Category Archives: based on a book

“The Aftermath” Trailer, Poster, Movie Clip, Featurettes & Cast Interviews

based on a book, drama, historical, romance, ,

Directed by James Kent and based on the book of the same title by Rhidian Brook, The Aftermath follows the lives of three people in a love triangle: Rachel Morgan, played by Kiera Knightly; Lewis Morgan, played by Jason Clarke,  and Stephan Lubert, played by Alexander Skarsgard.

Kent’s credits include several episodic TV shows such as The White Queen and Inside Men. He’s directed a documentary and feature movies as well. Currently, he is in production with Jessica Chastain for the film Seducing Ingrid Bergman.

If you haven’t seen it yet or want to see it again, the movie is available on Blu-ray/DVD or streaming. 

The story takes place during post-World War II. A British colonel and his wife were assigned to live in Hamburg during the post-war reconstruction, but tensions with the Germans who had previously owned the house took a toll on the British couple.

Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse pen the screenplay for The Aftermath. This isn’t the first time these two wrote together. Other movies include Frankie & Alice and Race.

Watching the trailer, I kept thinking this story had a twist. Otherwise, the mundane attitude of “poor me” turns the movie into a wet toast. Yet, I am intrigued and want to read the novel before I see the film because there appear to be many deep-seated thoughts.

Very few movie clips are available to see if the movie does follow the book or what the film is about. I posted some studio interviews that offer insight into the story based on the movie’s three actors.

The first interview is with Keira Knightley, and she reveals that the movie does not follow the book. I think the married couple in the story are without children. Their son is killed during a German air raid in England, and there is no second son like in the book.

Jason Clarke has played so many different roles in movies. He is so much fun to watch. In Serenity, he played an evil and disgusting man. In The Aftermath, he plays Lewis Morgan, who is trying to rebuild Germany and his life.

Alexander Skarsgard explains how the book and the movie are similar and relates the book to his role in the film. Skarsgard stars in another movie posted on Movie Roar called The Hummingbird Project, which is quirky with dark humor and quite different from The Aftermath.

The featurette tells the movie’s story, so there are spoilers, and beware—you watch at your own risk. The film doesn’t follow the book, which is a bit disappointing. I wonder if it will end the same way. I liked the book’s ending.

After the featurette is a movie clip, hopefully, the studios will not block it. They sometimes do block them. I don’t know why. Showing the clips promotes the movie and helps the box office draw. As you can see, eventually, the studio blocked the clip.

The Characters and Story featurette covers everything about the movie. It’s a nice piece because you become familiar with where the story physically takes place and when it takes place.

The next feature encompasses Clarke’s character. He plays a kind and troubled man, and it’s good to see him in this type of role.

It is Knightley’s turn to explain her role. She’s done an excellent job in this movie, making quite an impression.

“A Dog’s Way Home” Trailer, Vignette, Movie Clips, and Poster

based on a book, drama, family movies, kid movies, , , , , ,

Directed by Charles Martin Smith and based on the book by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Way Home narrates the heartfelt and sensitive adventure of Bella. Bella is a dog who embarks on a tremendous 400-mile journey home after she is separated from her greatly loved human, played by Jonah Hauer-King.

If you don’t recognize Charles Martin Smith, you will recognize him in George Lucas’ American Graffiti as Terry “The Toad” fields. Smith considers himself an actor, rightly so, writer and director, both right so as well. He’s worked with Ashley Judd, who also stars in the movie, before when he directed another heartfelt movie called The Dolphin Tale.  Smith also starred in the movies The Untouchables and Never Cry Wolf.

Cameron co-wrote the screenplay with Cathryn Michon, who is also an actress, and wrote the screenplay for A Dog’s Purpose and Cook Off!, which she also co-directed and starred as Sharon Solfest.

The rest of the cast is impressive including Bryce Dallas Howard, Alexandra Shipp, Wes Studi, and Edward James Olmos.

The vignette tells us about the movie.

The movie trailer is adorable. Bring tissues to the movie theater. It looks like a tearjerker.

Ashley Judd is in this movie clip, and she is so much fun to watch. Bella is adorable and so much fun to watch as well. I hope kids will be able to follow the story. It looks like the movie is for kids 7 or older.

The two movie clips are so cool to watch because you can see how much Bella is loved, and how much Bella loves her people. It’s hard to imagine Bella spends about two-thirds of the movie away from her home and loved ones trying to get back home.

“The Best of Enemies” Trailer, Interviews & Featurettes

based on a book, drama, true stories, , ,

Adapted from Osha Gray Davidson’s book and directed by Robin Bissell, The Best of Enemies lines up with other racial and civil rights themes movies of late. It is a story that needs to be seen and is a timely drama.

