24 July 2012

From Time Travel To Iranian Revolution, 2012 Toronto Film Festival Line Up Announced

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From Time Travel To  search and Recuse during the Iranian Revolution, 2012 Toronto Film Festival Line Up  was Announced this morning.After UK festivals, Cannes , Venice, Toronto Film Festival (now in its 37th year) is probably the biggest festival in North America one of the top 5 most important due to the qaulity of the films, the competition to get films included on the programme but also it's regarded as the unofficial start to the Oscars season.

As per usual Toronto never disappoints with it's selection, several potential Oscar contenders, big films will be on show with Rian Johnson's Looper getting the honours in opening the festival. The time travelling sci-fi action thriller which will see Joseph Gordon Levitt chasing his older self played by Bruce Willis. The festival will also show David O.Russell's Silver Linnings Playbook with Bradley Cooper, Wachowski Brother's Cloud Atlas (which was partly filmed close to The Peoples Movies HQ, Glasgow) with a who's who in Hollywood  including Tom Hanks. Jake Gyllenhaal in End of Watch;  Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond the Pines, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Imogene, The Iceman, A Late Quartet, and Love, Marilyn are just some of the other films on offer.

Toronto Film Festival will also host the first screening world wide to Terrence Malick's To The Wonder.

Despite been the wrong side of the Atlantic to attend the festival The Peoples Movies and Cinehouse will do their best to bring you the best coverage pyshically possible. So please check out the press release below for complete list of films, and remember any updates we will bring soon as we get them.


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Piers Handling, CEO and Director of TIFF, and Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director of the Toronto International Film Festival, made the first announcement of films to premiere at the 37th Toronto International Film Festival. Films announced include titles in the Galas and Special Presentations programmes. The announced films include 17 Galas and 45 Special Presentations, including 38 world premieres.

Toronto audiences will be the first to see the world premieres of films from directors Andrew Adamson, Ben Affleck, David Ayer, Maiken Baird, Noah Baumbach, J.A. Bayona, Stuart Blumberg, Josh Boone, Laurent Cantet, Sergio Castellitto, Stephen Chbosky, Lu Chuan, Derek Cianfrance, Nenad Cicin-Sain, Costa-Gavras, Ziad Doueiri, Liz Garbus, Dustin Hoffman, Rian Johnson, Neil Jordan, Baltasar Kormákur, Shola Lynch, Deepa Mehta, Roger Michell, Nishikawa Miwa, Ruba Nadda, Mike Newell, François Ozon, Sally Potter, Robert Pulcini & Shari Springer Berman, Eran Riklis, David O. Russell, Gauri Shinde, Ben Timlett & Bill Jones & Jeff Simpson, Tom Tykwer & Andy Wachowski & Lana Wachowski, Margarethe von Trotta, Joss Whedon and Yaron Zilberman.

We are thrilled to announce so many exciting and prestigious films today, with many more to follow,” said Handling. “This year’s Festival is looking particularly strong with bold, adventuresome work coming from established and emerging filmmakers.”

This year we present our most diverse Gala programme to date with films from Japan, China, India, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy, USA and Canada,” said Bailey. “Toronto’s red carpet is a global one and we’re excited to welcome some of the world’s best filmmakers and greatest stars to Canada.”

The Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 6 to 16, 2012.

GALAS
A Royal Affair – Nikolai Arcel, Denmark/Sweden/Czech Republic/Germany North American Premiere A gripping tale of brave idealists who risk everything in their pursuit of freedom for the people. Above all, it is the story of a passionate and forbidden romance that changed an entire nation. Starring Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander.

Argo – Ben Affleck, USA World Premiere
When militants storm the U.S. embassy in 1979 Tehran, six Americans manage to slip away. Knowing it’s only a matter of time before they are found, a CIA “exfiltration” specialist comes up with a plan to get them out of the country: a plan so incredible, it could only happen in the movies. Starring Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and Kyle Chandler.

The Company You Keep – Robert Redford, USA North American Premiere
Jim Grant (Robert Redford), a civil rights lawyer and single father, must go on the run when a brash young reporter (Shia LaBeouf) exposes his true identity as a former 1970s radical fugitive wanted for murder. Sparking a nationwide manhunt, Grant sets off on a cross-country journey to clear his name. Also starring Julie Christie, Susan Sarandon, Terrence Howard, Anna Kendrick, Stanley Tucci, Chris Cooper and Nick Nolte.

Dangerous Liaisons – Hur Jin-ho, China North American Premiere
As war looms in Shanghai, glamorous libertine Mo Jietu (Cecilia Cheung) runs into playboy Xie Yifan (Dong-gun Jang), an ex-boyfriend who’s never stopped loving her. She persuades him to play a treacherous game: Xie must seduce the innocent and naïve Du Fenyu (Zhang Ziyi) and then dump her. But the game becomes increasingly dangerous as Xie falls in love with Du, leading them all to tragic and shocking consequences.

English Vinglish – Gauri Shinde, India World Premiere
Money, fame and a knowledge of English. In India, these 3 factors play a huge role in how society judges an individual. English Vinglish is the story of Shashi, a woman who does not know English and in turn is made to feel insecure by her family and society at large. The film is the lighthearted yet touching and transformational journey of Shashi. Circumstances make her determined to overcome this insecurity, master the language, teach the world a lesson on the way to becoming a self assured and confident woman. This film marks the comeback of India’s biggest female star, Sridevi.

Free Angela & All Political Prisoners – Shola Lynch, USA/France World Premiere
Legendary radical activist Angela Davis’ words and actions made her a revolutionary icon in the 1960s. The documentary Free Angela & All Political Prisoners tells the dramatic story of how a young philosophy professor’s social justice activism implicates her in the botched kidnapping attempt of a judge that ends in bloody shootout. Newsweek asks: what would prompt Angela Davis, “the daughter of the black bourgeoisie, to take a desperate turn to terrorism?”

Great Expectations – Mike Newell, United Kingdom World Premiere
Based on the Charles Dickens classic. Orphan Pip rises from humble beginnings thanks to a mysterious benefactor. Moving through London’s class-ridden world as a gentleman, Pip uses his new status to pursue Estella, a beautiful, heartless heiress he’s always loved. The shocking truth behind his fortune will have devastating consequences for everything he holds dear. Starring Holliday Grainger, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter and Jeremy Irvine.

Hyde Park on Hudson – Roger Michell, United Kingdom World Premiere
In June 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Academy Award nominee Bill Murray) and his wife Eleanor (Olivia Williams) host the King and Queen of England (Samuel West and Olivia Colman) for a weekend at the Roosevelt home at Hyde Park on Hudson in upstate New York. With Britain facing imminent war with Germany, the Royals are desperately looking to FDR for support. But international affairs must be juggled with the complexities of FDR’s domestic establishment. Seen through the eyes of Daisy (Academy Award nominee Laura Linney), Franklin’s neighbour and intimate, the weekend will produce not only a special relationship between two great nations, but also a deeper understanding of the mysteries of love and friendship.

Inescapable Ruba Nadda - Canada World Premiere
One afternoon, on a typical day at work, Adib is confronted with devastating news: His eldest daughter, Muna, has gone missing in Damascus. Now Adib, who has not been back in over 30 years, must return to Syria and deal with his secret past in order to find her. Inescapable is a thriller about a father’s desperate search for his daughter and the chaos of the Middle East he left behind. Starring Alexander Siddig, Marisa Tomei and Joshua Jackson.

Jayne Mansfield’s Car - Billy Bob Thornton, USA/Russia North American Premiere
Jayne Mansfield’s Car is a funny, poignant and searching look at three generations of fathers and sons in the South during the tumultuous ‘60s. It follows the family’s heartfelt — and sometimes hilarious — struggles with long-held resentments, secrets, the memories of war, and how life, death and loss shaped them all. Starring Robert Duvall, Kevin Bacon, Billy Bob Thornton and John Hurt.

