of them: Signed editions of my books, Parental Advisory “Bri Da B” official movie T-Shirts, filmmaking mentorships with both myself and co-screenwriter, Dwight Moody, opportunities to be a part of the movie as featured extras, as a band, or having supporting characters named after you, and we’re even offering major “hero” props from my previous films like “Detour” and “Don’t Look Back.” Please consider making a contribution and sharing the campaign with others. Thank you.
For more on "No Alternative," check these sites out:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noaltfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noaltfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdfilmmaker
Website: http://www.williamdickersonfilmmaker.com
We were lucky enough to spend some time tapping into Dickerson's mind and finding out more about this special film.
BECCA ROSE: Where did "No Alternative" stem from?
WILLIAM DICKERSON: The film is based on my novel, "No Alternative," which was published in 2012. It's a teen drama about suburban American teenagers in the early 90s. Thomas Harrison is determined to start his own alternative band, an obsession that blinds him to what's either the mental collapse, or the eruption of musical genius, of his little sister, Bridget. Bridget boldly rejects her brother's music, and the music of an entire generation of slackers, by taking on the persona of an X-rated gangsta' rapper named "Bri Da B." Fear is what inspired me to write the novel-- fear of losing my sister, who had a history of addiction and suicidal behavior. I wanted to show her, through my writing, just how horrible it would be to lose a sibling—to lose me—in an effort to save her from herself. However, my creative plea to her just wasn’t enough. Tragically, my worst nightmare came true, when her long battle ended with an overdose at the age of 30.
BR: Take us through the creative process of making the film.
WD: I'm currently in pre-production. It's a microbudget film, which is something I have a lot of experience making. In fact, I just wrote a book on all aspects of microbudget filmmaking called "DETOUR: Hollywood," which details the making of my first feature film, "Detour." The novel for "No Alternative" has generated a following, and since my sister's death, I've been motivated to bring the character she inspired to life on screen. I have half the funding for the movie and have turned to crowdfunding to raise the rest. This is my first crowdfunding effort and I'm really looking forward to building the buzz around the film.
BR: Who is your favorite character in the film?
WD: Bridget "Bri Da B" Harrison, of course! Keep in mind, there are some of my own autobiographical qualities in the character of Thomas Harrison, so it speaks to Bridget's uniqueness as a character for me to hold her in such high regard!
BR: What prompted the title?
WD: I named the novel "No Alternative" for several reasons. Chief among these reasons is that when people are suicidal, they often feel there is no alternative. The story is also set in the world of early 90s grunge, a time when what was deemed "alternative" music became a runway trend, and, consequently, sold out its punk rock roots. In the story, Bridget's alternative to "alternative" is gangsta' rap, which is also an alternative method through which to manage her borderline personality: it's her creative outlet. There's also the personal element for me, If I had just one chance to make one more movie, it would be this one. For me, there is "No Alternative" but to make this film.
BR: What do you want our readers to know about "No Alternative?"
WD: I want your readers to know why I am making this film. I am making this film because I have to make this film. I am making this film as a means of de-stigmatizing mental illness, addiction and suicide. So many refuse to talk openly about such things, and this does far more harm than good. I would like this film to shine a light on these issues, in the hopes of helping those on the verge of succumbing to them. I believe this movie can engender something good from a situation that, in so many ways, was so utterly bad. My sister's talent as an artist was her gift to me, and this movie will be my gift to her, and to those who both knew her and didn’t get the chance to know her. With respect to the our grassroots fundraising effort, Hollywood rarely funds independent films anymore. For filmmakers like me, the generosity of friends, family and patrons of the arts, has become an absolute necessity. For obvious reasons, I’ve never been more passionate about a film. I have to make this film, and I have to make it for my sister, Briana.
BR: Where can we direct our readers so they can learn more and help out?
WD: I encourage everyone to take look at our Indiegogo page at: http://igg.me/at/noalternative
We are offering some really cool and unique perks for contributors. Here are just some of them: Signed editions of my books, Parental Advisory “Bri Da B” official movie T-Shirts, filmmaking mentorships with both myself and co-screenwriter, Dwight Moody, opportunities to be a part of the movie as featured extras, as a band, or having supporting characters named after you, and we’re even offering major “hero” props from my previous films like “Detour” and “Don’t Look Back.” Please consider making a contribution and sharing the campaign with others. Thank you.
For more on "No Alternative," check these sites out:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/noaltfilm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noaltfilm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wdfilmmaker
Website: http://www.williamdickersonfilmmaker.com
Turbo Talking with Munro Chambers
Unique films are making a comeback and we couldn’t be happier. Films that put a new spin on the idea of a super hero, romance and everything else that makes the entertainment industry run. One of these films is Turbo Kid, a unique and quirky movie about a semi-normal kid who wakes up one day and is given the opportunity to become a super hero.