Bissell makes his directorial debut based on producing several successful and influential movies like The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit, and The Free State of Jones.

The stellar cast includes Taraji P. Henson and Oscar winner Sam Rockwell.

Attributed to actual events during the racially-charged summer of 1971 in Durham, North Carolina, the movie follows the unlikely relationship between Ann Atwater, played by Henson, an outspoken civil rights activist. C.P. Ellis, played by Rockwell, a local Ku Klux Klan leader,

Ellis reluctantly co-chaired a community summit that dealt with the debate and battle regarding the desegregation of schools in Durham, North Carolina. The improbable events that unfolded and changed Durham as well as the lives of Atwater and Ellis forever.

The movie also stars Anne Heche and Wes Bentley.

The featurette introduces the dramatization of the two people who are in this movie. It is incredible to think that these two people became friends in the Deep South.

The two movie clips show Henson entirely morphed into Atwater. She makes it look so easy. The movie is not box office material, but Henson’s performance is worth an Oscar nomination.

I watched Bissell’s soundbites, and I ended up liking him. He is a smart man who sees the importance of telling a good story about a phenomenal woman.

Henson’s soundbites are different from Bissell’s because she seems unassuming. Yet, she is fantastic as Atwater.

Rockwell and Henson do an interview together, and it’s worth watching because they have so much admiration for each other.

The Ann Atwater featurette tells about the story.

“Pet Sematary” Trailers, Poster, Clips, Interview with Directors & Featurette

based on a book, horror, mystery, remakes, , ,

Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer and based on the influential horror novel by talented and prolific author Stephen King, Pet Sematary follows Dr. Louis Creed, played by Jason Clarke. He and his family relocated from Boston to rural Maine. He and wife, played by Amy Seimetz, have two young children.

They discover an enigmatic burial ground hidden deep in the woods near the family’s new home. A tragedy strikes the family, and Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, Jud Crandall, played by John Lithgow. This sets off a perilous chain reaction that unleashes an unfathomable evil with horrific consequences.

Such a great cast draws me to this movie.  Jason Clarke other latest movie is Serenity. Kolsch and Widmyer teamed up before directing horror movies. Both come from diverse backgrounds with Widmyer a graduate from Long Island University’s film school.

The second trailer is so scary, but it tells you what happens in the movie. This is a classic by Stephen King, so the studio figures everybody knows the plot. Clarke is so good in this movie, creepy.

The featurette tells us we are in for a true horror movie. I got the jiggers just by watching this featurette.

The interview with both the directors, Kolsch and Widmyer, is full of information about King and his books. They take their knowledge and apply it to the movie. They talk about directing the actors and how they work to develop their characters.

These two guys are funny when they talk about directing cats. Their personalities come out, and they are different, but their rapport is so strong.

“Are you happy mommy?” sends chills up my spine. The movie clip will drive horror and Stephen King fans to the movie theaters.

I totally jumped out of my skin watching the final trailer. This movie is scary and horrific.

“Holmes & Watson” Trailer, Poster and Interviews

based on a book, classic, comedy, ,

Written and directed by Etan Cohen, starring two funny guys – Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are reunited – this time playing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective and his assistant biographer in what looks like a ridiculous version of Holmes & Watson.

Cohen’s credits include being a writer and producer of movie sequels like Men in Black 3 and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.

 

The interviews with all four stars are silly and explain a bit about the movie.  

“If Beale Street Could Talk” Trailers, Movie Clip & Posters

based on a book, classic, drama, family movies, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Directed by Barry Jenkins, If Beale Street Could Talk, is set in early-1970s Harlem as a timeless and moving love story of both a couple’s unbreakable bond and the African-American family’s empowering embrace, as told through the eyes of 19-year old Tish Rivers, played by KiKi Layne. Tish is a daughter and wife-to-be. She vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust connect her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny, played by Stephan James. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit.

The movie clip shows how sharp and poignant the movie comes across.

The second poster shows the love story and the bonding of the main characters.

Tish knows that Fonny is innocent, and is mindful that his good friend Daniel Carty, played by Brian Tyree Henry, was recently freed after an unjust incarceration. Fonny’s mother, played by Aunjanue Ellis, clings to her devotion to God and his father, played by Michael Beach, struggles with feelings of powerlessness. Tish’s earthly father Joseph, played by Colman Domingo, and fierce older sister Ernestine, played by Teyonah Parris, hold steadfast in their support. Even more anxious to clear Fonny’s name is Tish’s deeply compassionate mother Sharon, played by Regina King, readying to put herself on the line for her daughter and future son-in-law’s happiness.