Opening night film
Looper – Rian Johnson, USA World Premiere
In this futuristic action thriller, time travel will be invented – but it will be illegal and only available on the black market. When the mob wants to get rid of someone, they will send their target 30 years into the past, where a “looper” – a hired gun, like Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) – is waiting to mop up. Joe is getting rich and life is good… until the day the mob decides to “close the loop,” sending back Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) for assassination. Also starring Emily Blunt, Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels.

Love, Marilyn – Liz Garbus, USA World Premiere
Nearly 50 years after her death, two boxes of Marilyn Monroe’s private writings and musings were discovered in the home of her acting coach. These papers, brought to life in this innovative documentary film by some of our contemporary icons and stars, give us a new understanding of Monroe — revealing her carefully guarded inner life. Featuring Elizabeth Banks, Lindsay Lohan, Evan Rachel Wood, Ben Foster, Uma Thurman, Paul Giamatti, Viola Davis, Jeremy Piven, Ellen Burstyn, Adrien Brody, Marisa Tomei and Glenn Close.

Midnight’s Children Deepa Mehta, Canada/ United Kingdom World Premiere
“Born in the hour of India’s freedom. Handcuffed to history.” An epic film from Academy Award-nominated director Deepa Mehta, based on the Booker Prize-winning novel by Salman Rushdie. At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, as India proclaims independence from Great Britain, two newborn babies are switched by a nurse in a Bombay hospital. Saleem Sinai, the illegitimate son of a poor Hindu woman, and Shiva, the offspring of wealthy Muslims, are fated to live the destiny meant for each other. Their lives become mysteriously intertwined and are inextricably linked to India’s whirlwind journey of triumphs and disasters. Starring Satya Bhabha, Shahana Goswami, Rajat Kapoor, Seema Biswas, Shriya Saran, Siddharth, Ronit Roy, Rahul Bose, Kulbushan Kharbanda, Soha Ali Khan, Anita Majumdar, Zaib Shaikh and Darsheel Safary.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Mira Nair, USA North American Premiere
Based on the best-selling novel of the same title, that was translated into 25 languages, this riveting international political thriller that follows the story of a young Pakistani man chasing corporate success on Wall Street, who ultimately finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American dream, a hostage crisis and the enduring call of his family’s homeland. Starring Riz Ahmed, Kate Hudson, Kiefer Sutherland and Liev Schreiber.

Silver Linings Playbook – David O. Russell, USA World Premiere
An intense, loving, emotional and funny family story from The Fighter director, David O. Russell. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence find themselves partners in a secret arrangement to rebuild their broken lives. Robert De Niro yearns to get closer to his son (Cooper), as he tries to keep the family afloat with his compulsive bookmaking. Jacki Weaver and Chris Tucker co-star.

Thermae Romae – Hideki Takeuchi, Japan North American Premiere
Ancient Roman architect Lucius (Hiroshi Abe) is too serious. His inability to keep up with the fast-moving times costs him his job. When a friend takes the dejected Lucius to the public bathhouse to cheer him up, Lucius accidentally slips through time and resurfaces in a modern-day public bath in Japan. There, he meets aspiring young manga artist Mami (Aya Ueto), along with others of the “flat-faced clan.” Shocked by the many inventive aspects of Japan’s bathing culture, Lucius returns to ancient Rome and garners tremendous attention when he implements these novel ideas back in Rome. As he time-slips back and forth between ancient Rome and modern-day Japan, Lucius’ reputation as the ingenious, new bath architect begins to grow.

Twice Born – Sergio Castellitto, Italy/Spain/Croatia World Premiere
Gemma visits Sarajevo with her son, Pietro. Sixteen years ago they escaped the war-torn city while the boy’s father remained behind and later died. As she tries to repair her relationship with Pietro, a revelation forces Gemma to face loss, the cost of war and the redemptive power of love. Starring Penelope Cruz and Emile Hirsch.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
A Few Hours of Spring – Stéphane Brizé, France North American Premiere
Forty-eight-year-old Alain Evrard is obliged to return home to live with his mother. This situation causes all the violence of their past relationship to rise to the surface. Alain then discovers that his mother has a fatal illness. In the last months of her life, will they finally be capable of taking a step toward each other?

Anna Karenina – Joe Wright, United Kingdom International Premiere
The third collaboration of Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley with acclaimed director Joe Wright, following the award-winning box office successes Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, is a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic love story, adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love). The story powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart. As Anna (Knightley) questions her happiness and marriage, change comes to surround her. Also starring Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

At Any Price – Ramin Bahrani, United Kingdom/USA North American Premiere
Set in the competitive world of modern agriculture, ambitious Henry Whipple (Dennis Quaid) wants his rebellious son Dean (Zac Efron) to help expand his family’s farming empire. However, Dean has his sights set on becoming a professional race car driver. When a high-stakes investigation into their business is exposed, father and son are pushed into an unexpected situation that threatens the family’s entire livelihood.

The Attack – Ziad Doueiri, France World Premiere
In the aftermath of a suicide bombing, an Arab surgeon living in Tel Aviv discovers a dark secret about his wife.

Byzantium – Neil Jordan, United Kingdom World Premiere
Two mysterious women seek refuge in a run-down coastal resort. Clara meets lonely Noel, who provides shelter in his deserted guesthouse, Byzantium. Schoolgirl Eleanor befriends Frank and tells him their lethal secret. They were born 200 years ago and survive on human blood. As knowledge of their secret spreads, their past catches up on them with deathly consequence. Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Riley and Saoirse Ronan.

Capital – Costa-Gavras, France World Premiere
We are slaves to the Capital. We tremble when it trembles. We celebrate when it grows and triumphs. Who will set us free? Should we liberate ourselves? We should at the very least know those who serve it and how. This is the story of the unstoppable ascent of Marc Tourneuil, an expendable servant of the Capital who became its undisputed master. Starring Gad Elmaleh and Gabriel Byrne.

Caught in the Web – Chen Kaige, Japan/China International Premiere
The story of three women whose worlds collide, Caught in the Web is a social commentary about the ‘sound bite’ society we are becoming, where perception becomes reality and judgments based on limited facts quickly spread, without regard for the truth or the damage they could cause. Starring Mark Chao, Chen Hong and Gao Yuanyuan.
Cloud Atlas – Tom Tykwer, Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski, USA World Premiere
The powerful, inspiring epic Cloud Atlas explores how the actions and consequences of individual lives impact one another throughout the past, the present and the future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and a single act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution. Starring Tom Hanks, Hugo Weaving, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Grant.

The Deep (Djúpið) – Baltasar Kormákur, Iceland/Norway World Premiere
On a cold night a few miles off the coast of Iceland in March 1984, a fishing boat sank with all of its men. Miraculously surviving after five hours in the ocean, the exhausted young hulk washes ashore — only to find himself on a deadly lava field. Starring Ólafur Darri Ólafsson.

Dormant Beauty – Marco Bellocchio, Italy/France International Premiere
Italy is cleaved by Eluana Englaro’s drama, who will die after 17 years spent in a vegetative state. This national tragedy will touch and transform various characters, each of them with their own ideology and beliefs. A senator is struggling with his vote on a law he profoundly disagrees with, torn between his conscience and his loyalty towards the leaders of his party. His daughter Maria, a pro-life activist, is protesting in front of the clinic where Eluana is hospitalized. Roberto and his brother are there in opposition, demonstrating for stronger secular values — yet it is with Roberto, the “enemy” that Maria falls in love. These and other converging stories are connected by a unique emotional thread: a reflection on the meaning of life. Starring Isabelle Huppert, Toni Servillo, Alba Rohrwacher, Michele Riondino, Maya Sansa, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Brenno Placido, Fabrizio Falco, Gian Marco Tognazzi, Roberto Herlitzka.

Dreams for Sale – Nishikawa Miwa, Japan World Premiere
After losing their restaurant in a fire, a husband and wife come up with a strange plan to rebuild their shattered finances: marrying the husband off to a series of lonely women and defrauding them. Starring Matsu Takako, Abe Sadavo and Tanaka Lena.

End Of Watch – David Ayer, USA World Premiere
Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña star as young Los Angeles police officers Taylor and Zavala as they patrol south central’s meanest streets, creating a riveting portrait of the city’s most dangerous corners and the cops who risk their lives there every day.