Sounds pretty awesome right? Well it gets even better because the actor behind the newly formed superhero is Degrassi: The Next Generation star, Munro Chambers.
BECCA ROSE: What can you tell our readers about Turbo Kid?
MUNRO CHAMBERS: Turbo Kid, it’s really hard to describe and I think that is a good thing. It is a film set in 1997 in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s about a kid who lives on his own and is basically an orphan and he is surrounded by all of these step-out-of-a-comic-book kinds of characters. They get into all sorts of trouble and he is a comic book lover and has that dream of being a super hero and he is given that opportunity in this film.
BR: That must have been fun for you, assuming you’re a comic book fan.
MC: I used to love comic books as a kid and that’s why it was so much fun. Every kid has had that dream of one day walking out of your door and Professor X is going to be there and enlist you in the X-Men. This kid gets that feeling. It’s a very fun film and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of blood and gore but it has a lot of heart and that’s what makes this film special.
BR: What was it that first drew you into the project?
MC: Honestly, it was the love story. On the surface it’s a genre film with a lot of really intense, gory scenes, that’s not scary but it’s very over the top and exaggerated and I have never done a film like that before or read a script like that before. On the surface it’s that but underneath that is this amazing love story between a guy and a girl and they’re just so funny and quirky together. So getting the opportunity to do a lot of action stunts but also get to dip into that love story was really neat for me.
BR: What do you think it is about Degrassi (The Next Generation) that has kept it going all these years?
MC: It has been around for 35-years maybe and we’re on the 14th season for The Next Generation and this segment of Degrassi that I’ve been a part of. I think we hit home to these kids. We try to make relatable topics and relatable story lines and we don’t try to mock it or exaggerate it. We try to make it real for these kids who are going through some time so they connect and so they don’t feel alone but also make it entertaining because it is a T.V. show. We really try to connect these kids and it is the incredible writing team and producers that work on Degrassi, it is such a well-oiled machine.
Sounds pretty awesome right? Well it gets even better because the actor behind the newly formed superhero is Degrassi: The Next Generation star, Munro Chambers.
BECCA ROSE: What can you tell our readers about Turbo Kid?
MUNRO CHAMBERS: Turbo Kid, it’s really hard to describe and I think that is a good thing. It is a film set in 1997 in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s about a kid who lives on his own and is basically an orphan and he is surrounded by all of these step-out-of-a-comic-book kinds of characters. They get into all sorts of trouble and he is a comic book lover and has that dream of being a super hero and he is given that opportunity in this film.
BR: That must have been fun for you, assuming you’re a comic book fan.
MC: I used to love comic books as a kid and that’s why it was so much fun. Every kid has had that dream of one day walking out of your door and Professor X is going to be there and enlist you in the X-Men. This kid gets that feeling. It’s a very fun film and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of blood and gore but it has a lot of heart and that’s what makes this film special.
BR: What was it that first drew you into the project?
MC: Honestly, it was the love story. On the surface it’s a genre film with a lot of really intense, gory scenes, that’s not scary but it’s very over the top and exaggerated and I have never done a film like that before or read a script like that before. On the surface it’s that but underneath that is this amazing love story between a guy and a girl and they’re just so funny and quirky together. So getting the opportunity to do a lot of action stunts but also get to dip into that love story was really neat for me.
BR: What do you think it is about Degrassi (The Next Generation) that has kept it going all these years?
MC: It has been around for 35-years maybe and we’re on the 14th season for The Next Generation and this segment of Degrassi that I’ve been a part of. I think we hit home to these kids. We try to make relatable topics and relatable story lines and we don’t try to mock it or exaggerate it. We try to make it real for these kids who are going through some time so they connect and so they don’t feel alone but also make it entertaining because it is a T.V. show. We really try to connect these kids and it is the incredible writing team and producers that work on Degrassi, it is such a well-oiled machine.
Review: "Into The Woods" |
Celebrating The Return of
|
In the last few years Hollywood has become a factory of reproduced material with very few original ideas coming to the mass market. Movie theaters have become homes to movie versions of books, plays and musicals with a few scattered films here and there and while each of these films put a new spin on things the reproduced ones lack that special element that their predecessors had.
