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Atomic Blonde – Trailer

April 11, 2017

ATOMIC BLONDE – July 28, 2017

Oscar® winner Charlize Theron explodes into summer in Atomic Blonde, a breakneck action-thriller that follows MI6’s most lethal assassin through a ticking time bomb of a city simmering with revolution and double-crossing hives of traitors.

The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.

A blistering blend of sleek action, gritty sexuality and dazzling style, Atomic Blonde is directed by David Leitch (John Wick, upcoming Deadpool 2). Also starring John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones, the film is based on the Oni Press graphic novel series “The Coldest City,” by Antony Johnston & illustrator Sam Hart. Kurt Johnstad (300) wrote the screenplay.

Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones

Directed by: David Leitch

Screenplay by: Kurt Johnstad

Based on the Oni Press Graphic Novel Series “The Coldest City,” Written by: Antony Johnston and Illustrated by: Sam Hart

Produced by: Charlize Theron, Beth Kono, A.J. Dix, Kelly McCormick, Eric Gitter, Peter Schwerin

Executive Producers: Nick Meyer, Marc Schaberg, Joe Nozemack, Steven V. Scavelli, Ethan Smith, David Guillod, Kurt Johnstad



In Theaters July 28th

http://www.fandango.com

Odd Brodsky Indie Film Movie Review

April 5, 2017 (updated April 7, 2017)

Everyone knows independent film is where it’s at these days. You can’t argue the facts. Their creators aren’t inhibited like filmmakers working on big budget films. They have all creative control over their art. If you want something unique, indie has the pickle for your palette.

Today, are you looking for an interesting indie film that can give you a good chuckle? If ‘yes’, then I have the perfect film for you to add to your list of must-sees. Odd Brodsky. It’s… odd… and that’s its charm.

It’s not impossible to believe that every single one of us has found ourselves in a situation where we feel a little out of place; a bit uncomfortable where we stand or who we are surrounded by at a given moment. Oftentimes we are facing a position that doesn’t give us the level of comfort we’d prefer to have and we’re troubled by that. Well, imagine this is the norm in your life; that this IS your life. Meet Audrey “Odd” Brodsky, the spirit for which filmmaker Cindy Baer introduces you to such an existence.

Odd Brodsky is a comedic story loosely inspired by some of Baer’s own journeys on this planet, and if you’re a filmmaker you’ll especially appreciate the whimsical musings of these familiar attempts at making it in the business.”

Aud… Odd is a woman who has made it her life’s work not to fit in and has accepted her fate… or has she? In what feels like a one hour and thirty-three minute SNL skit, Odd and her gang of friends are trying their best to make something of themselves.

Working in Hollywood and being an actress seems to not only be Odd’s passion but also the only thing with which she excels, ‘Acting makes me braver than I really am.’

Audrey’s friend Sammy is producing a play that gives writers Baer and Matthew Irving an opportunity to bring on the silly. For instance, when Sammy is looking for a particular actor to be on stage who is playing the part of God in her stage show Hell is Here, she shouts for him, and the way this whole scene plays out… I almost choked on my chips. It’s hysterical.

Now thinking maybe behind the scenes is best for her, Odd decides to produce a reality show. Again with the laughs… of using scenes to their fullest; labeling people such as Photolab guy and Camera One. It’s great! Odd moves from building to building and as she moves back and forth, painted on the wall, literally on the wall, are the paths she’s choosing. The symbolism is great fun. Very clever.

Tegan Ashton Cohan is so wonderful as Audrey, and with her, Camera One, is perfectly cast. Matthew Kevin Anderson shows the perfect emotion for what he’s going through and the feelings he’s starting to have for Odd. Grand kudos goes to Baer for handling the role of Sammy and keeping her fellow actors in mind at the same time. She handled this set well and it is abundantly clear that she has the product to prove she… made it.

Warning to you, however. You’ll want to find Cindy Baer and give her a big hug after watching this movie, because not only did she entertain you, but you can’t help but wonder how much of this is reality and how much pressure had she truly felt deep down growing up? Did her family support her? Well, if they didn’t, she proves them wrong with this winning film. Not only that, she makes fun of it so you know that if the pain was there… it certainly isn’t now.