Everybody Has A Plan – Ana Piterbarg, Argentina International Premiere

Tells the story of Agustín (Viggo Mortensen), a man desperate to abandon what he has gradually come to feel is an unfulfilling existence after years of living in Buenos Aires. Following the death of his identical twin brother Pedro, Agustín sets out to begin his life anew by assuming Pedro’s identity and returning to the mysterious Tigre Delta region where the brothers had spent their childhood. Soon after his homecoming, however, Agustín finds himself unwittingly embroiled in the deadly criminal underworld that his brother had been part of.

Foxfire – Laurent Cantet, France/Canada World Premiere The latest film from Palme d’Or winner Laurent Cantet (Entre les murs) is a vivid adaptation of the celebrated Joyce Carol Oates novel about a small-town girl gang in the 1950s. Starring Ali Liebert and Tamara Hope.

Frances Ha – Noah Baumbach, USA World Premiere
An aspiring dancer (co-writer Greta Gerwig) moves to New York City and becomes caught up in a whirlwind of flighty fair-weather friends, diminishing fortunes and career setbacks, in the new film from director Noah Baumbach (Margot at the Wedding, Greenberg).

Ginger and Rosa – Sally Potter, United Kingdom World Premiere
London, 1962: Two teenage girls, Ginger and Rosa, are inseparable. They play truant together, discuss religion, politics and hairstyles, and dream of lives bigger than their mothers’ frustrated domesticity. But as the Cold War meets the sexual revolution, the lifelong friendship of the two girls is threatened. Starring Elle Fanning, Alice Englert, Christina Hendricks, Annette Bening and Alessandro Nivola.
Hannah Arendt – Margarethe von Trotta, Germany World Premiere
Hannah Arendt is a portrait of the genius that shook the world with her discovery of “the banality of evil.” After she attends the Nazi Adolf Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem, Arendt dares to write about the Holocaust in terms no one has ever heard before. Her work instantly provokes a furious scandal, and Arendt stands strong as she is attacked by friends and foes alike. But as the German-Jewish émigré also struggles to suppress her own painful associations with the past, the film exposes her beguiling blend of arrogance and vulnerability — revealing a soul defined and derailed by exile. Starring Janet McTeer and Barbara Sukowa.

The Hunt – Thomas Vinterberg, Denmark North American Premiere
A disturbing depiction of how a lie becomes the truth when gossip, doubt and malice are allowed to flourish and ignite a witch-hunt that soon threatens to destroy an innocent man’s life. Following a tough divorce, 40-year-old Lucas has a new girlfriend, a new job and is in the process of re-establishing his relationship with his teenage son, Marcus… but things go awry with just a story — a random lie. And as the snow falls and the Christmas lights are lit, the lie spreads like a virus. The shock and mistrust get out of hand, and the small community suddenly finds itself in a collective state of hysteria, while Lucas fights a lonely fight for his life and dignity. Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Bo Larsen and Annika Wedderkopp.

The Iceman – Ariel Vromen, USA North American Premiere The true story of Richard Kuklinski: loving husband, devoted father, ruthless killer. He is believed to have killed more than 250 people between 1954 and 1985. Starring Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, David Schwimmer, Michael Shannon and Ray Liotta.

Imogene – Robert Pulcini, Shari Springer Berman, USA World Premiere
The story of a moderately successful New York playwright who stages a fake suicide attempt in order to win back her ex-boyfriend — only to end up being forced into the custody of her gambling-addicted mother. Starring Annette Bening, Matt Dillon, Darren Criss and Kristen Wiig.

The Impossible – J.A. Bayona, Spain/USA World Premiere Based on a true story, The Impossible is the unforgettable account of a family caught in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. True-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion and simple kindness this family encounters during the darkest hours of their lives. Starring Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, Oaklee Pendergast and Ewan McGregor.

In the House – François Ozon, France World Premiere
A sixteen-year-old boy insinuates himself into the house of a fellow student from his literature class and writes about it in essays for his French teacher. Faced with this gifted and unusual pupil, the teacher rediscovers his enthusiasm for his work, but the boy’s intrusion will unleash a series of uncontrollable events. Starring Kristin Scott Thomas.

Kon-Tiki – Joachim Roenning & Espen Sandberg, United Kingdom/Norway/Denmark Intl Premiere
Thor Heyerdahl is a restless spirit. His radical idea kick-starts an impossible mission. Along with five loyal crew, Thor follows an ancient path 4,300 miles across the Pacific on the fragile Kon-Tiki raft. Attacked by tidal waves, sharks and every danger the Ocean can muster, it’s six men battling nature as Kon-Tiki strives to reach land. Having sacrificed everything, even his marriage, Thor must succeed. A true story.

The Last Supper – Lu Chuan, China World Premiere From internationally acclaimed director Lu Chuan, The Last Supper tells an epic story of war, of ruthless ambition, of mighty dreams fulfilled… and of betrayals – betrayals of friendship, betrayals of noble ideals, betrayals of oneself.

A Late Quartet – Yaron Zilberman, USA World Premiere
When the beloved cellist of a world-renowned string quartet is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, the group’s future suddenly hangs in the balance as suppressed emotions, competing egos and uncontrollable passions threaten to derail years of friendship and collaboration. As they are about to play their 25th anniversary concert — quite possibly their last — only their intimate bond and the power of music can preserve their legacy. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mark Ivanir, Imogen Poots, Christopher Walken and Catherine Keener.

A Liar’s Autobiography – The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman
Ben Timlett, Bill Jones, Jeff Simpson, United Kingdom World Premiere Graham Chapman, probably best remembered as “the dead one from Monty Python,” writes and stars in the animated movie of his own life story, A Liar’s Autobiography. He was born, he went to Cambridge and met John Cleese, he smoked a pipe, he became a doctor, he became a Python, he decided he was gay (well, 70/30, according to a survey he did on himself), he got drunk a lot, he stopped being drunk, he made some films, he had some sex (actually, a lot), and moved to Los Angeles. Finally, he was whisked up into space by aliens (although that might have been in a film). Starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Carol Cleveland and Philip Bulcock.

Lore – Cate Shortland, Australia/United Kingdom/Germany North American Premiere
After her Nazi parents are imprisoned, Lore leads her younger siblings across a war-torn Germany in 1945. Amidst the chaos, she encounters mysterious Jewish refugee Thomas, who shatters her fragile reality with hatred and desire. To live, she must trust someone she was taught to hate and face the darkness within herself. Starring Saskia Rosendahl and Kai Malina.

Mr. Pip – Andrew Adamson, New Zealand World Premiere
In 1991, a war over a copper mine in the South Pacific tore the island of Bougainville apart. The reclusive “Popeye” (Hugh Laurie) offers the children in fourteen-year-old Matilda’s tiny village an escape with Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. But on an island at war, fiction can have dangerous consequences. Also starring Xzannjah Matsi, Healesville Joel, Eka Darville and Kerry Fox.

Much Ado About Nothing – Joss Whedon, USA World Premiere
Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof) offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. Also starring Clark Gregg, Jillian Morgese, Nathan Fillion, Spencer Treat Clark and Riki Lindhome.

No – Pablo Larraín, Chile/USA North American Premiere
In 1988, Chilean military dictator Augusto Pinochet, due to international pressure, is forced to call a plebiscite on his presidency. The country will vote “Yes” or “No” to Pinochet extending his rule for another eight years. Opposition leaders for the NO persuade a brash, young advertising executive, Rene Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), to spearhead their campaign. Against all odds, with scant resources and under the scrutiny of the despot’s minions, Saavedra and his team devise an audacious plan to win the election and set Chile free.

Outrage Beyond – Takeshi Kitano, Japan North American Premiere
As the police launch a full-scale crackdown on organized crime, it ignites a national yakuza struggle between the Sanno of the East and Hanabishi of the West. What started as an internal strife in Outrage has now become a nationwide war in Outrage Beyond.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky, USA World Premiere
Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, this modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. The film is a moving tale of love, loss, fear, hope and the unforgettable friends who help us through life. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Nina Dobrev, Melanie Lynskey, Paul Rudd and Dylan McDermott.

