Highbrow Magazine - Bill Murray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/bill-murray en From ‘White Christmas’ to ‘ Love Actually': Best Holiday Movies to Binge-Watch https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23056-white-christmas-love-actually-best-holiday-movies-binge-watch <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Thu, 12/22/2022 - 11:03</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1christmasmovies.jpg?itok=pGQPE01U"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/1christmasmovies.jpg?itok=pGQPE01U" width="480" height="336" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">Next to warm eggnog and dazzling Christmas lights, few things can get one in the holiday spirit faster than a movie celebrating the season. That is, after all, why Hallmark has carved out a niche based entirely on the Christmas-movie genre. With this in mind, I’ve compiled some holiday favorites that look beyond Hallmark’s more-is-better approach. In short, all the following are great movies any time of year, but they play especially well in late December.</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0Q0U2RwBd4" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“It Happened on Fifth Avenue”</a>: This one isn’t purely a holiday movie, but it is set during the season, and a key scene takes place on Christmas Eve. The 1947 dramedy from director Roy Del Ruth tells the story of some down-on-their luck folks who start squatting in the seasonal home of the world’s second-richest man, Michael J. O’Connor (Charles Ruggles). After some unlikely twists, O’Connor lets his daughter convince him to live with the squatters without revealing that he owns the place. The story is dated, but it’s also sweet and makes us believe in a world where people, even the very rich, place humanity above material wealth. The great cast also includes Victor Moore, Don DeFore, Gale Storm, Alan Hale Jr., Edward Ryan and Ann Harding. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/2christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:650px; width:488px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppWrbYC3WwQ" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”</a>: Although director Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of this Dr. Seuss story often overshadows the 1966 animated short by directors Chuck Jones and Ben Washam, it’s the latter that makes my heart grow three sizes. Howard’s movie – although visually gorgeous – is overblown and too focused on Jim Carrey’s hamming. The Jones-Washam version, on the contrary, is sprightly, beautifully narrated by Boris Karloff and appropriately focused on the Grinch’s realization that Christmas is about more than presents. All other readings are unnecessary attempts to improve perfection. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/3christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:452px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLR3gZrU2Xo" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“It’s a Wonderful Life”</a>: Many assembling a list of holiday films would skip director Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday staple. Of all the movies included here, “Wonderful Life” is the one that can most easily be labeled cliché. But there’s a reason this film has played religiously during the holiday season throughout my lifetime. Most everyone – regardless of age – knows the premise, and it’s excellent. When down-and-out George Bailey (James Stewart) is treated to a look at how bleak the world would be without him, each of us can imagine what our absence would mean. The film is a reminder that we all matter, and we should use our time to make the things better.    </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2C0gcEV3Q" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“White Christmas”</a>: Arguably, the <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/life/news/a45720/white-christmas-song-history/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Irving Berlin title track</a> – initially written for another film (“Holiday Inn”) – is more famous than the movie that bears its name. But, if you’ve never seen the 1954 gem, do yourself a favor this season. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play former military men who become a popular song-and-dance duo. When they discover their former general is having money problems, they devise the perfect solution. The story is sweet; there are several excellent song-and-dance numbers; and the wonderful Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen and Dean Jagger round out the cast. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/4christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:650px; width:439px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif">“A Christmas Carol”/”Scrooged”/”Spirited”: Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” has been entertaining audiences for more than 150 years, and we have seen so many adaptations and variations, it’s impossible to pick one. There are a number of solid, traditional readings of the story about bitter Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by three ghosts and coming to recognize the joy of Christmas. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ5jxTmRR1g" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">1951 version starring Alastair Sim</a> is sometimes held up as definitive, but we’ve also seen readings featuring Albert Finney, George C. Scott, Patrick Stewart and many others. Pick your favorite. But don’t forget the many variations and spinoffs of the story. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OLRQfMOXOw" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Scrooged,”</a> a comical, 1988 update starring Bill Murray is a personal favorite, and you can do considerably worse than the new Apple TV+ film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnAJntI3NNs" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Spirited,”</a> starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6N_hZyBCk" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“The Nightmare Before Christmas”</a>: Is this a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? I say both. Tim Burton’s singular vision has been entertaining audiences for decades, and this 1993 stop-motion animated picture has all his dark, twisted hallmarks. The story revolves around Pumpkin King Jack Skellington, who kidnaps Santa Claus so he can roll out his own, improved version of the Christmas holiday. If you enjoy Burton’s works, this one is a must-see. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/5christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:340px; width:605px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaJuwKCmJbY" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Die Hard”</a>: I used to argue that this is not a holiday movie, but – as the saying goes – “if you can’t beat them, join them.” The plot centers on a New York City police officer (Bruce Willis) battling terrorists who upstage his wife’s company Christmas party. Other than the fact that the action takes place on Christmas Eve, viewers don’t get much holiday cheer. Still, this is one of the greatest movies ever introduced into the action-adventure genre, and it’s always fun to watch in December -- as well as the other 11 months.  </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V87fsP5B05k" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”</a> (Rankin/Bass): Despite legitimate complaints that Caitlin Flanagan details in an <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/12/rankin-bass-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer/616932/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">article for <em>The Atlantic</em></a>, I have always enjoyed the Rankin/Bass take on Rudolph, an outcast reindeer who winds up saving Christmas. This may be sentimentalism because the program was hammered into the brains of children from my generation. We didn’t have the endless content choices provided by on-demand streaming, so we were treated to ”Rudolph” and a handful of other classics season after season, and watching became tradition. Flanagan notes that the 55-minute movie has dark elements, but I’m not convinced that’s a bad thing. Darkness is part of life, and we all know the holidays aren’t nonstop joy for everyone. Besides, “Rudolph” isn’t depressing when taken in context. This is an underdog story, meaning the protagonist needs to face obstacles, and the stop-motion animation is beautiful even 57 years after its creation. Also, who doesn’t love the Burl Ives songs that are heavily featured?</span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/6christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:287px; width:650px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhRqtt-Fpo" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“The Polar Express”</a>: When director Robert Zemeckis’s animated version of the Chris Van Allsburg children’s book hit theaters, it was groundbreaking. The film used new performance-capture techniques so the work of live-action actors (most notably Tom Hanks in multiple roles) could be easily converted to animation. The story focuses on a boy who – beginning to doubt the existence of Santa Claus – is treated to a wild train ride all the way to the North Pole, and it's a great movie to watch with younger family members.  </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/7christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:432px; width:654px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z3_ifFheQ" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Love Actually”</a>: What would the holidays be without love? This star-studded extravaganza tells the interconnected love stories of a wide range of characters. Watching 19 years after it was released, it’s hard not to think, “Wow, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson and Keira Knightley look so young!” It’s also hard not to appreciate how great it is to have all these performers (and more) in one delightful film. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzmidvCBeoc" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“A Charlie Brown Christmas”</a>: Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang has been <a href="https://www.peanuts.com/about-peanuts" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">entertaining audiences since 1950</a>, and several of the characters’ animated adventures have become classics. Although each of the Peanuts holiday TV specials are fun, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is arguably the best. The anti-commercialism storyline is powerful; the animation is great; and the jazz portions of the soundtrack – by the Vince Guaraldi Trio – are exceptional. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/8christmasmovies.jpg" style="height:338px; width:602px" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a54yC1etmVc" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">“Elf”:</a> This Jon Favreau-directed comedy tells the story of Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. When he travels to New York City to meet his birth father, he finds himself ill prepared to navigate our world. The film is imperfect and a bit schlocky, but that combination works with holiday films. Ferrell is particularly good here, and he’s supported by an outstanding cast that includes Peter Dinklage, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen and Zooey Deschanel. </span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>Author Bio:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong><em>Forrest Hartman is </em>Highbrow Magazine’s <em>chief film critic.</em></strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman,Times,serif"><strong>For Highbrow Magazine</strong></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/holiday-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">holiday movies</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/christmas-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">christmas movies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/elf" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elf</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/how-grinch-stole-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">how the grinch stole christmas</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/white-christmas" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">white christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/love-actually" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">love actually</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-nighy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bill nighy</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hugh-grant" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hugh grant</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/colin-firth" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">colin firth</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/die-hard" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">die hard</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/scrooged" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">scrooged</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/nightmare-christmas-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the nightmare before christmas</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/watching-movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">watching movies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/rudolph-rode-nosed-reindeer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">rudolph the rode nosed reindeer</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">In Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:03:07 +0000 tara 11547 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/23056-white-christmas-love-actually-best-holiday-movies-binge-watch#comments ‘The Theory of Everything,’ ‘Birdman,’ ‘St. Vincent’ Arrive on Home Video https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4653-theory-everything-birdman-st-vincent-arrive-home-video <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 02/17/2015 - 13:16</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/theoryof.jpg?itok=CTEBeVsf"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/theoryof.jpg?itok=CTEBeVsf" width="480" height="319" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p> </p> <p>It is an extremely busy week for home video, and it is anchored by several of the best films released into theaters during 2014.   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Theory of Everything</strong></p> <p><strong>4 stars (out of four)<br /> Rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive material<br /> Universal<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>When Stephen Hawking was 21 years old, he was given two years to live. Today, he is 73. </p> <p> </p> <p>Hawking’s story isn’t amazing simply because he beat the odds in his battle with ALS (better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), it is remarkable because he continued to work, becoming one of the most renowned theoretical physicists in the world. Nominated for best picture at the upcoming Academy Awards, “The Theory of Everything” considers many of the major events in Hawking’s life, taking viewers from his days as a college student through some of his most important scientific discoveries. The film is based on “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen,” a memoir by Hawking’s first wife, Jane, and it also spends considerable time on their relationship.  </p> <p> </p> <p>There is plenty of material for a movie because Hawking’s work and the obstacles that he overcame to achieve it are fascinating. That said, there are pitfalls in telling the story of a living legend, and director James Marsh skillfully avoids them all. “The Theory of Everything” moves rapidly, capturing the excitement that comes with scientific discovery, as well as the heartbreak tied to debilitating disease. It also features some of the finest performances of the year.</p> <p> </p> <p>Eddie Redmayne earned a best actor Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Hawking, and he is the favorite to eventually win the award. In a performance best described as stunning, Redmayne begins as a healthy, spry version of Hawking and becomes increasingly debilitated as the movie roles on. Since the film covers a broad swath of Hawking’s life, the actor is also asked to age, and he does so convincingly.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Felicity Jones, who plays Jane, doesn’t undergo the same remarkable physical transformation, but she is asked to portray a character who faces ever-increasing levels of stress. Because of Hawking’s worsening disability, many life responsibilities fell to Jane, and Jones is wonderful in the role. She also earned an Oscar nomination for her work. </p> <p> </p> <p>“The Theory of Everything” is engaging on so many levels that it isn’t easily classified. On one hand it is a straightforward drama about man’s ability to overcome overwhelming odds, but it is also a love story in the most obvious sense. The movie is also wonderful because Marsh refuses to canonize Hawking or Jane despite their achievements. Instead, he presents them as what they are … what we all are … human beings.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a making-of featurette, deleted scenes and an audio commentary by Marsh.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/1birdman.jpg" style="height:338px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)</strong></p> <p><strong>3½ stars</strong></p> <p><strong>Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and brief violence</strong></p> <p><strong>20<sup>th</sup> Century Fox</strong></p> <p><strong>Available on: Blu-ray, DVD and digital download </strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Writer-director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Birdman” is up for nine Academy Awards, including best picture, best director, best actor and best supporting actor. Garnering that many nods from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is an impressive feat, and the movie is definitely one of the standouts of 2014. It is not, however, a crowd pleaser.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Oddly enough, the elements that make “Birdman” great are also likely to alienate a percentage of its audience. The film boasts an A-list cast and well-liked director, but it’s the bracing and original storytelling that will strike most viewers.  </p> <p> </p> <p>The story is centered on Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), an actor who spends much of his down time communicating with a fictional character that he played in the movies. That’s where the title comes in. Riggan was once famous for portraying a superhero called Birdman in blockbuster films, but his heyday is long since past. In an attempt to re-launch his career, Riggan is mounting a Broadway adaptation of a Raymond Carver story, but things are not going well.  </p> <p> </p> <p>During rehearsals, one of Riggan’s co-stars is injured and forced to leave the play. Riggan and his co-producer (Zach Galifianakis) replace the man with a popular theater actor (Edward Norton) whose talent is matched only by his explosiveness. Riggan is also struggling with his finances, playing father to his former-addict daughter (Emma Stone) and dealing with the fact that New York’s biggest critic wants his head on a plate.</p> <p> </p> <p>All of the performances are outstanding, and this was acknowledged by Oscar nods for Keaton, Norton and Stone. It would have also been reasonable for the Academy to recognize Galifianakis and Naomi Watts (who plays an up-and-coming actress) because each works brilliantly with their nominated co-stars.  </p> <p> </p> <p>There’s a lot going on in “Birdman” and it’s made more complicated by Iñárritu’s insistence on putting viewers inside Riggan’s head. But that’s what makes the film such an engaging experience. The story is simple and relatable, but Riggan is not, and viewers get to know him from the inside out. </p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a photo gallery and an all-access featurette.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/dumbanddumber.jpg" style="height:417px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Dumb and Dumber To</strong></p> <p><strong>1 star<br /> Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language and some drug references<br /> Universal<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>The first “Dumb and Dumber” was a broad, goofy comedy that relied on a merger of slapstick, potty humor and energetic performances by Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. It wasn’t smart, subtle or even particularly well made, but it did strike a chord with audiences. With “Dumb and Dumber To,” creators Peter and Bobby Farrelly try to recapture the magic, but they fall short at every turn.</p> <p> </p> <p>Set 20 years after the original film, “Dumber To” reunites Lloyd Christmas (Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Daniels) for another road trip. This time, instead of travelling to Aspen to return a briefcase, they head to Texas in hopes of finding a girl (Rachel Melvin) that they believe to be Harry’s long-lost daughter.</p> <p> </p> <p>The Farrellys obviously meant “Dumber To” as an homage to the original movie, and they offer plenty of in-jokes for fans. The trouble, of course, is that the first film wasn’t particularly good, and it’s hard to pay tribute to a loser.