Impressive job, Cindy Baer! Genuinely delightful film. I cannot wait to see what you, even Audrey, has in store for us next… until then, may I borrow Camera One?

Here are VOD links for you to watch Odd Brodsky!

iTunes: https://itun.es/us/K7n1fb
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mUFOTu
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2mm34Xj

Demetri Martin to appear at the PFF with his film “Dean”

April 4, 2017 (updated April 4, 2017)

ACTOR/COMEDIAN DEMETRI MARTIN TO APPEAR AT

PHOENIX FILM FESTIVAL

PHOENIX, AZ (April 4, 2017) – The Phoenix Film Festival welcomes Demetri Martin to this year’s lineup at the feature film showcase of his film “Dean”. Demetri Martin is a popular comedian, actor, artist, musician, writer and humorist and he will appear at the Wednesday, April 12^th showing of the film that he directed and also stars in.

Who: Demetri Martin

When: Wednesday, April 12 at 7:20pm

Where: Phoenix Film Festival

Harkins Scottsdale 101, Auditorium #6

7000 E Mayo Blvd

Phoenix, AZ 85054

Synopsis: Writer/Director/Comedian Demetri Martin stars alongside Academy Award® winner Kevin Kline in this comedic and heartfelt tale about a father and son coming to terms with love, loss and everything in between. Dean (Martin) is an illustrator whose unwillingness to deal with the recent death of his mother means escaping his hometown of New York for an interview with an ad agency in Los Angeles. His retired engineer dad Robert (Kline) takes a more regimented approach to grief, including putting the family home up for sale. Both father and son set out on their own paths to find a new normal as unexpected circumstances and potential new love interests threaten to thwart all plans. Dean has been awarded The Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature at 201ribeca Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize for Best Performance US Narrative Feature at 2017 Gasparilla International Film Festival.

Directed and Written by: Demetri Martin

Cast: Demetri Martin, Kevin Kline, Gillian Jacobs, Mary Steenburgen, Reid Scott, Rory Scovel, Christine Woods, Ginger Gonzaga, Peter Scolari, and Briga Heelan

For More Information: www.cbsfilms.com

The Phoenix Film Festival occurs this year from Thursday, April 6^th to Thursday, April 13^th. Continually breaking attendance records since its inception, last year’s festival saw over 25,000 attendees and there are hopes to pull in even more film enthusiasts this year. The week-long Festival will be held once again at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre located at 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054.

For movie lovers, this is an event that is not to be missed. Tickets and passes are on sale now and available through the Phoenix Film Festival websitewww.PhoenixFilmFestival.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket Center next to the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre. Tickets range in price from $13 for a single screening to $300 for a platinum pass. For more information call 602-955-6444 or visit www.PhoenixFilmFestival.com.

ROGUE ONE released to Blu-Ray DVD today. To celebrate, here are some fun trivia challenges to tease your brain!

April 4, 2017 (updated April 4, 2017)

THE MISSION COMES HOME

GET “ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY” EARLY

ON MARCH 24^TH on Digital HD, and on Blu-ray April 4^th

Fans go behind the scenes with filmmakers and cast for a revealing look at the stories behind the first Star Wars standalone film

Announced today on The Star Wars Show and StarWars.com, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will be coming home on Digital HD on March 24th and Blu-ray on April 4th. This news comes on the heels of the start of production announcement of the untitled Han Solo Star Wars Story. “Rogue One” has established its place within the Star Wars universe and the hearts of moviegoers, becoming the seventh highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S.

Arriving early on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on March 24, and on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack, DVD and On-Demand on April 4, the release includes never-before-seen “Rogue One” bonus material that will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.

Bonus features include*:

A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.
Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes – back to the screen.
Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

Here are the links for fun Star Wars Trivia and a Crossword puzzle!

R1SW_Trivia_FIN

R1SW_Crossword_FIN

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards (“Godzilla,” “Monsters”) and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, p.g.a., Allison Shearmur, p.g.a. (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Cinderella”) and Simon Emanuel, p.g.a. (“The Dark Knight Rises”). Veteran ILM visual effects supervisor John Knoll, (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) whom shares a long history with the Star Wars films, is executive producer alongside Jason McGatlin (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” “War of the Worlds”). The story is by John Knoll and Gary Whitta (“The Book of Eli,” “After Earth”), and the screenplay was written by Chris Weitz (“The Golden Compass,” “About a Boy”) and Tony Gilroy (“The Bourne Legacy,” “Michael Clayton”).