The Place Beyond the Pines – Derek Cianfrance, USA World Premiere
Luke (Ryan Gosling) is a professional motorcycle rider who turns to bank robberies to support his newborn son. But when he crosses paths with a rookie police officer (Bradley Cooper), their violent confrontation spirals into a tense generational feud. The Place Beyond the Pines is a rich dramatic thriller, tracing the intersecting lives of fathers and sons, cops and robbers, heroes and villains. Also starring Rose Byrne, Ray Liotta and Eva Mendes.

Quartet – Dustin Hoffman, United Kingdom World Premiere
The directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman, Quartet is a high-drama comedy about temperamental divas and old grudges, passion and pride, romance and Rigoletto, starring Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins as four retired opera singers.

Reality – Matteo Garrone, Italy/France North American Premiere
Luciano is a Neapolitan fishmonger who supplements his modest income by pulling off little scams with his wife Maria. A likeable, entertaining guy, Luciano never misses an opportunity to perform for his customers and countless relatives. One day, his family urges him to try out for the television show Big Brother. As he chases this dream, his perception of reality begins to change. Starring Aniello Arena, Loredana Simioli, Nando Paone, Nello Iorio and Nunzia Schiano.

Rust and Bone – Jacques Audiard, France/Belgium North American Premiere
It all begins in the North of France. Ali suddenly finds himself with a five-year-old child on his hands. Sam is his son, but he hardly knows him. Homeless, penniless and friendless, Ali takes refuge with his sister in Antibes where things improve immediately. She puts them up in her garage and takes the child under her wing. Ali first runs into Stephanie during a night club brawl. He is poor, she is beautiful and self-assured. She trains killer whales at Marineland. When a performance ends in tragedy, a call in the night again brings them together. Starring Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts.

The Sapphires – Wayne Blair, Australia North American Premiere
They’re sexy, black, young, talented, and have never set foot outside of Australia. Until, in the chaos of 1968, they’re plucked from the obscurity of a remote Aboriginal mission, branded as the answer to The Supremes — grasping the chance of a life time — and shipped off to Vietnam to entertain the troops. Starring Chris O’Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy, Shari Sebbens and Miranda Tapsell.

The Sessions – Ben Lewin, USA International Premiere
Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung, who at age 38 is determined to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality. Starring John Hawkes, Helen Hunt and William H. Macy.

Tai Chi 0 – Stephen Fung, China North American Premiere
Young genius Yang Luchan travels to Chen Village to learn the forbidden secrets of martial arts, but quickly learns that the village is menaced by a formidable battalion of Steampunk soldiers. The villagers realize that in order to save their home, they must trust this strange outsider with their knowledge of Tai Chi.

Thanks for Sharing – Stuart Blumberg, USA World Premiere
A dramatic comedy starring Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Gad and Joely Richardson. A group of unlikely friends are brought together through shared determination to recover from sex addictions, in order to forge meaningful relationships for the first time in their lives.

The Time Being – Nenad Cicin-Sain, USA World Premiere
Deals with the mysteries discovered in the search for artistic and personal integrity. When Daniel (Wes Bentley) encounters an eccentric would-be benefactor (Academy Award-nominee Frank Langella), Daniel is forced to wrestle with the balance between personal responsibility and his ambitions as an artist.

To The Wonder – Terrence Malick, USA North American Premiere
After visiting Mont Saint-Michel — once known in France as the Wonder — at the height of their love, Marina (Olga Kurylenko) and Neil (Ben Affleck) come to Oklahoma, where problems soon arise. Marina makes the acquaintance of a priest and fellow exile (Javier Bardem), who is struggling with his vocation, while Neil renews his ties with a childhood friend, Jane (Rachel McAdams). An exploration of love in its many forms.

Venus & Serena – Maiken Baird, USA World Premiere
An honest and unfiltered look into the remarkable lives of sisters and tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams. Through the prism of one year in their lives, the film tells the untold story of how these two great stars came to be and how they struggle to stay on top.

Writers – Josh Boone, USA World Premiere
An acclaimed writer, his ex-wife and their teenaged children come to terms with the complexities of love in all its forms over the course of one tumultuous year in Writers, the clever, funny, and touching tale of a fractured family trying to rediscover one another. Starring Liana Liberato, Jennifer Connelly, Greg Kinnear, Lily Collins and Kristen Bell.

Zaytoun – Eran Riklis, United Kingdom/Israel World Premiere
The story of the unlikely alliance between a twelve-year-old Palestinian refugee and an Israeli fighter pilot shot down over Beirut in 1982. Their initial distrust develops into friendship as they make their way across war-torn Lebanon on a journey to a place they both call home. Starring Stephen Dorff.
Big thanks to Deadline for above information

Slick New Trailer For South African Thriller Sleeper's Wake

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Durban International Film Festival has been playing to South African cinephiles for the past five days and they will be treated to a stylish thriller romp Sleeper's Wake. Barry Berk's latest creation is full of style, dark undertones and plenty of sexy moments but most of all it looks damn good!

John Wraith regains consciousness in hospital, his mind awash with drugs and amnesia, a huge centipede of a scar spread across his forehead from a motorcar accident in which his wife and daughter died because he fell asleep at the wheel.
To heal and find solace, he goes to Nature’s Cove, a wild, unspoilt coastal settlement in South Africa, where most of the holiday homes are boarded up and eerily empty over the winter months. It is there that John comes across a 17-year-old girl, Jackie, weeping softly in a boat outside a chalet. He endeavours to help her, but she turns on him, blackmailing him, wanting money, or she’ll tell everyone that he tried to rape her. That night the young girl’s father, Roelf, comes to apologise for his daughter’s behaviour. He tells John that Jackie’s been struggling since her mother was murdered in front of her during a vicious robbery at their home.
Despite Jackie’s father’s watchful eye and the ominous presence of Dirk, a gun-toting security guard who wants Jackie to marry him, John and Jackie are drawn inexorably toward one another; he, the middle-aged grieving widow, she, the Lolita, wise beyond her years, united in their grief and guilt for the death of a loved one.

source:Dreadcentral

Pigsty (Porcile) DVD Review (Masters Of Cinema Release)

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★★★★


Pigsty is a relatively obscure film made by Pier Paolo Pasolini in 1969. It has been very hard to find until Eureka has released a part of their “Masters of Cinema” range. It was previously released in Tartan Pasolini’s films.

It consists of 2 concurrent stories. One features a man who is runs around in a timeless barren wasteland and becomes a cannibal. The man joins forces with a thug and ravages the landscape. The other story is about a fascistic tycoon Herr Klotz (who has a Hitler tash) and his son Julian’s interest in developing relationships with pigs more than his left leaning fiancé, the young couple are played by French actors Jean-Pierre Léaud (most famously portrayed Antoine Doinel in Truffaut’s films) and Anne Wiazemsky (starred in some Godard films and was married Jean-Luc as well).

The film is almost Bunùelian satire about capitalism, fascism, suggested bestiality and cannibalism. Léaud and Wiazemsky previously starred in Godard’s La Chinoise and the leftist banter between them defiantly has echoes of that film which Pasolini would have certainly been aware of. The completely silent until the last scene story of the man in the timeless wasteland is arguably the more effective story. That segment is all about the extremes humanity can get to which of course Pasolini went back to in his most famous/infamous film Salò. The more conventional story about the young couple and the man’s father is a amusing and ultimately is quite as dark or funny as it could be. However it still works with a nice twist at the very end.

Pigsty is a very interesting film in Pasolini’s cannon. It’s a film that is very much a early attempt to deal with the themes he would later in do in “Salò like fascism, the abuse of power etc. It works quite well as a surrealist black comedy and an important film in the development of Pasolini.