</p> <p> </p> <p>“Dumber To” shares all of its predecessor’s flaws, including insipid plotting, an overabundance of crude jokes and long stretches that just aren’t funny. It is nice to see Carrey and Daniels riffing off one another again, but they are in desperate need of new material.</p> <p> </p> <p>While “Dumb and Dumber” came with an element of surprise, everything about “Dumber To” seems tired. That’s partially because the Farrellys are so insistent about referencing the original, but it’s also because they’re short on fresh ideas.</p> <p> </p> <p>There was a time when the Farrelly brothers were comedy superstars. In recent years, attaching their name to a project has been more of a warning sign than a sales pitch.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a number of making-of featurettes.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/lifeitself.jpg" style="height:352px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Life Itself</strong></p> <p><strong>4 stars<br /> Rated R for brief sexual images/nudity and language<br /> Magnolia Home Entertainment<br /> Available on: Blu-ray and DVD</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Despite all the movies about crusading newspaper journalists and their brave quests for truth and justice, the profession is mostly a quiet one. The majority of print reporters toil in relative obscurity, gathering facts, figures and quotes, before silently organizing them into digestible packages. If the work is good, a reader might glance at a story’s byline in appreciation, then move on. Usually, it’s only after a mistake that everyone knows the reporter’s name.  </p> <p> </p> <p>There are, of course, exceptions, and the late <em>Chicago Sun-Times</em> film critic Roger Ebert is among the most noteworthy. Because Ebert wrote subjectively about film, he was always more visible than, say, someone covering crime. But it was his deep appreciation for movies, his often-brilliant insight and his remarkable ability to turn a phrase that pushed him into the spotlight. Well, that and the fact that he and Gene Siskel popularized movie criticism on TV. </p> <p> </p> <p>In “Life Itself,” director Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”) paints an intimate portrait of Ebert with a look at his background, his many professional accomplishments and poignant interviews with the people he worked with and loved. The movie is also noteworthy because it features many of Ebert’s own words, and it has a great deal of footage gathered toward the end of his life.</p> <p> </p> <p>When Ebert died, he had a gaping hole where his jaw used to be, and he could only speak with computer assistance. It is sad to see such a vivid and electrifying personality reduced to this state by a physical ailment, but “Life Itself” isn’t a tragedy. Rather, it is a celebration of the remarkable accomplishments of a man who changed the way the world looks at film.</p> <p> </p> <p>Ebert was a movie lover’s critic, and in “Life Itself,” he seems dedicated to making his own documentary as earthy as possible. He even congratulates James for capturing a particularly brutal process where medical professionals would drain his throat with a suction tube. Ebert knew his type of film lover would want to see the reality, and – even when uncomfortable – he was willing to oblige.</p> <p> </p> <p>For Ebert’s fans – and perhaps even detractors – “Life Itself” is a revelation. The film talks about his earliest exploits in journalism, his prickly (but ultimately loving) relationship with Gene Siskel, and his enduring love affair with his wife, Chaz. The movie talks about his Pulitzer Prize, it recalls his screenplay for the “Beyond the Valley of the Dolls” and it features lengthy interviews with some of the directors and fellow critics who were touched by his work. These include Martin Scorsese, Werner Herzog, A.O. Scott and Richard Corliss. </p> <p> </p> <p>That “Life Itself” did not receive an Academy Award nomination for best documentary is unfortunate, but it is a great film nonetheless. Ebert touched the lives of almost every modern filmgoer, and with the help of James and “Life Itself” he continues to do so.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include deleted scenes, a Sundance tribute and an interview with James.  </p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/stvincent.jpg" style="height:313px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>St. Vincent</strong></p> <p><strong>3½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including sexual content, alcohol and tobacco use, and for language<br /> Anchor Bay<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>In “St. Vincent,” Bill Murray plays Vincent MacKenna, a curmudgeonly retiree with a penchant for excess. He drinks too much, gambles to the point of indebtedness and has regular dalliances with a pregnant prostitute named Daka (Naomi Watts). He isn’t the prototypical father figure, yet that’s what he becomes as the film moves forward.</p> <p> </p> <p>The movie, written and directed by Theodore Melfi, picks up when Maggie Bronstein (Melissa McCarthy) moves in next door to Vincent with her 12-year-old son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). Maggie is a good mother, but she is also desperate, and she works long hours in an effort to raise Oliver alone.</p> <p> </p> <p>One thing leads to another and Oliver eventually winds up in Vincent’s care. This is hardly an ideal situation, but Oliver and Vincent form a bond, and the man and boy provide each other with a form of emotional support that has long been missing from each of their lives. As this happens, viewers learn more about Vincent and come to understand the events that led to his questionable path.</p> <p> </p> <p>Murray, as always, is terrific and he and Lieberher are delightful together. McCarthy’s role is understated by her standards, but she delivers exactly what is needed for the part and proves that she needn’t be typecast. Watts also turns in a fine performance, as do Chris O’Dowd and Terrence Howard in supporting roles.</p> <p> </p> <p>At times, Melfi’s screenplay wanders and drags, but this is a small bother in an otherwise satisfying project. What’s more, “St. Vincent” closes with a sweetheart of an ending that more than makes up for early inadequacies.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include a making-of featurette and deleted scenes.</p> <p> </p> <p><br /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/homesman.jpg" style="height:391px; width:625px" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The Homesman</strong></p> <p><strong>3 stars<br /> Rated R for violence, sexual content, some disturbing behavior and nudity<br /> Lionsgate<br /> Available on: Blu-ray, DVD, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Tommy Lee Jones continues his work as a director with a dark drama that refuses to romanticize the American West. The film, based on Glendon Swarthout’s novel, is set in the 1850s and centers on Mary Bee Cuddy (Hilary Swank), a 30-something woman who can’t find a husband despite the fact that she is pretty, talented and possesses considerable financial resources.</p> <p> </p> <p>After three women from the Nebraska community that she calls home go insane because of the harsh frontier conditions, Mary Bee offers to transport them to a more suitable home. Although she is reasonably well-equipped for the journey, she offers to pay a claim jumper named Briggs (Jones) to help. The two then navigate the wild frontier, facing dangers that range from Indians to inclement weather. They also find themselves struggling to care for the three women who have descended into complete madness.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jones and Swank are terrific, and anyone who appreciates good acting should enjoy their work in the film. Whether one appreciates the movie as a whole will have a lot to do with personal sensibilities.</p> <p> </p> <p>Jones is honest in his portrayal of the frontier, and the film takes some unexpectedly dark twists. For viewers who are used to more idealized visions of the cowboy lifestyle, this could prove troubling. But for those who like their history with<a name="_GoBack" id="_GoBack"></a> warts and all, “The Homesman” is an engaging and well-crafted drama.</p> <p> </p> <p>Blu-ray and DVD extras include several behind-the-scenes featurettes.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”: </strong>Writer-director Isao Takahata’s magical tale about a tiny girl who is discovered in a stalk of bamboo is up for best animated feature at the Oscars. The movie was originally voiced in Japanese, but a noteworthy cast of North American actors was assembled for the English-language release. Players include Chloë Grace Moretz, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, James Marsden, Oliver Platt, Beau Bridges, Lucy Liu and Darren Criss.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“Game of Thrones” – The Complete Fourth Season:</strong> The 10 most recent episodes of HBO’s wildly popular fantasy drama about noble families battling for control of their land. Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey star. Based on the novels of George R.R. Martin.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>“The Interview”:</strong> This raucous political comedy has been available for online streaming since its planned theatrical release was disrupted by terrorist threats. That means many interested viewers have already seen it. Nevertheless, Sony is releasing the feature on Blu-ray and DVD this week so big fans can add it to their physical libraries. The plot focuses on two broadcast journalists (Seth Rogen and James Franco) who score an interview with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (Randall Park). Sensing opportunity, the CIA hatches an assassination attempt. The film was co-directed by Rogen and Evan Goldberg.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p><strong><em>Forrest Hartman, a contributing writer at </em></strong><strong>Highbrow Magazine<em>, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>.