The undercurrents fill the story including the couple’s unborn child, whose arrival will herald new joys and challenges. Facing the unexpected prospect of parenthood and holding down a job without her partner at her side. Tish must adjust her perspective on the realities of her existence. She visits Fonny regularly, trying to shore up his spirit even as prison takes its toll. As the weeks turn to months, Tish reaffirms their hopes and resilience, relying on familial and inner strength.

If Beale Street Could Talk is based on a book by James Baldwin, charting the vivid emotional currents navigated in an unforgiving and racially biased world as the Jenkins poetically crosses time frames to show how love and humanity endure.

The talented cast also includes Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Beach, Ed Skrein, Diego Luna, Dave Franco, and Pedro Pascal.

The song playing in the background might seem cheesy to some but I like it because it shows how poetic and deep their lives are intertwined. Just beautiful – true love.

Jenkins won an Oscar for directing Moonlight and Beale Street is his beautiful and poetic follow up. Watch the movie and be transformed. 

The Blu-ray and DVD are hitting the streets with streaming available as well. The movie is poetry. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is your chance. It’s a beautiful love story about bigotry and family. Both disc sets have deleted scenes and featurettes about the making of the movie.

“I Still See You” Features Bella Thorne

based on a book, horror, supernatural, suspense, , , , , , , ,

Directed by Scott Speer from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs, I Still See You follows Roni, played by Bella Thorne, in this spellbinding and romantic supernatural thriller. The movie is based on Daniel Walters’s book Break My Heart One Thousand Times.

Ten years after an apocalyptic event left the world haunted by ghosts, Roni receives a threatening message from beyond the grave. Joining forces with a mysterious classmate, Kirk, played by Richard Harmon, Roni descends into a shadow world that blurs the bounds of the living and the dead—and begins a desperate race against time to stop a cunning killer.

Thorne starred in Midnight Sun, a love story directed by Speer with Patrick Schwarzenegger. In each movie, Thorne played opposite characters.

Jason Fuchs is also an actor, but his writing credits include Wonderwoman and Pan.

The movie trailer shows a touch of comedy with the suspense.

The movie looks good via the trailer, and the rest of the cast includes Amy Price-Francis, Hugh Dillon, Shaun Benson, Dave Brown, Thomas Elms, Louis Herthum, and Dermot Mulroney.

“Captain Marvel” Trailers, Poster, Cast Interviews, Featurettes & Movie Clips

action, adventure, based on a book, super heroes, , , , ,

Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel follows Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson, as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in a galactic war between two alien races.

The movie is now available as Blu-ray/DVD or streaming with some excellent bonus features. 

Brie Larson is from my hometown and an Oscar winner for the movie Room, which I highly recommend. She works hard at her craft and believes in the roles she plays. 

Captain Marvel is not the first film Boden and Fleck collaborated on. Half-Nelson, starring Ryan Gosling, is their first movie. It is about a drug addict teacher whom a student discovers. Boden and Fleck collaborated on other short films. All are garnering their nominations and awards, including Half-Nelson. Please scroll down and watch their interview about directing the latest Marvel movie. 

Taking on a blockbuster movie production such as Captain Marvel is a bold but exciting move for these two crackerjacks. Boden wrote the screenplay with the help of over half a dozen other writers.

The second trailer is much better and tells the story of Larson’s character, which I like and find refreshing. The first trailer is farther down and just as fun to watch. 

Also cast in the movie is an impressive talent such as Jude Law, Samuel L. Jackson, and Annette Bening.

Larson worked out for nine months before shooting the film. She immersed herself in the role, which included super jets.

The three movie clips give us a feel for how the movie flows. I can’t tell if Jude Law’s character is a good or bad guy yet. Only time will tell, but I hope he’s a good guy.

It’s leaning toward Law’s character being a good guy because it looks like they are having fun. A playful fight scene like this doesn’t move the plot along. I hope the plot is exciting and not a typical superhero story.

Jude Law talks about what it means to be in a Marvel movie and how it influences the box office. He refers to all the Marvel movies interloping in each other’s movies. He dressed down for the red carpet premiere, and I like it. He seems to understand the superhero movie-making process.

In the following movie clip, we don’t get a good look at the bad guy. From what I see, he seems innocuous without the mean kicks.

From 15 interviews available on my YouTube Channel, I picked these two interviews for here. One is with the directors, and the other with Brie Larson. I chose these two interviews because the directors explain how they approached the topic to make an authentic movie. In Larson’s interview, she talks about how hard she physically trained for this role.