Ian Schultz

UK Rating: 15
(Re-)Release Date: July 2012
Directed By: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Cast: Pierre Clémenti, , Jean-Pierre Léaud, Anne Wiazemsky
Buy:Pigsty [Porcile] [Masters of Cinema] (DVD) [1969]

23 July 2012

Feature - Oscar Winning Combinations

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Many Oscar winners return to work with the directors that helped them win their Oscar, to try and rekindle that winning combination. Rachel Weisz won an Oscar in 2006 for her role in The Constant Gardener, which was directed by Fernando Meirelles. Six years later she is back working with Fernando on his new film: 360. Ahead of 360’s August 10th release, we’ve decided to look at other actors and directors that have worked together again after winning an Oscar. ROBERT DE NIRO AND MARTIN SCORSESE This pair first worked together on the film Mean Streets in 1973 and then went on to make eight films together. De Niro won an Oscar from their film Raging Bull, which was the forth movie they made as a team. After winning the Oscar they made 4 more films, the last being Casino in 1995. There are rumours that Scorsese and De Niro might team up again in the future.

Raging Bull Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

MERYL STREEP AND ROBERT BENTON In 1979 Meryl Streep won her first Oscar for her role as Joanna Kramer in Kramer vs. Kramer, directed by Robert Benton, as was Still of the Night which came out 3 years later in 1982. Meryl Streep had the leading role in this film too but unfortunately did not win another Oscar. She would have to wait until the next year and Sophie’s Choice to win again.

Sophie's Choice | "The Choice" Published via LongTail.tv

JEAN DUJARDIN AND MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS Last year both Jean and Michel shot to fame with the hugely successful film The Artist. It took 5 Oscars at the 2012 Academy Awards including best actor for Jean Dujardin. The pair have recently released another film together, The Players. Who knows how many more awards this popular pair can pull in.

The Artist #6 Movie CLIP - Tap Dancing to the Top (2011) HD Published via LongTail.tv

JACK NICHOLSON AND JAMES L. BROOKS The triple Oscar winner Jack Nicholson won two of his three Oscars with the same director, James L. Brooks. He won one for Terms of Endearment in 1983 and then another for As Good As It Gets in 1998. Recently the pair worked together again in How Do You Know. These two work extremely well together – fingers crossed there may be another collaboration on the cards.

Terms Of Endearment Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

360 arrives in cinemas August 10th.

360 Official UK trailer - In Cinemas August 10 Published via LongTail.tv



Airbourne DVD Review

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★★★★


Brit director, Dominic Burns' (How To Stop Being A Loser) latest feature, Airborne is not going to revolutionise the horror genre, but it does prove to be a nice slice of well executed, direct to DVD fun.

As a snow storm rapidly approaches the UK and airports begin to close, one last flight takes off from an East Midlands airport. On board are an eclectic bunch of characters from tough guy gangsters, disgruntled army men and a mysterious antiques dealer (Julian Glover) with an extremely expensive, ancient Chinese vase. As hell slowly starts to break loose at 30,000 feet, the air control team (lead by none other than Mark Hamill) are left to work out what is happening.

Airborne completely lives up to its billing as a Twilight Zone style thriller, boasting an unpredictable narrative that continually flips viewers assumptions. Burns' plays with genre - Airborne beginning as what feels like a terrorist focussed horror, that slowly turns into a serial killer flick with elements of mythical horror. While it may not be the sort of horror that will keep you awake at night, Burns has his tongue planted firmly in his cheek and embraces the B-Movie nature of the subject matter.

For a straight to DVD release, Airborne also features strong production values alongside convincing performances. Burns' film is well crafted, boasting parallels to the likes of Tom Holland's The Langoliers and Richard Donner's Twilight Zone episode, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. The young director executes a stirring sense of mystery and tension throughout the claustrophobic airborne settings.

Perhaps even more exciting than the sky high antics are the scenes in the British control centre. Here aviation chiefs and military argue about the possible high-jacking and Airborne becomes chock-full of conspiracy-filled twists and turn. It is a particular joy to see Mark Hamill back on-screen, with the iconic star bringing a welcome sense of credibility and gravitas to the somewhat far-fetched plot proceedings.

As well as Hamill, Airborne boasts a strong cast of British character actors from Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade's Julian Glover and also none other than Billy Murray (who it seems is bound by contract to appear in every direct-to-video Brit flick). It is highly entertaining to see these much-loved stars appear in fun, home-produced horror.

Whilst Airborne is unlikely to unsettle, it is otherwise a tense, unpredictable and thoroughly likeable horror. With Burns' tongue-in-cheek style and exciting performances from Mark Hamill, Julian Glover and Billy Murray - Airborne is an extremely worthwhile watch.

Andrew McArthur


Stars: Mark Hamill, Julian Glover, Gemma Atkinson, Billy Murray
Director: Dominic Burns
Certificate: 15 (UK)
Release: 30th July 2012 (UK DVD)
Pre-Order/Buy:Airborne On DVD

Airborne (2012) -Official Trailer [HD] Published via LongTail.tv


UK Trailer & Poster For The Imposter

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If you've ever questioned the thin between fiction and reality you maybe bemused but also mesmerized by Brad Layton's The Imposter and the UK trailer has arrived at The Peoples Movie's HQ. It's been slated as one of the unmissable documentaries of 2012 since it's premier at the start of this year and every film festival including Edinburgh Film Festival it has been leaving not just the critics but also the film fans lucky enough to see it. In an era when films are dominated by comic book films, re-boots, sequels & prequels the chance to create something highly original is becoming harder every year but Bart Layton has truly created something uniquely original with The Imposter which walks the thin line between true-crime documentary and stylish noir mystery.

The twisting, turning tale begins with an unsettling disappearance – that of Nicholas Barclay, a 13 year-old Texas boy who vanishes without a trace. Three and a half years later, staggering news arrives: the boy has been found, thousands of miles from home in Spain, saying he survived a mind-boggling kidnap ordeal. His family is ecstatic to have him back no matter how strange the circumstances – but things become far stranger once he returns to Texas.
Though the family accepts him, suspicion surrounds the person who claims to be Nicholas. How could the Barclay’s blonde, blue-eyed son have returned with darker skin and eyes? How could his personality and even accent have changed so profoundly? Why does the family not seem to notice the glaring differences? And if this person who has arrived in Texas isn’t the Barclay’s missing child... who on earth is he? And what really happened to Nicholas?


Film documentaries at the UK box office haven't done well in the past but as the quality of feature films diminish documentaries have been going in the opposite direction, upwards and this film is a perfect reason to make them popular. The Imposter is currently on limited release in USA and will arrive in UK&Ireland 24 August, go see it your will be shocked at how low individuals will stoop too.

The Imposter Official UK Trailer **In Cinemas August 24** [HD] Published via LongTail.tv

 

Win I Am Bruce Lee DVD, T-Shirt & Poster

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Witness one of the most well-known and respected martial arts legends in all his glory, this July, in the visually thrilling documentary I am Bruce Lee (Fremantle Media). Featuring a host of rare footage and photographs, this compelling documentary examines the fascinating life, continuing influence and lasting legacy of one of the most iconic actors and martial artists of all time.

To celebrate the theatrical release of I am Bruce Lee (Fremantle Media) at selected UK cinemas on 20th July and release on DVD and Blu-Ray on 23rd July, we have a host of goodies to give away!

Despite his tragic and sudden death on 20th July 1973 at the age of 32, Bruce Lee’s enormous influence on martial arts, entertainment and popular culture lives on to this day. Utilizing rare archive footage, photos, movie clips and brand new interviews with members of his close family, as well as with numerous stars from the worlds of sport, music and acting who have been inspired by Lee’s legacy, I Am Bruce Lee goes more deeply into the true story behind the legend than any ever before. The film also examines Bruce’s connections to the establishment of Mixed Martial Arts as we know them today, acknowledging that if Gene LeBell is considered the Godfather of MMA then Bruce is without doubt the modern-day Father of MMA.

To Win this brilliant prize answer the following question: 

Q.What Was Bruce Lee's full name?

 Send your answer , name, address, to have your email to  cinehouseuk@gmail.com  header As ‘I Am Bruce’. Deadline:August 12th, 2012 (2359hrs) . Follow us at our Facebook Page if you haven’t done it already, double entry!  

