Written and directed by Bart Layton, American Animals is a hard-to-believe but entirely true story. The movie follows four young men who attempt to execute one of U.S. history’s most daring art heists.
The movie focuses on two friends from the middle-class suburbs of Lexington, Kentucky. Spencer, played by Barry Keoghan, is determined to become an artist but feels short on the fundamental element that unites all great artists – suffering.
Spencer’s closest friend, Warren, played by Evan Peters, grew up thinking like Spencer. He believed that his life would be extraordinary and he would become unique somehow. But as they leave the suburbs for universities in the same town, the realities of adult life begin to dawn on them, and with that, the realization that their lives may, in fact, never be meaningful or unique in any way.
They are still unwaveringly committed to living out of the ordinary. Hence, they designed a barefaced theft of some of the world’s most valuable books from the special collections room of Spencer’s College Library.
The recruit has two more friends: accounting major Eric, played by Jared Abrahamson, and fitness fanatic Chas, played by Blake Jenner. Together, they modeled the heist from movies about heists where the gang methodically plots the theft and later fence of the stolen artworks.
Even though some of the guys start having second thoughts, they discern how the plan has taken on a life of its own. Layton’s skill comes into play by unfolding from multiple perspectives and innovatively incorporating the real-life figures at the heart of the story.
The movie trailer shows the silliness of the young men’s plan, but I am curious if they pull it off.
Here’s a featurette with director Bart Layton.
This featurette tells you about the character Chas.
Co-directed by Dexter Fletcher and Bryan Singer, Oscar-nominated Bohemian Rhapsody is a movie I am ecstatic I saw in a movie theater. The band’s songs will rock you about somebody to love. The film is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen.
The final trailer shows how spectacular the film is. It reveals why I am so impressed with this movie—as corny as it is, tears, tears, and tears.
Queen fans around the world united as the movie won awards. Here is an interview with two of the band members. Do you recognize them?
The title, Bohemian Rhapsody, is the band’s song that revolutionized the music industry in the late 1970s. Lead singer Freddie Mercury, played by Rami Malek, wrote the song, mixing rock and classical music, which was unheard of then. The song hit the top of all the music charts and praised Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and notable music publications.
If you are unfamiliar with the band’s music, stream it now on Amazon or Spotify. Queen’s music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. Their music is more than upbeat. The tunes take you into the stratosphere of life. Freddie Mercury’s song raises your tone. You can’t help but get up and dance as you hear Queen’s music.
The movie follows the band’s spectacular rise through their recognizable songs and innovative sound—the band struggles because Mercury’s lifestyle spiraled downwards and lost to oblivion.
But, the movie shines on the triumphant reunion on the eve of Live Aid, where Mercury, facing a life-threatening illness, leads the band in one of the most outstanding performances in the history of rock music.
To this day, the band’s legacy shines like a family, inspiring fans, dreamers, and music lovers with the availability of streaming music forever.
Singer’s breakout movie The Usual Suspects in 1995 set the pace for a productive career directing X-Men movies, Superman, and Valkyrie. Fletcher is known more for his acting career which began in the late 1970s. He’s been in movies like Three Musketeers, Kick-Ass, and Stardust. He has also been in many episodic television shows and is easily recognizable.
The movie’s casting includes Rami Malek, Lucy Boynton, Gwilym Lee, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Aiden Gillen, Tom Hollander, and Mike Myers.
The movie clip shows their hard work, and the outcome is brilliant.
The second movie trailer shows us more about the story behind Queen. I hope you find it as fulfilling as I do – excellent music.
The movie trailer will rock you, and you will recognize some popular tones.
Rami Malek, winner as best actor in a motion picture drama for “Bohemian Rhapsody” with Makeup Artist Jan Sewell
I interviewed the movie’s makeup and hair designer, Jan Sewell, who is amazing. “They completely shoot out of sequence. I have to write down all the continuity. So if they jump around, I know, what everybody looks like. I write down in the whole script what everybody should look like. And you know, based on your meetings with the director, producer, and actors, I know what they look like.”
The movie is now available as streaming, Blu-ray, or DVD. I am getting my copy because this is a movie to own for any fan of Queen or Bohemian Rhapsody. The Blu-ray/DVD package offers an exclusive first look at the “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” performance not previously seen in theaters. The video includes side-by-side, scene-for-scene recreations next to Queen’s original Live Aid 1985 performance and interviews with Rami Malek, who plays Freddie Mercury. The clip showcases how the actual Live Aid performance influenced both the filmmakers and cast when recreating what many consider the most incredible live performance of all time.