</em></strong></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/theory-everyhting" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the theory of everyhting</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/eddie-redmayne" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">eddie redmayne</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/birdman" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birdman</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/michael-keaton" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">michael keaton</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/homesman" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the homesman</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/st-vincent" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">st vincent</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/new-dvd-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new on dvd</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/dvds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">DVDs</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">films</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 17 Feb 2015 18:16:17 +0000 tara 5732 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/4653-theory-everything-birdman-st-vincent-arrive-home-video#comments ‘Hyde Park on the Hudson,’ ‘Planet Ocean’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2329-hyde-park-hudson-planet-ocean-arrive-dvd-blu-ray <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 04/09/2013 - 11:17</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumHyde%20Park%20Hudson%20--%20Horizontal.jpg?itok=rJA2brPo"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumHyde%20Park%20Hudson%20--%20Horizontal.jpg?itok=rJA2brPo" width="480" height="320" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> It’s another slow week on home video with a lightweight historical drama being the most noteworthy new title.</p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Hyde Park on the Hudson</strong></p> <p> <strong>1½ stars (out of four)<br /> Rated R<br /> Universal<br /> Available on: on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> “Hyde Park on Hudson” is one of the more bizarre releases to hit video in recent months. It sports an A-list cast led by Bill Murray and Laura Linney, and it centers on a key period in the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The movie also has a capable director in Roger Michell, the man who made the outstanding 2002 thriller “Changing Lanes” and the even better 1999 romantic comedy “Notting Hill.” Traditionally, a historical drama backed by that level of talent could expect attention during movie awards season. “Lincoln” is the ideal example. Director Steven Spielberg’s much-lauded drama about the 16<sup>th</sup> president of the United States received 12 Oscar nominations. But “Hyde Park” is the anti-“Lincoln.”</p> <p>  </p> <p> Where the Spielberg drama soars, Michell’s lightweight look at American history is so messy and ill-conceived that it plays like a parody of itself. How does a film with so much on-paper potential fail so utterly? The problems begin with the Richard Nelson screenplay, an oddly structured work that aims to enlighten viewers about U.S.-British relations in the days leading up to World War II.  The movie fails to realize that ambition for several reasons, one of which is Nelson’s inexplicable fascination with hot dogs. The final act of “Hyde Park” is centered on a picnic where King George VI of England is invited to dine with FDR. During the picnic, wieners are served and viewers are asked to believe that this is a defining moment in U.S.-British relations. In reality, the choice of food was as inconsequential as Michelle Obama’s bangs. </p> <p>  </p> <p> The focus on hot dogs does, however, maintain the general course of “Hyde Park,” which is all about minutiae. If there’s one thing Mitchell finds more interesting than hot dogs, it’s FDR’s supposed sexual relationship with his distant cousin Margaret “Daisy” Suckley. Building a picture around presidential impropriety is nothing new, but “Hyde Park” dubiously centers itself on suppositions that many believe to be false. There are scholars, in fact, who argue that a sexual encounter between Daisy and FDR is extremely unlikely.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Nevertheless, Michell spends much of the film painting FDR as not only a womanizer, but a ruthless cad. One can, of course, forgive filmmakers for taking liberties in a fictionalized history, but one can also hope for good taste.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The flaws in “Hyde Park” are particularly obvious because the cast is so much better than the material. Murray is typically terrific, or at least as terrific as one can be given the version of FDR that he was asked to portray. His work earned the movie its only major awards recognition, a best actor Golden Globe nomination.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Linney is also a talent, but she portrays Daisy as a mousy, forgettable woman who is mostly in awe of her famous cousin. That makes her character and her supposed relationship with the president exceedingly dull.</p> <p>  </p> <p> With so little to invest in from a character standpoint, viewers must turn to the subplot about the King of England’s hotdog picnic. That’s hardly the stuff of political legend.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include an audio commentary by Michell and producer Kevin Loader.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/sorcererwhitesnake.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 402px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Sorcerer and the White Snake”:</strong> Chinese martial arts movie starring Jet Li as a sorcerer-monk who battles an ancient demon. Directed by Tony Ching Siu-Tung.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Planet Ocean”: </strong>Documentary film focused on the bodies of water that make up much of our planet’s surface. Using aerial and underwater photography, directors Yann-Bertrand and Michael Pitiot explore our natural world and consider the important relationship that humans have with the sea. Narrated by Josh Duhamel.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Gate of Hell”:</strong> This drama from 1953 is noteworthy as the first Japanese color film to be released outside of its native country. The movie, about a samurai who courts a married woman, won the Palme d’Or at the 1954 Cannes Film Festival and received an honorary Academy Award for best foreign language film. This freshly restored video release comes courtesy of the Criterion Collection. Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Family Ties” </strong>– Second-to-last season of the 1980s sitcom about former hippies (Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross) raising children during the conservative Reagan years. The program is remembered particularly fondly as the launching point of Michael J. Fox’s career. In the show, Fox plays Alex P. Keaton, a staunch young Republican.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Boss” – Season Two:</strong> This drama, about a corrupt Chicago mayor (Kelsey Grammer) battling a degenerative brain disease, was canceled. That means fans have to turn to this home video release to revisit the final 10 episodes.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Sexy Evil Genius”:</strong> Dark comedy about a group of people drawn to a downtown bar by a woman they all used to date. Katee Sackhoff, Michelle Trachtenberg, Anthony Michael Hall, William Baldwin and Seth Green star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Craig Shoemaker – Daditude”:</strong> Showtime comedy special featuring 82 minutes of Shoemaker’s trademark humor.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Gabriel Iglesias – Aloha Fluffy”:</strong> Iglesisas comedy special taped at the Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu. The DVD includes a number of extras, including a 25-minute featurette that was shot before and after the taping of the special.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Best of Latino Laugh Festival”:</strong> Collection of stand-up routines from more than 15 top-tier Latino comics, including Paul Rodriguez, Felipe Esparza, John Mendoza and the late Greg Giraldo.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Forrest Hartman, a</em> Highbrow Magazine <em>contributor, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>. </em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/hyde-park-hudson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">hyde park on the hudson</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/laura-linney" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">laura linney</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/sorcerer-and-white-snake" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the sorcerer and the white snake</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/planet-ocean" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">planet ocean</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/kelsey-grammer" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">kelsey grammer</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/boss" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">boss</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Universal</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:17:23 +0000 tara 2652 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/2329-hyde-park-hudson-planet-ocean-arrive-dvd-blu-ray#comments Golden Globes 2013: Snubs, Surprises, and Spoilers https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1939-golden-globes-2013-snubs-surprises-and-spoilers <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Fri, 01/11/2013 - 11:16</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumgoldenglobes2013.jpg?itok=aa4z2t_X"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediumgoldenglobes2013.jpg?itok=aa4z2t_X" width="480" height="338" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> The format of the Golden Globes-- in which films, series, and their subsequent actors are split between two categories, drama and musical/comedy-- should make the annual awards show pretty much snub-proof. Of course, it doesn’t. Because what fun would that be?</p> <p>  </p> <p> Here are the most glaring snubs and biggest, jaw-dropping surprises of the 2013 Golden Globe nominations. This year’s list was all over the place, from the expected future Oscar contenders (<em>Argo, Les Miserables, Silver Linings Playbook</em>) to the movies and series that very few even bothered to see (<em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen </em>and <em>Smash, </em>anyone?). Plus-- spoiler alert-- check out winner predictions, then form your own thoughts and judgments on who might take home the biggest prizes.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/argo.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Motion Picture-- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   ARGO</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   DJANGO UNCHAINED</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   LIFE OF PI</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   LINCOLN</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   ZERO DARK THIRTY</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actress- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Jessica Chastain- ZERO DARK THIRTY</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Marion Cotillard- RUST AND BONE</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Helen Mirren- HITCHCOCK</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Naomi Watts- THE IMPOSSIBLE</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Rachel Weisz- THE DEEP BLUE SEA</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/theimpossible.