Terms and Conditions
  • This prize is non-transferable.
  • No cash alternatives apply.
  • UK & Irish entries only
    The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Momentum Films have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
  • The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,Momentum Films employees
  • This competition is promoted on behalf of Freemantle Media
  • The Prize is to win aI Am Bruce Lee goodies
  • To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline August 12th, 2012 (2359hrs)
  • Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
  • The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
  • The competition is opened to Aged 18  and over 
  • Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them
  • The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email
  • By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
UK Competitions and Prize Draws at UKwins
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Free Competitions
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20 July 2012

Metropolis Giorgio Moroder Presents Review

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★★★☆☆



The Giorgio Moroder cut of Metropolis was made in 1984 and for a long time was the most complete version of Metropolis known. It features pop music by the likes of Freddie Mercury and Adam Ant and a synthesizer score by Moroder. I’m somebody who considers the recently unearthed 2 and half hour cut one of the 5 or 10 greatest films ever made so I have a lot of problems with this much-abridged version.

This version is missing over an hour of footage and that footage makes the film’s plot make a lot more sense and it includes entire subplots and characters not included in this version. This version could be compared to the “Love Conquers All” version of Brazil, which the studio made, but unlike that film, the very basic message of the film is in tune with the original version. It’s the rather native message of workers and the elite must work together and a mediator is necessary for communication between the classes.

I respect Moroder for trying to find the most complete version of Metropolis; he started his work in the late 70s. However the soundtrack dates the film to the mid 80s whilst the film itself is utterly timeless. It also does the grave sin of colourizing some scenes and adding cheesy special effects to some scenes as well. It also uses subtitles instead of the standard inter titles which makes the film make a lot less sense. The subtitles are inserted so randomly and really ruin the flow of the scenes. It also includes some mechanical sound effects, which are effective, which works ok with synthesizer score and the se are only additions to the film that is not truly awful. I wouldn’t mind if somebody did a full electronic score for the complete version, which could work quite well.

It’s an interesting cult curiosity and was a stepping-stone for the eventually full restoration of Metropolis even though that took a further 20 + years. However it is sorta turned into an 84 minute 80s music video and really taints the film’s reputation. Despite all these flaws you can tell Moroder clearly loves the film and was trying to reedit the film for a more modern audience, which in reality was needed. So if your gonna see Metropolis which you of course should go get the stunning restoration that is a part of Eureka’s (who also released this version) “Masters of Cinema” range.

Ian Schultz

Rating: PG
Directed by: Fritz Lang
Cast: Brigitte Helm, Heinrich George, Rudolf Klein-Rogge
Buy:Giorgio Moroder Presents: METROPOLIS (LIMITED EDITION DVD STEELBOOK)
Metropolis (1927 / 1984) - Trailer [HD] Published via LongTail.tv

Horror Channel UK announces FrightFest Short Film Showcase line-up

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Maniacs, monsters, demons, creepy kids, apocalyptic visions, phobias, heavy metal meltdown and snails… Welcome to this year’s wild and eclectic mix of cutting edge short films from the global arena of the fantasy and 
horror genre. The ninety-minute film extravaganza is a tasty selection box of Sunday afternoon treats, sponsored once again by Horror Channel.  It will kick-off at 1pm on Sunday 26th August at the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Sq.

Chello Zone's Chief Programming Officer Chris Sharp said today: “It’s another fantastic line-up we’re proud to be sponsoring at FrightFest.  Supporting new talent is key to Horror Channel’s success. With most directors starting their careers with a short film, we’ll be keeping a beady-eye on this year’s showcase.  Our very own Emily Booth and team will be there capturing all the mayhem and interviewing the top talent for our viewers and website visitors.  We’ll also be broadcasting from the festival to our Horror Channel viewers in Italy and are especially impressed by the calibre of Italian film-makers attending this year.  Get your autograph books ready!”

Horror Channel, part of the CBS Chello Zone portfolio of channels, has been involved with FrightFest for the past eleven years and in August will be screening FrightFest Director's Nights Season, where the team behind FrightFest pick their favourites from the festival's past 13 years.

PROGRAMME – SUNDAY 26 AUGUST, 1pm onwards

THE HALLOWEEN KID UK Dir. Axelle Carolyn 7.20
8-year-old Henry, a lonely and imaginative child, can only finds happiness on Halloween...Narrated by Derek Jacobi and starring Anna Walton, Julian Glover, Dave Legeno and Leo Donnelly

ALEXIS Spain Dir.
Alberto Evangelio 9.45
Nine year old Alexis has killed his parents, but can concerned officials uncover the supernatural truth?

GARGOLS! (SNAILS!) Spain Dir
Geoffrey Cowper 16.57
Three friends are partying in a park, when suddenly, Joey sees his first girlfriend, Eva. Joey decides to go talk to her, and when he finally tells her that he's still in love with her, a king-kong size snail appear to ruin his night.

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER (OR HOW I LEARNED TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE) UK Dir. Jen Moss 5.51
Holed up at the end of the world with her well-meaning but dim-witted brother Jo Alex Esmail), Jess (April Pearson) isn’t sure what will destroy her will to live first: the zombies or Jo’s incessant optimism.

LOT 254 UK Dir.
Toby Meakin 13.00
A Collector discovers that a vintage cine camera bought at auction is broken. Repairing it unlocks the hidden terror of LOT 254.

UN JOUR SANG France Dir.
Steven Pravong 14.00
She's not free. He will destroy her, ruin her, profane her...This story is not new. Let's tell it differently...

METAL CREEPERS Spain Dir
J Oskura Najera and Adrian Cardona 11.00
A popular glam metal band is in the recording studio putting together their next record. Their producer hands them some strange scores that supposedly have magic powers.

TOKOPHOBIA UK Dir,
Evrim Ersoy, James Pearcey and Russell Would 6.25
A young woman, alone in her house on a sunny afternoon, discovers she is pregnant and in her mind there can only be one course of action.

THE CAPTURED BIRD Canada Dir.
Jovanka Vuckovic 10.00
In this dark fable, a little girl is drawn to a mysterious mansion where she witnesses the birth of five horrifying apparitions


TV: Sky 319 / Virgin 149 / Freesat 138


Film4 FrightFest The 13th runs from Thurs 23 August to Monday 27 August at the Empire Cinema, Leicester Square.

Tickets for individual films go on sale from 28th July. Bookings: 08 714 714 714 or www.empirecinemas.co.uk


The Brooklyn Brothers Beat The Best Review

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★★★☆☆


Throwing their guitars into the back of a car and rolling into a venue near you are The Brooklyn Brothers, starring as they do, in The Brooklyn Brothers Beat the Beast. An all encompassing feature for writer/director/star Ryan O’Nan whose Alex character is half of the titular band. The other half of the playground folk pop duo, Jim (Michael Weston) is not his brother and by their own admission the name “sounds like a black funk band from the 70’s”. There was however, little time to discuss name suggestions in the hasty assembly of the act.

         Alex is a down-on-his-luck songwriter in all ways a songwriter can be – failing to earn a living through music, failing to find a 5th audience member for his bands shows even, a band he subsequently gets booted out from by a caricature of a lead guitarist. He is also suffering from a broken heart, a crushingly fruitless job as an estate agent and sidelining as a pink moose performing songs to mentally challenged children. At a similar dead-end is Jim who forces, quite literally, his way into Alex’s life. Having been a quarter of the audience at Alex’s previous gig Jim detects in him a kindred spirit of sorts whose less than positive songs work perfectly for his taste “fuck positive songs, positive songs are for hippies”. Jim doesn’t quite share Alex’s levels of misanthropy but equally views the world as an outsider looking in. He also possesses an impulsive energy that kick-starts the unlikely formation of the band, immediately embarking on an already booked tour for Jim’s previous band (one that he too was kicked out of) and culminating in a surely redemption filled battle of the bands competition. Without a thought for Jim’s sickly yet aggressively mannered granddad they pinch his beloved rusty car and set off on their hair brained scheme.