Fans can experience the full version of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and an additional never-before-seen performance of “We Will Rock You.”
Bohemian Rhapsody received a Best Picture Oscar nomination and craft nominations, including Achievement in Film Editing, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing.
“I am profoundly honored by this nomination on behalf of Bohemian Rhapsody. Working on this film has been a tremendous experience in paying proper tribute to the legend of Queen. I am thrilled the film has become such a phenomenon and grateful to the Academy for recognizing our work,” John Ottman / Achievement in film editing.
“We are deeply humbled by this nomination. It has been such an incredible experience working on Bohemian Rhapsody. All of us are overjoyed that the film has resonated with moviegoers everywhere. Queen’s music is timeless: ” Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali / Achievement in sound mixing.
John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone won the Oscar for Achievement in Sound Editing. Massey, Cavagin, and Casali won, too, for sound mixing. I am excited that Rami Malek won the Oscar for Best Actor. He’s won his Golden Globe and SAG awards.
Co-written and directed by Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman was formerly called Black Klansman. The movie is based on the book by Ron Stallworth called Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime. The true story is a memoir of Stallworth, played by John David Washington, being the first black officer in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1978, he went undercover to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan.
The Stallworth and his partner, played by Adam Driver, penetrate into the Klan. They reach the highest levels and are able to stop a takeover of the city. During his undercover work, he even managed to disruption and stop several cross burnings and other activities of the disreputable hate group.
I watched the movie last night with my family. We were entertained and enlighted on the craziness of bigotry and injustices in the late 70s.
The fact that Jones won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, he wove a skillful story with talented actors playing real people in a messed up system.
Driver, as a non-practicing Jewish cop going undercover in the Ku Klux Klan, is a story in itself. Washington, as the Black man in a world of bigotry even in the police force, holds an even keel to the harshness of his culture.
Jones takes the movie further at the end with clips of contemporary riots in the South. Though I understand his purpose of these final clips, their congruity with the original story is not comforting.
The Blu-ray and DVD hit the street and is available for streaming. If you didn’t get a chance to see the movie yet, you can watch it in the comfort of your own home, and I recommend it.
The cast also includes Laura Harrier, Topher Grace, and Harry Bellefonte. Bellefonte’s seen is heartwrenching as he tells the story of the brutality of the South.
The movie clip shows the comedic undertones.
Interesting movie clip shows how Spike Lee directed a serious comedy. The poster above is silly as well. The movie trailer shows how the movie was filmed in a 1970s style. Obviously, it is a comedy with a strong message.
Directed by Kevin Connelly, Gotti stars John Travolta as John Gotti, Sr. and Kelly Preston as Vicky, Gotti’s wife. The movie follows the father and son, John Gotti, Jr. played by Spencer Lofranco. Gotti, Sr. lived and perished by the mob code of ethics. His son was raised to continue a life of crime. He decided to leave the mob and atone himself and the Gotti name.
The movie is an inside look at the Gotti family and Gotti, Sr. as the head of the Gambino crime family. The largest and most dominant crime organization in the country.
Kevin Connelly has a long list of acting credits from Entourage to The Notebook. He’s directed a few episodic television shows like Entourage and Unhappily Ever After. Gotti is his first major movie with megastars like Travolta and Preston.
The movie is written by both Lem Dobbs and Leo Rossi. Dobbs credits include The Company You Keep and Haywire. Rossi is also an actor with a long list of credits like Sinatra Club and Gotti, playing Bobby Boriello. As a writer, Rossi only has two other screenwriting credits.
The movie trailer and clip so Travolta at his best. His wife, Preston, holds her own as well. Both the trailer and clip so very little of Lofranco. I am sure more movie trailers and clips are on their way. Lofranco will get his chance to show his acting chops. Lofranco movie credits include Unbroken and King Cobra.
Co-written and directed by Haifaa Al Mansour, Mary Shelley tells the story of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, played by Elle Fanning. She is the author of the well-known Gothic novel “Frankenstein.”
Godwin goes through a fiery, tempestuous relationship with celebrated romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, played by Douglas Booth. Both are outsiders constrained by polite society but bound by a natural chemistry and progressive ideas beyond their age and time.
Mary and Percy declare their love for each other, and much to her family’s horror, they run away together, joined by Mary’s half-sister Claire, played by Bel Powley.