The latest reproduced concept is the Stephen Sondheim musical, Into The Woods. The musical play turned full-feature premiered on Christmas Day and has the critics at odds. Despite the negative, I went to see the film last night in the hopes that I would see a film version of the play I saw when I was a child. Plus, Johnny Depp was in it so of course, I had to go. My husband, best friend and I went to the 9:50 p.m. showing at the Saw Mill Multiplex and I had high hopes for the film even though I knew that many of my friends who had already seen it were less than thrilled with what they spent $12.50 on. I knew the movie was going to be long so I prepared myself as best I could, meaning I got as comfortable as I could in the withering old seats in the theater. The film opened the way I remembered the play opening, introducing the main characters: The Baker, his barren wife, Jack and his mother, the Witch, the little girl in the red cape and the maiden wishing to go to the Prince's festival. The songs were all the same, unlike Les Miserables, who found the unwarranted need to add in an original song, which was definitely a relief however, some of the original elements were lacking. I was however, incredibly surprised at how much Meryl Streep's singing voice has improved since Mamma Mia. So much so that I turned to my best friend and said, "Where did that voice come from?" Okay, what I am about to say is going to shock and surprise everyone who knows me and my uwaivering obsession with Johnny Depp but, his portrayal of the wolf was less like a hungry wolf and more like a dirty pedophile hunting for a young girl to take advantage of. While, because he is Johnny Depp, he looked sexy as a wolf and his singing was decent enough, he would have been far better suited for a different role in the film. Furthermore, his portion of the movie was a total of approximately ten minutes, which was incredibly disappointing. What wasn't disappointing was Chris Pine's singing voice. Who would have expected that coming from him? He was flawless as Cinderella's prince and added a wonderful element of comedy and sexiness that I wouldn't have anticipated. In fact the princes, including Rapunzel's prince, were the highlight of the movie as a whole. Anna Kendrick was equally as impressive as Cinderella. Her innocence and strength combined perfectly with her sensational voice to create the ultimate would-be princess. One thing I did notice, granted its been many years since I've seen the original play, this movie was a lot darker than I remembered the play to be. I remembered Gaints being mentioned in the play but I had forgotten how dark and frightening they were but then again it's Hollywood so I am sure they were made darker and more vicious than the original play. This surprised me as I truly believed I was going to be seeing a somewhat feel-good film with a lot of comedy. I do remember the original play as being quite humorous, especially during the scene/song with the two princes, a scene that the movie did quite nicely. Overall the film, although a little too long, was enjoyable and the music was just as catchy and beautiful as I remembered however, I would caution those who think they're going to see the original play in movie form that this is Hollywood. If you go into the theater thinking you're going to see the play you remember from your childhood you will be disappointed but if you go into the film with an open mind you might find yourself thoroughly entertained for two hours. |
Anaheim, California was the place to be this weekend if you are a Star Wars fan because this weekend was the, “Star Wars Celebration.” Fans from all over the world flocked to relive all thingsStar Wars and to get up close with fellow fans. The George Lucas movies are some of the most popular films of all time and ever since news broke that there would be a new movie in the franchise fans have been chomping at the bit to get back involved with the fandom.
Thousands of voracious fans slept outside waiting to get into the celebration event and get up close and personal with director, J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. Not only would those lucky enough to get in get to meet the director and Kennedy but they would be able to buy exclusive merchandise from the franchise. The event was a one of a kind tribute to the films and some fans, crazy and dedicated enough, even got tattoos commemorating their devotion to the franchise. Some got small tattoos that held meaning to only them, while others went a bit broader and got the Death Star and/or Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker’s) face tattooed on their bodies. Whether you made it out to the event or not, the new installment of the Star Wars franchise is sure to blow your mind and bring you back to a time when nothing else mattered to you but the films. Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part OneBooks becoming movies seem to be the new way of creating film in Hollywood. Sometimes the movies fail to portray the books the way fans want it to be done and sometimes you have movies like, The Hunger Gamesand everything from the book comes together swimmingly on screen. The films staring, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, have been dominating movie theaters each time a new film is released so it is no surprise that the latest film in the franchise is currently destroying its competition.
The first part of the two-part finale, Mockingjay: Part One, picks up a few weeks after the last movie left off. Katniss and Finnick have been taken to District 13 for safety purposes while their fellow victors; Peeta, Joanna and Annie have been captured and taken prisoner by the Capital. District 13 has become the base of the rebels and they are hoping that Katiniss will become their Mockingjay, their symbol of hope to unite all the districts against President Snow (Donald Sutherland). As the young Mockingjay fights to save everyone and her family from the Capital, she begins to realize that she has been in denial about her feelings for her Hunger Games partner, Peeta. So where’s the problem with this? Her best friend, Gale is in love with her and growing tired of her inability to take notice. The film does what many can’t for their book counterparts; it stays mostly true to the book and has a cast of actors who are exceptionally talented. Jennifer Lawrence in particular, is outstanding in her role. She portrays Katniss effortlessly, like she was born to play the part, and makes the audience fall in love with her instantly. While the final book of the trilogy could have been turned into one movie, I am particularly glad it wasn’t. Now I have something further to look forward to for next year. This film was thrilling, breathtaking and addicting and I can only imagine what the finale will be like. If you’re asking me if I recommend this movie then the answer is a resounding…YES! |