         We are passengers on an American road trip so we get all the usual out-of-window sights – farms, meadows, cloudy skylines and stretching highways as our drivers plough mile after mile simultaneously trying to get acquainted and write songs. Jim’s inability to play actual instruments has lead to him owning and mastering a series of child friendly toy versions. While in the driving seat he tunefully bashes away on pre-school keyboards, xylophones and accordions as well as strapping an amplified kazoo around his neck. While perhaps not being the soundest driving advice, it seems to be a fruitful song writing method as the lo-fi recording set-up churns out catchy playschool tunes laced with Alex’s darker lyrics.

         So charming they are they attract the attentions of Cassidy (Arielle Kebbel) a booking agent at their first venue who sees a glint in their eye and a way out of town as she joins the pair becoming road manager. Her description of their music as “what David Bowie would write if he was six” is not quite as accurate as “the Shins meets Sesame Street” one that comes their way later on, either way it’s a sound not unfamiliar to ones you would usually find in these types of films.

         Of course each of our protagonists has something they are running from/ searching for which makes for a film that at times delves into many a sub-genre from road movie to romantic comedy and buddy movie to a belated coming of age tale, few styles are off limits. Despite this it seldom sees overstretched with O’Nan doing well to keep us interested in the relationships between the leads. Elements of the humour are at times a bit too broad and, the scenes with Alex’s real estate colleagues in particular, painted on a bit too thick and while offering nothing new in terms of plot surprises (each one you can predict from some distance) there’s a charm about the characters and the unlikely central pairing that keeps us entertained. The dialogue between the two band members holds the majority of the wittiest and sharpest lines as O’Nan tends to get the balance of laughs over shmultz about right.

Matthew Walsh

UK Rating: 15
Release Date: 20th July, 2012
Directed By: Ryan O'Nan
Cast: Ryan O'Nan, Michael Weston, Arielle Kebbel, Melissa Leo, Jason Ritter

Published via LongTail.tv


19 July 2012

Watch Askel Hennie In 90 Minutes Trailer

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In Headhunters he was a corporate Headhunter sleek, sharp with a side business of stealing works of art now Askel Hennie a killer in 90 Minutes (90 Minutter). Ever wondered what drives a person to kill? In Eva Sørhaug's film we track the final 90 minutes of a man about to commit murder. Simple but powerful looking film and with the popularity of Scandinavian thrillers outside their native lands you can see this one coming to a local arthouse cinema or DVD player near you.

What happens in the last 90 minutes of a human life before they commit murder?
In 90 Minutes we follow Johan who is making a lavish last meal for his wife, Fred who is on his weekly visit with the kids and Trond who completely has lost control of his use of violence towards his young wife who just gave birth to a child. Before the irretrievable act of murder happens, these men are still considered as human beings. 90 Minutes don't try to give any answers or to find psychological explanations, but simply to follow these men's perspective and stay with them and share the minutes just before it's too late.

sourceTwitch

Feature: Music Documentaries

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Music documentaries are a genre unto their own - sometimes they give you a glimpse behind the scenes of your favourite band, and sometimes they're about someone you've never heeard about who become your favourite band.

Following great acclaim at Sundance and festivals around the world, Searching For Sugar Man comes to UK cinemas this month and definitely falls into the former category. You've probably never heard of Sixto Rodriguez - he was meant to be the new Bob Dylan, but he quickly disappeared back into obscurity. Yet not in South Africa - where he went on to be bigger Elvis. All this success went completely unknown to Rodriguez himself, and Searching For Sugar Man is the remarkable story of two South African fans trying to find out what happened to their hero.

To mark its release, let's have a look down some of the best music docs of all time.

Anvil! The Story Of Anvil
An opening of Heavy Metal icons such Slash, Lemmy and Lars Ulrich singing the praises of a band you've never heard of makes you think it's all just a Spinal Tap style spoof. But no, after never quite hitting the big time in the early 80s, Canadian Metal band Anvil have still been plugging away despite the lack of success - at the beginning of the film frontman Steve "Lips" Kudlow is having to make a living delivering school dinners in Toronto! It's a heart-warming underdog tale of never giving up your dream.

Anvil! The Story of Anvil - Official Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

Dig!
It doesn't matter if you've never heard of The Dandy Warhols (who you might remember from a Vodafone advert a few years back) or The Brian Jonestown Massacre - the rivalry between them is a fascinating story of delusion and self-destruction. The small modicum of success the Warhols receive turns them into insufferable prima-donnas, and Massacre's frontman Anton Newcombe seems to sabotage every opportunity his band gets.

Dig! (trailer) Published via LongTail.tv

Gimme Shelter
The film of the Rolling Stones infamous 1969 Altamont show is not only a great music doc but also an important historical document. The free show was intended to be the next Woodstock, but when a riot broken out and one of Hells Angles providing security stabbed a fan to death, it symbolised the death of the 60s peace and love dream.

Gimme Shelter movie trailer Published via LongTail.tv

Some Kind Of Monster
Intended to be a fluffy behind the scenes piece on the making of Metallica's new album, Some Kind Of Monster turned into a sort of real life Spinal Tap when the band almost split up and ended up in group therapy. It starts off hilarious and ends up genuinely uplifting.

Metallica-some kind of monster (trailer) Published via LongTail.tv

Don't Look Back
Warts-and-all, fly-on-the-wall docs following around musicians are now ten a penny - they take up about half off ITV2's schedule. But in 1967 this Cinéma vérité style film following Bob Dylan's UK tour was revolutionary. The opening scene, with Dylan holding big cue cards for the lyrics to Subterranean Homesick Blues has also become iconic in its own right.

Bob Dylan: Dont Look Back - Clip Published via LongTail.tv

Marley
Last King Of Scotland director Kevin MacDonald won an Oscar for One Day In September, his documentary about the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, and was selected to produce the definitive record of the life of reggae megastar Bob Marley. The epic two-and-a-half-hour running time leaves no stone unturned.

Official Trailer: Marley Published via LongTail.tv

The Devil And Daniel Johnson
Cult singer-songwriter Daniel Johnson was beloved by Kurt Cobain, and has battled with schizophrenia and manic depression throughout his life. This sensitive documentary tells his fascinating story and is riveting viewing.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston - older trailer Published via LongTail.tv

Kurt And Courtney
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain's suicide in 1994 send shockwaves around the music world. Veteran documentary maker Nick Broomfield set out to investigate the claims that Cobain's wife Courtney Love was involved in his death, and found himself in a legal minefeild and a cobweb of deception.

Kurt and Courtney Published via LongTail.tv

Beats, Rhymes And Life: The Travels OF A Tribe Called Quest
Hip-hop is a musical genre that really rather poorly represented in terms of good documentaries, but this biography of alternative rap legends A Tribe Called Quest goes a long way to rectifying this. Directed by Michael Rapaport (best known for playing Phoebe's brother on Friends), the film tells the long complicated story of the band's history.

Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest (2011) - Official Trailer [HD] Published via LongTail.tv

Searching For Sugar Man
In the early 1970s, Detroit singer-songwriter Sixto Rodriguez was tipped to be the new Bob Dylan - but both his albums bombed and he went back to working in construction. Yet somehow - and no one really knows how - the record got bootlegged to South Africa and became the soundtrack to the anti-Apartheid movement, outselling the Rolling Stones and Elvis. The film follows two South African fans on the trail of their idol (who rumour has it committed suicide on stage) and their story is one so incredible you couldn't make it up.

Searching for Sugar Man - Official UK Trailer Published via LongTail.tv

Searching For Sugar Man is in cinemas 26 July.

18 July 2012

Electrick Children Review

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★★★☆☆


Religion in all it’s broad and baffling scope has long had a relationship with cinema. From the countless films that focus on the varying lives lived under the umbrella of belief right through to the acceptance speeches at a Hollywood award show, God in one shape or form is never far from the silver screen. However it is the faiths that are cut off in one way or another from modern society that fascinate most. We’ll have to wait for Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master for a thinly-veiled look at Scientology but the Amish and Plymouth Brethren communities have starred in leading roles over the years. We can add to that list Mormonism as Rebecca Thomas’ Electrick Children attempts to take the Indie scene to an altogether holier place.