A growing tension within their relationship builds during their stay at a friend’s house on Lake Geneva. The friend is Lord Byron, played by Tom Sturridge. Godwin conceives the idea of Frankenstein because all houseguests write a ghost story.
The author created an incredible character, which looms large in popular culture for centuries to come, but society at the time put little value on female authors. At age 18, Mary must challenge these preconceptions, protect her work and forge her identity.
Mansour is from Saudi Arabia and is the first female filmmaker in her country. Her work is controversial.
The movie trailer shows the love and tension between Mary and Percy. There are some quick references to Mary declaring authorship for “Frankenstein.”
Directed by Baltasar Kormakur, who directed 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Walberg and has produced several movies, is an actor, is from Iceland, Adrift stars Shailene Woodley, who started in Fault in Our Stars, and Divergent films, and Sam Claflin, who starred in The Hunger Games.
The movie is based on a true story of carefree spirits with a love for adventure. They essentially two free spirits whose chance encounter leads them first to love and then to the dangers of a hurricane.
The story follows their early romance and a commitment as two enthusiastic sailors embark on a journey across the ocean. Tami Oldham, played by Woodley, and Richard Sharp, played by Claflin, had no idea they were in a straight line into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope for rescue, Tami must find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved.
Kormakur has tackled similar true stories about the spirit coming face to face with natural disasters and overcoming them or ending tragically. The Deep won Kormakur awards in Iceland and Everest. Both of these movies he produced.
Adrift appears to be a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Watching the resilience of the human spirit and the transcendent power of love is the only hope imaginable.
The movie is scripted by Aaron Kandell, Jordan Kandell, and David Branson Smith. Kandell twins worked together on Moana, and Branson has worked on episodic television such as Enlightened and the feature film Ingrid Goes West.
The Blu-ray and DVD are hitting the streets, so now is the time to see the movie again. Unless, you haven’t seen the movie, nows your chance to see what is so special about the movie. With that, I am adding some movie clips and behind the scenes clips of the production.
I saw this movie on a flight from Tampa Bay to Denver. The acting was great and the movie seemed slow at times. I did cry at one point toward the end realizing what this young woman went through to survive. I think some of the audience missed the point of Richard’s spirit being on the boat helping her survive and navigate the boat to Hawaii. The movie called him a mirage but it’s more than that if you read Tami’s book.
The second movie trailer is so much better. The music is exuberant and daunting. You can get a feel for what Woodley’s character is going through.
The movie trailer is super intense and explains how you will be on the edge of your seat as you watch this movie.
Directed by Marielle Heller, the true story follows Melissa McCarthy as the best-selling celebrity biographer Lee Israel. The movie is written by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty and is based on Israel’s memoir.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? starts after Israel made her living in the 1970s and 80s, profiling celebrities such as Katharine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder, and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen.
Lee can no longer be published because, according to her memoir and movie, she has fallen out of step with current sensitivities. She decides to turn her talent into deception, aided by her loyal friend Jack, played by Richard E. Grant.
Heller is also an actor and earned several fellowships for her writing talent. A Diary of a Teenage Girl was her breakout movie as both writer and director, earning several awards, including the Spirit Award for Best First Feature Film.
The latest poster shows the main character, Israel, working in her office with a cascade of typewriters. I presume she used them to forge the letters.
I interviewed Nicole Holofcener over ten years ago and found it fate that she contributed to the screenplay. One particular comment I remember from my interview with Holofcener was about writing for film, “When I am writing, I am directing. I imagine every writer does because the picture is being said in a very specific way. The tone. Yes, I am always aware of how I would like it to look when writing it.”
Can You Forgive Me? appears to be Whitty’s first writing credit for a movie. He Won a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for Avenue Q. He also has several acting credits in both film and television.
These two featurettes talk about the main two characters playing off each other and the creativity of creating a 1981 look for the film.
The featurette shows how the director and McCarthy worked together to create Lee Israel.
Melissa McCarthy plays this scene so well with Ben Falcone. The narrowly used bookstore gives a foreboding presence.
The movie clip shows McCarthy’s talent. This movie looks good; hopefully, it moves along and keeps the audience interested.
The Elevator Pitch Featurette is priceless and tells us the story and scenes of the dynamic cast. I love this director.
McCarthy is taking on a severe subject compared to her usual comedic roles. I hope the movie does well for her career and all the talent involved.