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 360px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actor- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Daniel Day-Lewis- LINCOLN</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Richard Gere- ARBITRAGE</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   John Hawkes- THE SESSIONS</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Joaquin Phoenix- THE MASTER</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Denzel Washington- FLIGHT</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumthemasterfilm.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 387px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Snubs: </strong>Some deserving films were left out of the drama category, but thankfully, many deserving actors were awarded their due. The few exceptions most definitely include Best Actress contender Quvenzhane` Wallis, the pint-sized wonder who enchanted in the emotional and profound <em>Beasts of the Southern Wild, </em>as well as Paul Thomas Anderson’s <em>The Master </em>for Best Picture. Perhaps the film was a bit beyond its time, or perhaps star Joaquin Phoenix’s flippant comments hurt <em>The Master’s </em>chances. Let’s hope it wasn’t the latter, because Phoenix gives a gut-wrenching, career-best performance in the film (and thankfully he was nominated for Best Actor.) Let’s also hope that the Oscars wise up and learn from the Globes’ mistake.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Surprises: </strong>Helen Mirren, Rachel Weisz, and Denzel Washington. All talented actors in their own right, but <em>Hitchock</em> was not well received, and both <em>The Deep Blue Sea </em>and <em>Flight </em>were little-seen. Richard Gere for <em>Arbitrage </em>was also a surprise, but of the good, well-deserved variety.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Spoilers: </strong>Fingers should be collectively crossed for Joaquin Phoenix, but the Globes will probably favor the far safer choice of actor: Daniel Day-Lewis for <em>Lincoln</em><em>. </em>The praise for Naomi Watts in <em>The Impossible</em> is slowly but steadily gaining steam, however, she’ll first have to knock out Best Actress frontrunner Jessica Chastain. As for Best Picture, this category is up in the air, as each nominated film has received its fair share of pre-awards buzz. Despite this, Ben Affleck’s comeback as a major force in directing has shown no signs of slowing. His political thriller <em>Argo</em> was both a critical and commercial hit, and could pull off a win in a very tight race.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediummoonrisekingdom_0.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 422px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Motion Picture-- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   LES MISERABLES</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   MOONRISE KINGDOM</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actress- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> - Emily Blunt- SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Judi Dench- THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Jennifer Lawrence- SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Maggie Smith- QUARTET</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Meryl Streep- HOPE SPRINGS</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/salmonfishing.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 423px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actor- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Jack Black- BERNIE</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Bradley Cooper- SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Hugh Jackman- LES MISERABLES</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Ewan McGregor- SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN</p> <p style="margin-left:7.35pt;"> -   Bill Murray- HYDE PARK ON HUDSON</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Snubs: </strong>In this year’s musical/comedy category, the Globes have reverted back to old Academy ways: nominating distinguished performers over popular stars. If Maggie Smith and Emily Blunt could earn nominations for <em>Quartet </em>and <em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, </em>respectively, then couldn’t Leslie Mann-- one of the best and most under-appreciated comedic actresses of her generation-- nab a spot for her role in <em>This is 40? </em></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Surprises: </strong>Again, <em>Salmon Fishing in the Yemen-- </em>did anyone else miss the boat on that one? Finding Jack Black’s name on the list for Best Actor was also a bit of a shocker, although it’s nice to see the funnyman recognized for new and challenging work.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Spoilers: </strong>Bradley Cooper went from suave movie star hunk to serious thespian in the blink of an eye thanks to<em> Silver Linings Playbook</em>. Regardless, the Best Actor statue should be Hugh Jackman’s to lose (the same goes for fellow Anne Hathaway in the Supporting category.) On the Best Actress front, Cooper’s charming young co-star Jennifer Lawrence should find that the odds are in her favor (sorry) and take home her very first big award. Overall, the people behind <em>Silver Linings Playbook </em>should have lots to celebrate come January 13. As much as Wes Anderson’s wild and whimsical sleeper hit <em>Moonrise Kingdom</em> may deserve the title of Best Picture, <em>Silver Linings </em>is starting to look like a sure thing-- as long as <em>Les Mis </em>doesn’t show up and spoil the fun.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumboardwalkempire_0.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 413px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Television Series-- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  BREAKING BAD</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  BOARDWALK EMPIRE</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  HOMELAND</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  THE NEWSROOM</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actress-- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Connie Britton- NASHVILLE</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Glenn Close- DAMAGES</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Claire Danes- HOMELAND</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Michelle Dockery- DOWNTON ABBEY: SEASON 2</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Julianna Margulies- THE GOOD WIFE</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actor-- Drama</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Steve Buscemi- BOARDWALK EMPIRE</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Bryan Cranston- BREAKING BAD</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Jeff Daniels- THE NEWSROOM</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Jon Hamm- MAD MEN</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Damian Lewis- HOMELAND</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Snubs:</strong> So many snubs, so little time. What about <em>The Walking Dead</em>? <em>Game of Thrones</em>? And, most of all, <em>Mad Men</em>? Any one of these shows could have received a nomination. Further, of the many talented actors who were left out in the cold, Best Actress or Supporting Actress contender Christina Hendricks is the very worst offense. Losing the Emmy to Maggie Smith back in September was one thing, but this time, the growing under-appreciation of Hendricks’ work has simply gone too far. Hendricks has only become more impressive throughout each of <em>Mad Men’s </em>five seasons, and “The Other Woman”-- the episode which should have won her multiple awards this year, but hasn’t -- earned her rave reviews and near universal critical acclaim. What makes even less sense is that Hayden Panettiere managed to sneak into the Supporting category for her role as a teen pop princess in <em>Nashville</em><em>. </em>What will it take for Christina Hendricks to finally be awarded the recognition she deserves? Should she try bursting  into song?</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Surprises: </strong>Most definitely <em>The Newsroom</em>. Which isn’t to say that it’s not a well-done, promising new show-- it is-- but it should not have taken the place of <em>Mad Men</em>, a consistently great series which reached its creative peak this year.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Spoilers: </strong>It really isn’t spoiling much to say that <em>Homeland</em> is a lock; from praise by the President to <em>Saturday Night Live</em> parodies, it’s the show that’s been elevated to pop culture phenomenon status. Stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis should also find themselves making acceptance speeches for the second year in a row, unless something goes terribly awry.</p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumdoncheadle.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Television Series-- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  THE BIG BANG THEORY</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  EPISODES</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  GIRLS</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  MODERN FAMILY</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  SMASH</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actress-- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Zooey Deschanel- NEW GIRL</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Julia Louis- Dreyfus- VEEP</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Lena Dunham- GIRLS</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Tina Fey- 30 ROCK</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Amy Poehler- PARKS AND RECREATION</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Best Actor-- Musical/Comedy</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Alec Baldwin- 30 ROCK</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Don Cheadle- HOUSE OF LIES</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Louis C.K.- LOUIE</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Matt LeBlanc- EPISODES</p> <p style="margin-left:14.35pt;"> -  Jim Parsons- THE BIG BANG THEORY</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Snubs: </strong><em>Louie, 30 Rock, Community, Parks and Recreation, </em>and <em>New Girl </em>are just some of the shows that could have been honored by the Globes, but weren’t.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Surprises: </strong>Matt LeBlanc for <em>Episodes, </em>as well as the show itself. LeBlanc won last year’s Globe, so it’s probably time to let someone else take over. Additionally, not one member of the talented cast of <em>Happy Endings-- </em>the funny and clever ensemble comedy that no one is watching-- found themselves nominated, despite much critical praise for the show’s third season. Damon Wayans, Jr and Eliza Coupe, in particular, could be the funniest TV couple currently on the small screen.