Felicity Jones (“The Theory of Everything,” “Like Crazy”) heads up the cast and stars opposite Diego Luna (“Milk,” “Elysium”). Joining them are Ben Mendelsohn (“Bloodline,” “Animal Kingdom”), Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale,” TV’s “Hannibal”), Alan Tudyk (“Frozen,” “I, Robot”), Riz Ahmed (“Nightcrawler,” “Jason Bourne”) and Forest Whitaker (“The Last King of Scotland,” “The Butler”). The film also welcomes two of China’s biggest stars, Donnie Yen (“Ip Man,” “Blade II”) and Jiang Wen (“Let the Bullets Fly,” “The Sun Also Rises”). In addition, Anthony Daniels (“Star Wars: A New Hope,” “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”) reprises his role of C-3PO, marking his eighth appearance in a Star Wars film.

To create the distinctive and contemporary look of the film, Edwards chose revered cinematographer Greig Fraser (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “Foxcatcher”). Visual effects supervisors John Knoll and Mohen Leo (Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man,” “The Martian”) team up with special effects supervisor Neil Corbould (“Black Hawk Down,” “Saving Private Ryan”) and ILM animation supervisor Hal Hickel (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Iron Man”). Star Wars veteran Doug Chiang (Star Wars Episodes I and II, “Forrest Gump”) and Neil Lamont (supervising art director on “The Force Awakens” and the “Harry Potter” film series) join forces as production designers, and Neal Scanlan (“Prometheus”) returns to do special creature effects, having recently worked on “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Additional key crew include costume designers Dave Crossman (costume supervisor on The Force Awakens and the “Harry Potter” film series) and Glyn Dillon (“The Force Awakens” and “Kingsman: The Secret Service”costume concept artist), as well as stunt coordinator Rob Inch (“The Force Awakens,” “World War Z”).

The music is by composer Michael Giacchino (“Star Trek Beyond,” “Zootopia”), with original Star Wars music by John Williams. The editors for the film are John Gilroy, ACE (“Nightcrawler,” “The Bourne Legacy”), Jabez Olssen (“The Hobbit” trilogy) and Colin Goudie (“Monsters”).

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

FEATURE RUN TIME: Approximately 133 min.

RATING: PG-13 in U.S.; PG in CE; G in CF

ASPECT RATIO: Blu-ray 3D Feature Film =2.39:1

Blu-ray Feature Film = 2.39:1

DVD Feature Film = 2.39:1

AUDIO: Blu-ray = English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital Language Tracks

DVD = English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, English 2.0 Descriptive Audio Language Tracks

LANGUAGES: English, French & Spanish

SUBTITLES: English SDH, French & Spanish

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website: http://www.starwars.com/rogue-one

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StarWarsMovies

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StarWars

Instagram: http://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/starwars

ABOUT “ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY”:

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The story is by John Knoll and Gary Whitta, and the screenplay is by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opened in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter Movie Review

April 3, 2017

Are you a horror fan looking for something new? Then don’t miss Blackcoat’s Daughter; another winner from A24! The short answer as to why you can’t miss this is that it totally embodies the new part that you’ve been looking for. So, here’s a bit of unsolicited advice for you, if you don’t mind, don’t read much more about the film. Don’t watch a trailer. Go in cold, only knowing that you have to see it. You’re a horror fan and that’s all you need to be. If you’d like to continue reading, I don’t give away too much.

Cinematically, it’s a stunner. I’m ready to watch it again for the pure enjoyment of it. The music is so unsettling, the way bows screech across their string instruments or the strings are plucked hard to get your attention in a given moment… genius. Much like horror classics, the music is central in setting the sweeping tenor of the film. It was absolutely unnerving.