I connected with the director, and I am unsure why, but I like her persona. She’s young with an exceptional future ahead of her.
I like perusing used bookstores. I found some autographed first prints and such. I understand what it is like to find a collector’s item. I discovered from visiting used bookstores that each bookstore has a distinct personality.
Melissa McCarthy received several nominations for her portrayal of Lee Israel. She is stellar in this movie. I saw it the other night and am impressed with her acting ability. The story itself is not that entertaining. But seeing McCarthy and Grant act together is delightful and compelling.
Written and directed by Stanley Tucci, Final Portrait centers on world-renowned Swiss painter and sculptor Alberto Giacometti, played by Geoffrey Rush. The movie takes place in 1964, when James Lord, played by Armie Hammer, is on a short trip to Paris. Lord is an American writer and art lover. His friend, Giacometti, asks him to sit for a portrait. The process, Giacometti assures Lord, will take only a day. Flattered and captivated, Lord agrees.
The offbeat friendship twists and bends along through the eyes of the Lord. He learns about beauty, frustration, perceptiveness and the chaotic process of creating art. The story is about defining a genius and a friendship between two completely different men. Still, they bond in creativity.
Tucci is a well-known actor in such films as The Hunger Games movies, Julie & Julia, and Spotlight. He has directed memorable films like Big Night, The Imposter, and Blind Date. Hammer starred recently in Call Me By Your Name and has other credits like The Social Network and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The trailer and clips reveal a great movie and an excellent character study of an artistic genius.
Directed by John Curran, Chappaquiddick follows Ted Kennedy, played by Jason Clarke, who destroys his life and political career when he is involved in a fatal 1969 car accident that claims the life of a young campaign strategist, Mary Jo Kopechne, played by Kate Mara.
The fatal accident occurred two days before Apollo 11 walk on the moon and became one of the top scandals of the 1970s.
Ed Helms also stars. I am looking forward to seeing him step out of comedy and into this serious role.
The movie received two nominations. One with Golden Trailers Best Drama and the other screenplay from the Miami Film Festival brings me to the conclusion that the script is watch makes the movie. Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan honed a screenplay worth producing.
The Blu-ray/DVD movie trailer is so much better than the trailers promoting the release of the movie. This trailer shows what the story is about and what happened to Mary Jo Kopechne that fateful night. The story unfolds like a chess game.
I watched the movie with my husband. We found the movie to be slow and depressing. The acting is great. Ed Helms played the role as Kennedy’s cousin brilliantly. Jason Clarke is just as good. But, such a sad occurrence is what made it so hard for us to watch. Kennedy still ended up being a Senator for most his life.
The movie clip shows how Ted Kennedy completely lost all responsibility for what he did.
The final trailer says it all. The true story is hard to stomach because it so hard to understand how anyone could be so stupid and negligent.
The movie clips show how unready and unprofessional Kennedy’s staff handled Ted Kennedy’s mess up. Ed Helms performance is stellar.
This clip is awfully dark and the sound quality is not that great.
Chappaquiddick is a tragic story full of conflicting testimonies and odd behavior by Ted Kennedy and his friends.
Gus Van Sant directed Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot and brought us notable movies like To Die For, Milk and The Sea of Trees.
Based on a true story, the movie follows Joaquin Phoenix, a Van Sant alumni, as he performs John Callahan’s lust for life with a quirky knack for off-color jokes and an obvious drinking problem.
The tragedy begins with an all-night bender and ends in a catastrophic car accident. John wakes up using a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
The movie is about his journey back from rock bottom. His honesty and wicked humor turn out to be his saving grace. He builds friends with an oddball AA group while discovering that love is not beyond his reach. He develops a talent for drawing irreverent and sometimes shocking cartoons that bring him notoriety.
Amazon Studios produced the movie, which means I am a Prime member and will see it as soon as it leaves the movie theaters. I look forward to peaking at the acting chops of some fine actors in this movie, including Rooney Mara, Jack Black, and Jonah Hill.
Here is a second trailer with a soundtrack that is like The Beatles.
Check out the trailer and notice Jack Black and Jonah Hill take severe turns in this poignant story.
Written and directed by Bart Layton, American Animals is a hard-to-believe but entirely true story. The movie follows four young men who attempt to execute one of U.S. history’s most daring art heists.
They are still unwaveringly committed to living out of the ordinary. Hence, they designed a barefaced theft of some of the world’s most valuable books from the special collections room of Spencer’s College Library.