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Spoilers: </strong>Musical/Comedy is the one area in which each category is a true toss-up. Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will go head-to-head in Best Actress, so count on either one to nab a statue (Poehler, especially, is long overdue.) Since <em>30 Rock </em>has aired its final season, Alec Baldwin could find himself going out on top, but only if cult favorite Louis C.K. doesn’t sneak out from behind him. Finally, for Best Series, truly anything could win-- as long as it’s not <em>Smash. </em></p> <p>  </p> <p> <em>The Golden Globe Awards air on Sunday, January 13 on NBC.</em></p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Loren DiBlasi is a contributing writer </em>at Highbrow Magazine<em>.</em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/golden-globes-0" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the golden globes</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/zero-dark-thirty" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">zero dark thirty</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/argo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">argo</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ben-affleck" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ben affleck</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/jessica-chastain" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">jessica chastain</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/naomi-watts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">naomi watts</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/impossible" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the impossible</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ewan-mcgregor" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ewan McGregor</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moonrise-kingdom" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Moonrise Kingdom</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wes-anderson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wes Anderson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/maggie-smith" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">maggie smith</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/best-exotic-marigold-hotel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">the best exotic marigold hotel</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/golden-globe-awards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Golden Globe awards</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Loren DiBlasi</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:16:57 +0000 tara 2182 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1939-golden-globes-2013-snubs-surprises-and-spoilers#comments 10 Indie Actors on the Verge of Mainstream https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1850-indie-actors-verge-mainstream <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Thu, 12/13/2012 - 12:54</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/parkerposey.jpg?itok=COyf0OU5"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/parkerposey.jpg?itok=COyf0OU5" width="480" height="360" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> In all aspects of the arts, there are countless dedicated actors and artists who will tirelessly toil away at careers that never quite take them to the top. Unfortunately for some actors, Hollywood is a unique land where the most talented people are not always the most successful, or the most recognized. Some actors accept this fate, or even embrace it, while others are still  waiting for that one “big break.” Either way, the world of independent cinema will always be filled with surprising and unknown gems. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Below are ten actors and actresses -- some more recognizable than others -- who represent the best and brightest currently working in film. Their differences are vast: they are men and women of various ages, representing many different backgrounds. So what do they all have in common? For starters, none of them have ever won an Academy Award, though several have been nominated at least once. Further, when it comes to the mainstream Hollywood career path, each one has diverged in slightly left-of-center directions.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Indie, underground, foreign -- whatever you want to call them -- here is just a sampling of the many great independent actors of today.</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="Body" style="line-height:150%"> <b> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/melanielynsky.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 400px;" /></b></p> <p class="Body" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="Body" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>10. Melanie Lynskey</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Casual television observers may know Melanie Lynskey’s name (and face) from her role as nosy neighbor Rose on the long-running sitcom <i>Two and a Half Men. </i>However, despite the fact that her appearances in the mainstream have been supporting -- and forgettable-- at best, Lynskey has been an independent leading lady since she was just a teenager.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> In 1994, the New Zealand native won raves for her performance alongside another budding young actress, Kate Winslet, in the Peter Jackson drama <i>Heavenly Creatures. </i>Since then, Lynskey has appeared in Sam Mendes’ <i>Away We Go, </i>Steven Soderbergh’s <i>The Informant!, </i>and Jason Reitman’s <i>Up in the Air, </i>just to name a few<i>. </i>Her resume is certainly impressive, but will this self-proclaimed character actress ever receive the true recognition she deserves? Perhaps. Lynskey’s lead role in the upcoming comedy-drama <i>Hello I Must Be Going </i>was a favorite at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and is already generating some pretty strong pre-awards season buzz. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <strong>9. Michael Shannon</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <span style="line-height: 150%;">If you didn’t know Michael Shannon is an actor, you’d think that he really is as crazy as he seems (and that’s actually a compliment). Shannon, who began his career as a stage actor in Chicago, has since developed a particular penchant for portraying troubled men. Take, for example, his breakout role in </span><i style="line-height: 150%;">Revolutionary Road, </i><span style="line-height: 150%;">for which he garnered his first Academy Award nomination. Fierce and fiery Shannon was a scene stealer, and that’s high praise when in the company of Leonardo </span>DiCaprio<span style="line-height: 150%;"> and Kate </span>Winslet<span style="line-height: 150%;">. His all-too convincing performance in </span><i style="line-height: 150%;">Take Shelter</i><span style="line-height: 150%;"> is also worth noting. It’s shocking that Shannon’s role as a husband and father plagued by apocalyptic visions didn’t amass more attention.</span></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Currently, you can find Michael Shannon among the star-studded cast of HBO’s <i>Boardwalk Empire, </i>in which he portrays -- you guessed it -- a bit of a nut job.</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/garciabernal.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 440px;" /></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>8. Gael Garcia Bernal</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Fans of foreign cinema already know and love Gael Garcia Bernal, the young Mexican actor who has appeared in countless Spanish-language films. Blessed with a deep, steely gaze and the talent to match, Bernal became a telenovela heartthrob while still in his teens, but quickly moved on to higher aspirations. He’s starred as a young Che Guevara in <i>The Motorcycle Diaries</i>, appeared in the Oscar-nominated <i>Amores Perros, </i>and been at the center of a surreal murder mystery in Pedro Almodóvar’s <i>Bad Education. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> However, Bernal’s transition into English language film has not been without its missteps. Recently, he starred opposite Kate Hudson in the critically panned romantic comedy <i>A Little Bit of Heaven </i>and in the ambitious, yet ultimately silly, Will Ferrell vehicle <i>Casa de mi Padre. </i>Thankfully for Bernal, his recently acclaimed thriller <i>The Loneliest Planet </i>looks to be far more promising.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>7. John Hawkes</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> John Hawkes is a rare type of bird: an indie actor who is often celebrated by the mainstream. He earned his first Academy Award nomination in 2011 for the dreary yet superbly acted <i>Winter’s Bone</i>, also starring one-time independent starlet Jennifer Lawrence. Hawkes’ gritty portrayal in that film is a sharp contrast to his next project, <i>The Sessions, </i>for which another Oscar nomination is essentially a sure thing.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> In the more light-hearted <i>The Sessions</i>, Hawkes plays a quadriplegic who aims to lose his virginity with the help of a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt). It’s the unflinching heart Hawkes brings to each role that makes him so appealing, and that’s exactly what keeps the Academy -- and audiences -- coming back for more.</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <b> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/catherinekeener.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 336px;" /></b></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>6. Catherine Keener</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Catherine Keener receives acclaim for essentially each and every role she chooses; despite this, the casual movie-goer may not even know her name. You may have first seen Catherine in <i>The 40-Year-Old Virgin, </i>and said to yourself, “Hey! What else do I know her from?” As it turns out, a lot. Keener’s two Academy Award nominations came from <i>Being John Malkovich </i>and <i>Capote, </i>the latter of which found her portraying author Harper Lee. <i>Into the Wild, An American Crime, </i>and <i>Synecdoche, <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>, </i>are just a few more examples of Keener’s diverse and excellent work. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Keener told <i>The New York Times, </i>“I like being a supporting actress. I like to come and go in the film. The interesting characters are very few if you want to be the lead, and they depend on you being beautiful.