You’ll also be impressed with how this story, that centers on three different girls, starts to unfold. Kat (Shipka) and Rose (Boynton) are stuck at their Catholic school in Bramford during winter break. When their parents don’t come and pick them up, the headmaster asks that they are watched over by a couple of nuns. Kat and Rose don’t know one another very well, nor do they particularly like one another, but they’re making due with the situation they find themselves.
Then we are introduced to a young woman on the road named Joan who is played by Emma Roberts. She’s odd; almost lifeless when she is approached by Bill (Remar) and Linda (Holly) who assume the girl’s in trouble and would like to help. She reminds Bill of their daughter and he can’t help but tell her so. Uncomfortable, but desperate to get to Bramford, she accepts the ride. As Joan gets closer to Bramford, she gets more and more dark and we cut back and forth to and from the other girls.

We begin to pick up on more of each storyline. Things are revealed about Kat who is having terrifying visions and she, like Joan, seems to get ill while her demeanor changes, as well. Rose overhears something sinister and creeps around in the dark, abandoned school halls. She does something that I don’t believe anyone in her situation would, however, and that is go downstairs where it’s dark and peeks through the window in a door she has no business looking through. It’s here she sees something she wishes she hadn’t. But when did this happen exactly and are you sure? Just when you think you have this movie figured out, you didn’t know a thing. What really works is how the tension builds in both storylines and you cannot wait to see them intersect… if that’s in fact what’s going to happen.

Perkins’ writing and directing mixed with cinematographer Julie Kirkwood’s style, who worked with Perkins on the Netflix original I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, as well, will leave an impression on you. This is a well told, rare, impactful story. Perkins took special care in making sure you remembered his characters long after the movie was over. I can assure you that you will. The weather adds shading, the sets add mood, the lighting creates fear and, of course, the performances grip you. Perkins wastes nothing in enhancing the film’s ambiance to set a specific tone for you.

I couldn’t wait to see where the stories would come together. As the movie got further and further in, I was getting more and more uncomfortable watching it alone… I’ll admit to then allowing a little daylight in by opening the curtains. Let’s see how you fair. Catch Blackcoat’s Daughter exclusively at the Alamo Drafthouse in Chandler, or wherever it’s playing near you, this weekend. Good luck!

Enter To Win 2017 Phoenix Film Festival Flex Passes

April 3, 2017 (updated April 15, 2017)

The Phoenix Film Festival, named one of The 25 Coolest Film Festivals by MovieMaker Magazine, is back for its 17th year! The Festival annually screens over 150 films, holds amazing parties and provides filmmaking seminars. If you are a movie lover, this is an event that is not to be missed!

The International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival happens in conjunction with the yearly Phoenix Film Festival. Attendees can catch premieres of short and feature horror and sci-fi films from all over the world, along with eclectic programming of older films, special guests and cult classics. Plus, patrons can enjoy all the great parties and entertainment the Phoenix Film Festival is known for. It’s the best of all worlds!

Tickets and passes will be available beginning March 1 at www.PhoenixFilmFestival.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phoenix Film Festival Ticket Center next to the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theater. Tickets range in price from $13 for a single screening to $300 for a platinum pass.

FESTIVAL OFFICIAL CHANNELS
SITE: http://www.phoenixfilmfestival.com
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixFilmFestival
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/PhoenixFilmFest
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixfilmfestival
OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #PFF2017

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Show your love for the ALIEN films during ALIEN DAY on April 26th

April 3, 2017

ALIEN DAY RETURNS APRIL 26

Celebrate the Groundbreaking

ALIEN Franchise with 24 Hours of

Fan-Focused Activities Worldwide

Countdown Continues to the Global

Release of Ridley Scott’s ALIEN: COVENANT

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2017 – Alien Day returns on April 26, a nod to planet LV-426 from the iconic ALIEN films, as the countdown continues for the highly anticipated new chapter in Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking ALIEN sci-fi thriller, ALIEN: COVENANT, releasing in theaters worldwide beginning May 10. Cast members from ALIEN: COVENANT will join fan-focused festivities including a live streaming event, an interactive trivia challenge, worldwide screenings, all-new product launches, special reveals and more.