         We are deep in Utah, a Mormon commune playing host to fundamentalist ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ lead by evangelical parents Gay (Cynthia Watros) and Paul (looking suspiciously like Billy Zane). Our gateway into this cut-off world is Rachel (Julia Garner), a 15 year old daughter who we meet during a ritual interview on her birthday. Not to be perturbed by Billy Zane’s warnings about its evil potential in the wrong hands, her curious mind leads her to investigate the purpose of the mystical apparatus recording her answers.  The keeper of the cassette recorder is Will (Liam Aiken), a fellow brother only slightly older than Rachel whose strict obedience does little to deter Rachel’s interest. Before long she’s breaking in to discover the true potential of this sound-making contraption, coming across a mysterious blue cassette and soon cavorting around the barn with only the sounds of Hanging on the Telephone for company as she presses the exotic, angelic sounds to her face.

         This innocent audio frolic comes with serious consequences. Rachel soon falls pregnant and, despite the groups’ accusations and punishment thrust upon Will, is convinced she has received the gift of life through the Lord himself, appearing in the form of a Blondie cover and impregnating the modern day Virgin Mary. Sentenced to a speedy marriage she comes to conclude that the role of a mother cannot be resolved without a father.

         It is this epiphany that, once struck, doesn’t escape Rachel who decides to embark on a pilgrimage to find the only possible father of her immaculately conceived child – the singer on that cassette.  She flees, silently assisted by her mother and leaving the commune lifestyle in the dust of her truck. Unknown to her, she has a passenger –Will who’s sleep in the back of the truck she disrupted. They drive until they stop and when they stop it’s the bright lights of Las Vegas, or the lights of the Lord as bible quoting Rachel’s narration would have it.

         And so our holy heroes arrive in the city of sin where vices are celebrated and temptation looms large. The temptation for director Thomas is to fall back on a riotous fish out of water romp through the shiniest place on Earth. Fortunately it’s one that she manages to largely avoid with understandable concessions being made.

God fearing Rachel and Will are introduced to today’s youth and like a fearful Daily Mail journalist initially it doesn’t go well, “Clyde is perhaps the spawn of Satan.” records Rachel on her biblical cassette journal. These are the slacker teens of America’s generation Y and they serve as the duos guides to a life outside of the commune. These initially one dimensional characters are all swears (“say fuckers”), drugs (“do you want to get loaded?”) and parties but despite their alien ways Rachel’s conviction that their band may be behind that  tape forces her to stay. This allows us more time with these characters as we gain a sense of their routine and, without being incredibly fleshed-out, their roles become far less ‘by-numbers’ duuuuuudes. Will whose looks – a cross between a young Rolling Stone and a country bumpkin – lend themselves well to a convincing metamorphosis from Mormon farmhand to skateboarding, pill popping modern teen and there’s credit too for Rory Culkin giving a stock character into a human touch.

The cinematography is equally impressive in both the commune and city environments with the contrast between the two highlighted without jarring.

And that’s what’s puzzling about this film. There is little to criticise in the details and yet it’s hard to guess what it’s trying to say. The religious element adds something to the bulging US indie scene but it has the air of a film with a message but if there is one it doesn’t so much as get lost in among the storylines and subplots as fail to materialise in the first place. The original frame of Immaculate Conception is too muddled to support the weight of everything else. There are Biblical parallels that feel slightly shoehorned in as Culkin’s Clyde becomes a Joseph like figure and at times the various skating and street walk scenes can look at best like a music video and at worse like postcards from a programme called How I Spent My Slacker Summer. It’s a flawed but impressive debut from Thomas whose star turn was to give the first of what will surely be many a lead role to Julia Garner. The childlike naivety and innocence she displays come off as incredibly watchable and endearing and portrayed with great subtlety by the young American. In her hands Rachel’s adjustment to her new environment is convincing and restrained and forces us to engage with this imperfect but worthwhile feature.

Matthew Walsh

Rating:15
UK Release Date: 13th July 2012
Directed by: Rebecca Thomas
Cast: Julia Garner, Rory Culkin, Liam Aiken, Billy Zane

ELECTRICK CHILDREN Official UK Trailer Published via LongTail.tv


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Frightfest 13th Preview:Your Cordingly Invited To [REC]Genesis This September

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One of the highlights of this year’s Film4 Frightfest in London, at which it will premiere on Friday, 24th August 2012, the long-awaited and highly anticipated third instalment of the planned four-part saga has finally arrived and, boy, was it worth the wait. Your cordingly invited to witness [Rec] 3 Genesis.

As the families and friends of Koldo and Clara gather outside the church in the bright Spanish sunshine just prior to the happy couple’s wedding, it seems that nothing could possibly cast a shadow on such a beautiful and joyous occasion. But when some of the guests start behaving oddly during the reception, it becomes apparent that all is not well. In no time at all, the party descends into a hellish scene of utter carnage as partygoers begin feeding on each other with a crazed bloodlust. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Koldo and Clara become separated as those still in control of their human minds and bodies seek whatever refuge they can find. Although apart, the newlyweds know deep in their hearts that each is still alive and set out on a desperate search for each other not fully realising that what should have been the happiest day of their lives 

Paco Plaza, co-writer and co-director (with Jaume Belaguero) of the first two movies, goes it alone for this outing and breathes new life into the proceedings by bravely and totally unexpectedly giving the series a whole new spin. Closer in tone to “Shaun Of The Dead”, “Army Of Darkness” and “Braindead” that to its more sombre predecessors, it also introduces some truly iconic images, not least of which is the one of the movie’s bloodied heroine dressed in her revealingly torn bridal gown and wielding a chainsaw.

So expect some crazy humour with your blood, gore, zombies and this is one gift bag at the end of the wedding you wont want to be around to collect. [Rec]3 Genesis will be going directly to DVD/ Blu-Ray after it's appearance at Frightfest the 13th August 24th, it will be released September 3rd. The film stars Letitia Dolera (Man Push Cart; The Other Side Of The Bed), Diego Martin (I Want You), Claire Baschet (Delicacy) and Ismael Martinez (Carmen; Talk To Her).

[Rec] Genesis - Official UK Trailer Published via LongTail.tv


Pre-order / Buy :[Rec] Genesis On DVD/ On Blu-ray

16 July 2012

Irish Creature Feature GRABBERS Gets full Trailer!

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When it comes to Irish films they seem to be a little stereotypical, lots of booze and comedy but would you include Creature features? No but now you can as the full trailer for Jon Wright's GRABBERS. 

The film made it's U.K debut back in June at this years Edinburgh Film Festival (world premier Sundance) and left with some really positive reviews but now the film has 2 important dates coming up next month, it's Irish cinema release and a second U.K appearance this time at the mighty Film4 Frightfest (the 13th). Starring Richard Coyle, Russell Tovey and Ruth Bradley, the film is been described as 'Father Ted meets Aliens' even 'The Guard meets Tremors' with those quotes you can see why people are buzzing about this comedy horror. You could say this is Ireland's homage to HP Lovecraft with a big doze of Irish hospitality and laughs with Tremors invited along.

We caught the film at Edinburgh Film Festival , read our review and check out the films new poster  below. No UK or USA release dates, August 10th will be the official Irish release date and on August 23rd the film will appear at Film4 Frightfest.

Grabbers Official Trailer #1 (2012) HD Movie Published via LongTail.tv

Something sinister has come to the shores of Erin Island, unbeknownst to the quaint population of this sleepy fishing village resting somewhere off Ireland’s coast. First, some fishermen go missing. Then there is the rash of whale carcasses suddenly washing up on the beach. When the murders start, it’s up to two mismatched cops–an irresponsible alcoholic and his new partner, a by-the-book woman from the mainland–to protect the townsfolk from the giant, bloodsucking, tentacled aliens that prey upon them. Their only weapon, they discover, is booze. If they want to survive the creatures’ onslaught, everyone will have to get very, very drunk!