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>5. Naomi Watts</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Naomi Watts , a classic “icy blonde” in the vein of Hitchcock muses Grace Kelly and Tippi Hedren, has glamorous silver screen looks, but thankfully, a lot more, too. The English-Australian beauty could easily have created a comfortable career as a romantic lead; however, instead of becoming a romantic comedy starlet or a butt-kicking action star, Watts has always preferred grittier, more interesting roles.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Her breakout performance in David Lynch’s <i>Mulholland Drive</i> was what first made her a star, and Watts has continued on that same dark path throughout her entire career. She’s played a drug addict in <i>21 Grams, </i>earning herself a Best Actress Oscar nomination in the process, and a woman terrorized by a home invasion in the truly frightening <i>Funny Games. </i>See Watts’ next film, <i>The Impossible, </i>if you dare; the story of a family separated by Thailand’s 2004 tsunami has been met with high critical acclaim, but is apparently a real tear-jerker.</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <b> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/markruffalo.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 316px;" /></b></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>4. Mark Ruffalo</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> He’s an appealing actor with good looks and charm to spare, and now thanks to his role as the Hulk in <i>The Avengers, </i>his fame and fortune are just as big as his talent. Mark Ruffalo may have  “sold out” to make a big summer superhero blockbuster, but it’s no skin off his back. His indie cred is as freshly intact as ever.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Ruffalo’s breakout role in the 2000 independent drama <i>You Can Count On Me</i> earned him comparisons to a young Marlon Brando, an association both flattering and fitting for the star. The list of low-budget, underground films graced by Ruffalo’s magnetic on-screen presence is practically endless; among them are <i>Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, In The Cut, </i>and <i>We Don’t Live Here Anymore. </i>His funny, heart-breaking, Oscar-nominated turn in <i>The Kids Are All Right </i>was so brilliant, it almost makes up for  <i>13 Going on 30 (</i>almost).</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/parkerposey.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>3. Parker Posey</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> It’s simply impossible to discuss the topic of indie actors without mentioning Parker Posey -- it’s an unwritten rule of the world of cinema. Known as “Queen of the Indies,” Posey broke onto the scene in the early 90s and quickly gained a reputation for being the coolest chick in the ‘biz. Throughout her lengthy career, she’s consistently foregone big-time studio roles for smaller, more challenging fare, such as the films <i>Dazed and Confused, Party Girl, </i>and <i>Best in Show.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <i> </i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Now in her 40s, Posey is still going strong with no signs of quitting. You can next see her as the lead in the quirky comedy <i>Price Check. <o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <b><i> </i></b></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>2. Jessica Chastain</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> It was only a matter of time before Jessica Chastain broke through as one of Hollywood’s best new stars, but it finally happened in 2011 when she appeared in not one, not two, but <i>seven</i> critically acclaimed (many of them independent) films. Among them were <i>Take Shelter, The Debt, </i>and <i>The Tree of Life</i>. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Chastain’s subtle charisma and simple, ethereal beauty mean that she’s not only talented, but also bankable, and that’s a winning combination not often achieved. Next up for the Juilliard grad is the lead role in Kathryn Bigelow’s Bin Laden thriller <i>Zero Dark Thirty. </i>When it comes to Jessica Chastain’s ever-expanding career, it’s not if she gets her Oscar, but when.</p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <b> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/billmurray.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 338px;" /></b></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%">  </p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>1. Bill Murray</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:15.0pt"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Profound, enchanting, and most of all, funny, Bill Murray is the quintessential -- yet totally unexpected -- independent leading man. Of course, this wasn’t always the case. During his time on <i>Saturday Night Live </i>he was known for his zany, screwball comedic styling, and his film choices reflected this. A turning point came in the form of colorfully quirky director Wes Anderson, who cast Murray in his 1998 comedy <i>Rushmore. </i>The two would continue to collaborate in five more films, including the recent commercial and critical success <i>Moonrise Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <i> </i></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> Murray has always had the potential to be a mainstream star -- in fact, in previous films like <i>Ghostbusters </i>and <i>Caddyshack, </i>he has been -- but lately, his signature brand of quirky, deeply affecting, deadpan charm has served him far better. In the past several years, Murray has evolved into an indie hero of sorts, particularly (and surprisingly) for those who weren’t even alive during his days on <i>SNL. </i>Murray’s best shot at winning an Academy Award, his nomination for <i>Lost in Translation, </i>was lost when Sean Penn nabbed the statue instead. There’s a good chance that Bill Murray may never win an Oscar, but hey, that’s okay. Some actors -- or rather, icons -- transcend such things. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <strong>Author Bio:</strong><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="FreeForm" style="line-height:150%"> <em>Loren DiBlasi is a contributing writer at</em> Highbrow Magazine.<o:p></o:p></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/independent-cinema" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">independent cinema</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/indie-films" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">indie films</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/indie-actors" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">indie actors</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/parker-posey" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">parker posey</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/michael-shannon" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">michael shannon</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/melanie-lynskey" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">melanie lynskey</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/mark-ruffalo" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mark Ruffalo</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/gael-garcia-bernal" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">gael garcia bernal</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/naomi-watts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">naomi watts</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/golden-globes" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Golden Globes</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/oscars" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Oscars</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Loren DiBlasi</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 13 Dec 2012 17:54:45 +0000 tara 2035 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1850-indie-actors-verge-mainstream#comments ‘Moonrise Kingdom,’ ‘Chernobyl Diaries’ Arrive on DVD, Blu-ray https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1682-moonrise-kingdom-chernobyl-diaries-arrive-dvd-blu-ray <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Tue, 10/16/2012 - 14:22</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediummoonrisekingdom.jpg?itok=Oy2iEClk"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/mediummoonrisekingdom.jpg?itok=Oy2iEClk" width="480" height="338" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p> An Adam Sandler comedy and a sweet film by writer-director Wes Anderson anchor this week’s home video releases.  </p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Moonrise</strong><strong> Kingdom</strong></p> <p> <strong>3½ stars<br /> Rated PG-13 </strong></p> <p> <strong>Universal<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, digital download and on demand</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> In a commercial film industry increasingly dominated by derivative fare, writer-director Wes Anderson is a beacon of creativity and inspiration. Anderson established himself as a force with his first feature film, 1996’s “Bottle Rocket,” and his follow-up movies – including “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” – have been equally unique and appealing.</p> <p>  </p> <p> His latest, “Moonrise Kingdom,” is set in 1965 and tells the quirky story of Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), troubled 12-year-olds who run away together and hide in the countryside of a New England island. Their disappearance is first noticed when Sam – a Khaki Scout – fails to show up for breakfast, prompting his troop leader (Edward Norton) to call the only authority on the island, Police Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis). Before long, the tiny island community is buzzing with activity, and everyone from Sam’s fellow scouts to Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) are searching for the missing kids.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The film is centered on runaway children, but Anderson never creates a sense of peril. In fact, as the story moves forward, it becomes apparent that Suzy and Sam are more capable than many of the adults trying to track them. Perhaps that’s the point. Adults tend to diminish the experiences of children, despite the fact that their innocence and inexperience often makes them more perceptive.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Moonrise Kingdom” is beautiful to look at because Anderson has given his visuals a saturated glow reminiscent of films actually shot in the 1950s and ’60s, but it’s not just the cinematography that’s wonderful.  