Fan activities include:

ALIEN DAY livestreaming event at Fox Studios in Los Angeles: Beginning at 10 a.m. PDT on all ALIEN social channels and on the newly launched ALIEN Universe Hub (www.AlienUniverse.com), fans can interact with the cast via a question and answer session as well as view multiple behind-the-scenes segments highlighting the making of ALIEN: COVENANT.
Global One-Night Screening Event – Screenings of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 ALIEN starring Sigourney Weaver and his 2012 follow-up PROMETHEUS will be held across the globe on ALIEN DAY. At participating RPX Regal Cinema U.S. theaters and worldwide partners, fans can watch these sci-fi thrillers and be treated with exclusive content from ALIEN: COVENANT and a one-of-a-kind commemorative item. Participating locations will be listed on www.AlienUniverse.com.
The “MU/TH/UR of all ALIEN Trivia Challenges”: Returning for only 24 hours on www.AlienUniverse.com, Fox will unveil a new quiz every 4 hours and 26 minutes. Fans will answer a series of rapid-fire questions for a chance to win a VIP trip to Ridley Scott’s upcoming Imprint Ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and incredible prizes.
Fan Art Contest: Submissions for a Fan Art Contest are now open at AlienUniverse.com. The chosen artwork will be transformed into a limited edition t-shirt premium available with the purchase of the ALIEN: COVENANT Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD, exclusively at Wal-Mart stores and Walmart.com. Pre Order will start on May 19.

Fans can own the complete ALIEN Universe on Blu-ray featuring four limited-edition Mondo ALIEN movie poster cards. Available exclusively at Wal-Mart andWalmart.com on April 18.

Fans should stay tuned for product announcements, limited edition releases and exciting unveils to take place in the weeks ahead and through the theatrical premiere of ALIEN: COVENANT. Among the key licensees joining the ALIEN DAY celebration: Dark Horse Comics, Audible, Titan, NECA, Hallmark, PPW Toys, Cool Props, Funko and more.

Fox Consumer Products is also partnering with multiple retailers including BoxLunch, FYE/TWE, Books-A-Million, and Spencer’s Gifts, which will showcase exclusive ALIEN franchise merchandise, celebrating the day with in-store activations, and social media sweepstakes.

And look out for a special ALIEN DAY broadcast message from Madame Tussauds with further details of a terrifying arrival at one of their iconic locations this summer.

For more information on all ALIEN DAY activities, go to www.AlienUniverse.com. Fans can also join the #ALIENDAY conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

ABOUT ALIEN: COVENANT (Release: Beginning May 10th)

Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with ALIEN: COVENANT, a new chapter in the groundbreaking ALIEN franchise. The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Carmen Ejogo, Amy Seimetz, Jussie Smollett, Callie Hernandez, Nathaniel Dean, Alexander England, Benjamin Rigby

The Zookeeper’s Wife Movie Review

April 2, 2017 (updated April 2, 2017)

“The Zookeeper’s Wife” is a tale that does need to be told. The amount of courage and bravery shown makes for an interesting story.

Ghost in the Shell Movie Review

April 2, 2017 (updated April 2, 2017)

“Ghost in the Shell” has been around for quite a while, first as a Japanese manga comic series, and in 1995, as an animated movie based on the series. Now it has become a live-action version. This cyber-punk classic is given a new look and feel, still keeping with the dystopian future and the Asian-themed storyline. The most prominent roles are not played by Asian actors in this version. But it still has a futuristic vibe that has been seen before.

In this future generic Asian city, the largest company is Hanka Robotics. A crucial experiment is successful when Dr. Ouélet (Juliette Binoche) oversees a living human brain merged into a cybernetic ‘shell’ body, with a perfect human form. The Major (Scarlett Johansson) becomes a super-powered crime fighter for a counter-cyberterrorist group called Section 9. This group is led by Togusa (Chin Han), who reports to the government about all criminal activity.

Major and her partner Batou (Pilou Asbæk) are caught in a series of murders when top executives from Hanka Robotics are brutally killed. Evidence leads to a shadowy figure called the Puppet Master, later found out to be named Kuze (Michael Pitt). The Major catches up to Kuze and they find very unusual similarities. Major starts to question everything about her past, which has always been clouded and mysterious.

The more that Major and Batou investigate, the more troubled Major becomes. She knows that her body is manufactured, but she tries to understand why her brain (her “ghost”) is leading her to a place and time in her past. Hanka Robotics is led by a shady CEO who keeping many secrets from Major. When she finally learns the truth, it will change everything in her world.

