Spreading film criticism all over the web
April 22nd, 2010 — Film Festival, Interviews
Ed Burns’ new movie, Nice Guy Johnny, can be seen starting this Friday, April 23, on Tribeca Film Festival Virtual and you can pick up your Premium Pass at www.TribecaFilm.com/virtual/.
Cinema Verdict was lucky enough to be on a Q&A conference call with him, and is excited to share it with you.
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April 7th, 2010 — Film Festival, Interviews
Ali Larter visited WonderCon 2010 in San Francisco last weekend to promote her upcoming action flick “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” and here’s a brief video interview I shot before the film’s panel.
“Resident Evil: Afterlife” was shot using the Fusion Camera System, so I had to ask Ali how challenging it was to shoot this thing. I also wanted to know what fans can expect from her character, and what it is like for her to work with Paul W.S. Anderson.
“Afterlife” opens in theaters Sept. 10, 2010.
April 7th, 2010 — Film Festival, Interviews
Actress Milla Jovovich visited the 2010 edition of WonderCon in San Francisco this weekend to promote “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” and here’s a brief video interview I shot right before the film’s panel.
“Resident Evil: Afterlife” was shot using the Fusion Camera System, so I had to ask Milla how challenging it was to shoot this thing. I also wanted to know what fans can expect from her character, and what WonderCon was like for her.
“Afterlife” opens in theaters Sept. 10, 2010.
April 5th, 2010 — Film Festival, Interviews
Director Paul W.S. Anderson visited the 2010 edition of WonderCon in San Francisco this weekend to promote “Resident Evil: Afterlife,” and here’s a brief video interview I shot right before the film’s panel, at which he showed the first trailer again in 2D. The 3D version premiered Friday night.
“Resident Evil: Afterlife” was shot using the Fusion Camera System James Cameron used for “Avatar,” so I had to ask him what the process of shooting a movie like this is like. I also wanted to know what fans can expect from this fourth film, and I asked him to share his feelings about it with the fans.
“Afterlife” opens in theaters Sept. 10, 2010.
April 4th, 2010 — Film Festival, News
As the 2010 edition of WonderCon comes to a close in San Francisco, I decided to sneak out the Moscone Center and write up my thoughts and feelings about this year’s convention. For me, this was my first visit to WonderCon, and even though people told me this year’s attendance didn’t seem to be as high as usual, I was still impressed by the large crowds storming the exhibition floors and panel room. If attendance is down indeed, I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s because this year’s WonderCon took place during Easter weekend.
October 17th, 2009 — Film Festival, Reviews
The Charge
Today, film criticism is a profession under siege.
Opening Statement
Once upon a time, film critics were an integral part of the movie industry. Back then, filmmakers heard critics’ opinions and studios valued the positive buzz generated by a respected voice. So too, newspapers treated their critics as legitimate columnists, granting them the opportunity to comment on culture and politics outside the realm of film. Now, media outlets see film critics as an unnecessary expense and studio executives could care less how they assess last weekend’s blockbuster. For the Love of Movies, the first documentary to look at the history of cinematic journalism, is a love letter to a profession that may have outlived its usefulness.
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October 15th, 2009 — Film Festival, Reviews
The Charge
Live through it.
Opening Statement
The ninja movie genre gets a chance for a revival with Kamui, based on a long-running Japanese graphic novel series. Perhaps hoping to do for assassins in feudal Japan what Twilight has done for vampires, the new film features an attractive, young cast in a familiar story. Accordingly, it should be popular with audiences who aren’t aware of older but better examples.
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October 13th, 2009 — Film Festival, Reviews
The Charge
A stunning visual portrayal of Earth.
Opening Statement
Home is an ambitious documentary project meant to bring awareness to the plight of our planet. Bankrolled by a conglomeration of international companies called the PPR Group, the filmmakers wanted to open the film in various formats (theatrical, home video, TV, online) around the world on the same day — June 5, 2009, World Environment Day — and even offer free showings in as many locations as possible. [ Note: Our review of Home (Blu-ray) is already posted at DVD Verdict. The Canadian premiere of the theatrical version screened at the Vancouver International Film Festival. ]
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October 9th, 2009 — Film Festival, Reviews
The Charge
The battle between two living legends.
Opening Statement
The popular image of the gamer is usually limited to two stereotypes: the skinny, awkward nerd; or the fat, socially maladjusted basement shut-in. This documentary from the Netherlands takes a different approach, viewing its protagonists as something akin to professional athletes. They don’t have to push their bodies to the limit like real athletes, but there is a certain intensity and dedication when big sponsorship dollars are on the line.
September 21st, 2009 — Film Festival, Reviews
The Charge
The story of a man ready to make a connection.
Opening Statement
The third film by filmmaker Jason Reitman (son of Ivan, Juno, Thank You For Smoking) Up in the Air establishes itself quickly as his best film to-date; very impressive, considering how strong his oeuvre is. The man has a knack for turning the simple into the profound, for releasing films timed so expertly with the mental climate of audiences. Up in the Air is a near-perfect balance of lighthearted comedy and bittersweet introspection, wrapped up into social and economical criticism, and received standing ovations during its screening at TIFF. This one is going to turn heads in November.