The featurette about the cast is pretty simple and doesn’t indicate anything new about Marvel. The camaraderie is evident and a pleasure to see during the quick cuts to the different actors. It looks like an excellent movie for popcorn entertainment.

This is an excellent interview with Samuel L. Jackson about working with Larson and Gregg again. He talks about how this Marvel movie is different than the rest. His character, Nick, is younger in this Marvel movie because it takes place in the 1990s.

The world premiere of Captain Marvel included an Air Force fly to acknowledge Carol’s Air Force background in the movie. Two interviews with Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson at the world premiere recognize the Air Force and the young men who protect our country.

I like Jackson more and more. This guy rocks. He is so comfortable in front of the camera, unforgettable.

I am including Pinar Toprak’s soundbites regarding her music composing. She discusses her journey from presenting a demo to creating the theme song. Anyone who loves movies will appreciate this interview.

“Mary Poppins Returns” Trailers, Featurettes, Movie Clips & Posters

adventure, based on a book, children movies, classic, family movies, fantasy, kid movies, music, , , , , , , , ,

Screenplay by David Magee with the story co-written by David Magee, John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, Mary Poppins Returns with direction by Rob Marshall. The sequel takes place during Depression-era London. Suppose you are familiar with the original Disney Mary Poppins with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. In that case, you will relate to the now-grown Jane, played by Emily Mortimer, and Michael Banks, played by Ben Whishaw. Together with Michael’s three children, they are, once again, following a personal loss visited by the enigmatic Mary Poppins, played by Emily Blunt.

Through her unique magical skills and with the aid of her friend Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, she helps the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives.

The movie clip shows the brother and sister, now older, up in the attic, finding memories.

The latest featurette explains how the movie is not a remake but a sequel.

The studio now blocks one clip of the movie I posted. What I liked about the video was it showed the energy each actor contributes to the scene and, thus, the film.

My family and I saw the movie over the holidays and loved it. The film is upbeat and fun. The curtain call at the end will raise your spirits. Emily Blunt became Mary Poppins, which differs from Julie Andrews’ version but is more faithful to the books.

Here are more movie clips. The “Sing For Us” is now blocked, so I removed it, but Emily Blunt is still stunning in all the other clips.

The featurette is true to the Mary Poppins stories. Enjoy!

Other cast members include Meryl Streep, Dick Van Dyke, Julie Walters, Colin Firth, and Angela Lansbury.

After my family saw the movie, we all agreed that the little dance scene was the best in the film. Next is the curtain call with balloons at the end, a great ending. I highly recommend the movie.

Emily Blunt marvels at how she takes “The Place Where the Lost Things Go” and sings it gently and beautifully to the Banks children. I hope Blunt sings an Oscar-nominated song at the Academy Awards presentation. I’d be ecstatic! The movie nabbed another Oscar nod for Original Score – Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Listen in on their discussion with Richard Sherman about developing the music for the film.

Mary Poppins Returns Blu-ray and DVD are on the streets, with streaming happening online. Now, you can see the movie again with the bonus features.

“The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” Trailers, Movie Clips, Featurettes & Posters

adventure, based on a book, children movies, classic, family movies, holiday movies, remakes, , , ,

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms centers on Klara, played by Mackenzie Foy. All she desires is a golden key,not just any old key. A unique key like no other key to unlock a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother.

Her godfather Drosselmeyer, played by Morgan Freeman, presents a golden thread to her at the annual holiday party. The thread leads her to the key she yearns.  The thread quickly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world.

In the mysterious world, which seems a bit like Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” Klara happens upon some quirky characters such as a soldier named Phillip, played by Jayden Fowora-Knight, a gang of mice, and the regents. The regents preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers, and Land of Sweets.

Klara and Phillip journey together and brave the threatening Fourth Realm, which is home to the tyrant Mother Ginger, played by Helen Mirren.

For Klara to her key and with a bit of luck, return harmony to the unstable world, she must confront Mother Ginger.

The following three featurettes show how much creative work went into production. One of the featurettes is about the famous ballerina Misty Copeland.

These two movie clips show how the story unfolds.

Hallstrom’s credits include directing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? and he is also a writer.

The featurette explains the four realms.

The magical movie also stars Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring an individual ballet performance by Misty Copeland, all ballerinas will want to see this movie. But keep in mind, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale inspires the cinema. It is not the same story.
The second trailer shows more of the story, and the music sounds familiar.

The Blu-ray/DVD and streaming is now available if you’re interested in watching it with your kids. It is a kids’ movie, but mom and, possibly, dad will like it, too.