Marvel will probably not release a stand-alone “Black Widow” movie for a long time. So now with “Ghost in the Shell”, you can see it as “I, Black Widow Robot”. Scarlett Johansson has perfected her bad-ass, take-no-prisoners hot chick fighting machine persona. In this movie, she further perfects the ‘machine’ part of that equation. She is always cool and in control, and this movie demands that she continue in that role. She pulls it off with no problem.

The rest of the cast is very much on target to the original source material. Pilou Asbæk is terrific as Batou, and he looks like a young cyber-punk Kiefer Sutherland. Juliette Binoche brings a very conflicted worry to her role, as she does not want Major to know her true origin. Chin Han has the perfect look for a wise man who can lead the Section 9 group, always speaking his native language when everyone speaks English.

The production values and set designs are stunning. They are beautiful to see and visually very active and colorful. The action sequences are set up and carried out with a smooth style. The story leads deeper into the background of the Major, and finds that she might want to be there.

However, the main drawback is that all has been done before. All classic science-fiction movies are copied here and there: ‘The Matrix’, ‘The Terminator’, ‘Blade Runner’, The Fifth Element’ and others. Even the animated version of this same movie beat it by over 20 years. If all you want is something 100% original, then you must look somewhere else.

If you are looking for a well-produced and action-filled science-fiction movie, then this will please you. Scarlett Johansson plays the role well, even without being Oriental. If you do not mind all the places where they have borrowed from other movies, you might really like “Ghost Blade in the Matrix Runner Shell”…

The Boss Baby Movie Review

April 2, 2017 (updated June 13, 2017)

Boss Baby is a new spin on the old tale of sibling rivalry. DreamWorks starts this little story off by telling us of the life of one Tim Templeton. The grown up Tim and narrator for the film, Toby Maguire, recants for us his childhood. Tim spends his days in an incredibly vivid dream world where he may see a tent as a spaceship or a wagon as a police car, you know, that sort of thing. Being an only child, he has his parent’s (voiced by Jimmy Kimmel and Lisa Kudrow), undivided attention, particularly at bedtime when they tuck him in, read him some bedtime stories and sing him to sleep. His life is perfect. Perfect until the moment his baby brother (Baldwin) arrives, who proceeds to then ruin everything. The baby has started taking over Tim’s once happy life. His idyllic world begins to crumble as time with his parents slips away and even his precious bedtime stories and songs get cut down to a simple goodnight. Boss Baby, as babies need love and attention, is seen, by Tim, as ruling over his parents and about to take them from him completely.

Keeping in mind that he has the most colorful imagination ever, his parents’ new offspring is a baby who speaks with a boorish attitude, dresses from head to toe in black and carries a briefcase. He isn’t just a baby… he is up to something. Tim, who is immediately suspicious of the baby, sees right away that the child is up to no good when he overhears him speaking on his toy phone to Baby Corp. Tim may know this now, but how to prove it?
Play dates become meetings that Boss Baby hosts. He and his cohorts are from Baby Corp which is where babies come from. Babies run down a conveyor belt and are routed to families who eagerly await their newborn. Every now and again, a baby will be tagged to work in the head office, and Boss Baby is one of those special few. He has now infiltrated Tim’s family because of where his parents work, Puppy Co.
Baby Corp is losing the market on love to puppies and Puppy Co’s Francis Francis (Buscemi), who holds a long-time grudge against Baby Corp, is about to do something that will change the ‘puppy love versus love for a baby’ game forever. Boss Baby lets Tim know the whole truth and now they must work together to stop Francis Francis. Boss Baby promises that once the task is accomplished, he’ll move up to Baby Corp, get his own corner office and be out of Tim’s hair forever.

There’s a lot of cute here. It’s amusing the way we see things getting fast and furious for Tim with Boss Baby and his gang and then we cut to the point of view of the parents and everything is at a normal pace and fine. I always appreciate the type of humor in animated films that execute a good balancing act of G and PG to be smart in thinking of its entire audience.

Everyone in the family will like Boss Baby for what is aimed at them. Everything appears to be meant for kids but the true humor soars over their heads and strikes the intended target directly; the parents. That is always clever. There are a lot of resourceful, imaginative and fun ideas put to use here. It’s a good cast and the animation is delightful. Some moments are a bit over the top or weren’t ever necessary but in the end, it pretty well evens out. See it at the theatre if you can.

THE BOSS BABY Official Channels

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