The characters have nuance and depth only seen in the best films, and Anderson’s cast is fantastic.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Willis is in top form as the island’s aging and somewhat dowdy lawman, and Edward Norton is brilliant as a man who treats his scout leader job as a calling. Murray and McDormand are always great, and there’s no exception here. One must also acknowledge the wonderful performances of the two young stars. Athough unknown, Hayward and Gilman carry the majority of the screen time and it’s easy to invest in their relationship.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include a making-of feature and a set tour with Bill Murray.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/That%27s%20My%20Boy%20-%20Horizontal.JPG" style="width: 600px; height: 400px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>That’s My Boy</strong></p> <p> <strong>2 stars (out of four)<br /> Rated R </strong></p> <p> <strong>Sony<br /> Available on: DVD and Blu-ray</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> Watching Adam Sandler movies is frustrating because they always contain at least a few reminders of what a talented comedian he can be. Although humorous, these instances are ultimately sad because they also remind us that Sandler has wasted a huge portion of his career making movies that simply don’t matter. </p> <p>  </p> <p> The latest addition is “That’s My Boy,” the unfunny story of a high school stud named Donny who knocks up one of his teachers and becomes a celebrity in the process. When teacher-student relationships occur in reality, lives are ruined, so one has to question screenwriter David Caspe’s judgment in attempting to mine the situation for comedy. Nevertheless, he charged forward, producing an awkward tale about the bonds between father and son.</p> <p>  </p> <p> After a brief explanation of Donny’s relationship with his teacher, director Sean Anders moves the action forward 28 years. The future Donny (Sandler) is older, broke and still incredibly reckless. In fact, he’s made such poor decisions, he’s about to be thrown in jail for owing $43,000 in delinquent taxes.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Desperate, Donny turns to Randall Morgan (Dan Patrick), a TV producer who specializes in celebrity gossip. Randall agrees to pay Donny $50,000 if he can convince his estranged son, Han Solo (Andy Samberg), to reunite with him on TV. Unfortunately for Donny, Han so despised his childhood that he disowned his parents, going as far as to change his name and tell friends that he was orphaned. Thus, there’s many an awkward moment when Donny shows up just days before Han’s impending wedding, trying to convince his son to join him on TV.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “That’s My Boy” has a number of problems, the most critical being that there’s nothing inherently funny about bad parenting. Therefore, most of the jokes about Han’s terrible childhood come out flat. Even worse is the fact that none of the characters, other than Han, have any boundaries. That means they are constantly spouting everything from profanities to racist comments. Apparently, this is meant to be funny, but it plays as wildly inappropriate instead.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes and a gag reel.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/madagascar3.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Madagascar</strong><strong> 3: Europe’s Most Wanted</strong></p> <p> <strong>1 star<br /> Rated PG<br /> Paramount<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> Hollywood filmmakers should learn that it’s often best to leave well enough alone, and nothing proves this more readily than the “Madagascar” franchise. What started as an average-yet-enjoyable talking-animal enterprise has devolved into a redundant mess.</p> <p>  </p> <p> In “Madagascar 2,” the New York City zoo animals that populated the first movie attempted to return to the Big Apple, but ended up in Africa instead. That film not only failed to recreate the magic of the first, it moved slowly and dimmed the overall luster of the series. The even more unnecessary “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” should assure that the franchise is little more than a footnote in animation history.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The film picks up with Alex the lion (voiced by Ben Stiller), Marty the zebra (Chris Rock), Gloria the hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Melman the giraffe (David Schwimmer) still longing to return to New York. This desire convinces them to swim to Monte Carlo, where they plan to meet up with their militaristic penguin pals who have been industrious enough to build an airplane. Because lions and zebras aren’t typically seen on the streets of France, chaos breaks out and a cruel animal control officer (Frances McDormand) chases the entire crew. In an effort to escape, the animals join a travelling circus, where they meet a new cast of characters, including a jaguar named Gia (Jessica Chastain), a sea lion named Stefano (Martin Short) and a tiger named Vitaly (Bryan Cranston). Naturally, Alex and company wind up performing with the circus, discovering that zoos aren’t the only institutions allowing animals to wow a human crowd.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Madagascar 3” is colorful and zippy, which may be enough for the youngest audiences. Unfortunately, it is little more than a variation on the previous two movies. The animals feel lost outside of New York and make plans to return, but they learn that different ways of life have much to offer. This isn’t a bad message, but it gets tiresome, particularly since returning directors Eric Darnell and Tom McGrath don’t seem interested in exploring it any more fully than they have in the past. The movie may also have suffered from too many people in charge. A third director, Conrad Vernon, joined Darnell and McGrath, but the film is no better for this.</p> <p>  </p> <p> “Madagascar 3” is not only superfluous, it’s one of the worst animated movies of 2012. </p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include deleted scenes, a mad music mash-up and a filmmakers’ audio commentary.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/chernobyldiaries.jpg" style="width: 399px; height: 600px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Chernobyl</strong><strong> Diaries</strong></p> <p> <strong>2 stars<br /> Rated R<br /> Warner Brothers<br /> Available on: DVD, Blu-ray and digital download</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> Oren Peli made a name for himself in 2007 by writing, directing and producing “Paranormal Activity,” a horror franchise that spawned three sequels. The success of that series also paved the way for him to tackle other work, including co-writing the script for “Chernobyl Diaries,” a horror enterprise set in Pripyat, a Ukrainian city that was abandoned following the 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. </p> <p>  </p> <p> In the film, several young people opt for an “extreme tour” of Pripyat, curious about what the city – now a ghost town – will look like. Although Peli came up with the story and co-wrote the screenplay, it’s first-time director Bradley Parker who guides viewers through the action. He starts by introducing the main characters, the most important being Chris (Jesse McCartney); his girlfriend, Natalie (Olivia Dudley); their friend Amanda (Devin Kelley); and Chris’ brother, Paul (Jonathan Sadowski). In early scenes, viewers learn that Paul has a history of getting his younger brother into trouble. This makes it more than a little foreboding when Paul suggests visiting Pripyat in place of the Moscow trip that the group had planned.</p> <p>  </p> <p> Sure enough, the group ends up stranded in Pripyat when the tour guide, Uri (Dimitri Diatchenko), can’t get their van started. This means an overnight stay in the eerie city, setting the stage for horrific happenings.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The concept for “Chernobyl Diaries” is solid, but the execution is weak and passé. Like countless other horror films, it places its characters in obvious peril, then allows them to fall victim to increasingly terrible circumstances. The Pripyat setting is novel, but Parker could have filmed his movie by a rural lake or an urban shopping mall and used the same, tired structure.</p> <p>  </p> <p> What’s more, the characters are not fully developed, despite the fact that the first 15 minutes of the movie is designed primarily to do this. One gets the sense that Parker and Peli want us to understand these folks, but we never do because we don’t know enough about their lives.</p> <p>  </p> <p> DVD and Blu-ray extras include a “Chernobyl Conspiracy” viral video, a deleted scene and an alternate ending.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/obama2016movie.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 337px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>ALSO OUT THIS WEEK</strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“2016: Obama’s America”:</strong> This documentary film is based on “The Roots of Obama’s Rage,” a 2010 book by conservative writer and commentator Dinesh D’Souza. It paints President Barack Obama in a negative light by examining his past and arguing that the president’s background will lead to decisions that negatively impact America’s future. Written and directed by D’Souza and John Sullivan. </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Forgiveness of Blood”:</strong> Director Joshua Marston’s follow-up to the outstanding drama “Maria Full of Grace” is set in present-day Albania, and it tells the story of two siblings whose lives are irrevocably changed by their father’s blood feud with another family. Presented by the Criterion Collection in Albanian with English subtitles.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Neil Young Journeys”:</strong> Director Jonathan Demme’s documentary concert film looking at the life and music of Neil Young. The movie features an extensive interview with young, as well as a great deal of concert footage.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Firm” – The Complete Series:</strong> This TV series, meant as a sequel to John Grisham’s bestselling book, ran for only 22 episodes before getting cancelled. The story centers on Mitch McDeere (Josh Lucas), an attorney attempting to reclaim his life after spending a decade in the Federal Witness Protection Program for helping to end a corrupt law firm.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Looney Tunes Platinum Collection Volume 2”: </strong>Fifty digitally remastered animated shorts from Warner Brothers. The set includes pieces focused on classic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck as well as lesser-known players like Cecil Turtle. Three of the shorts – “A Wild Hare,” “Tabasco Road” and “Mexicali Shmoes” – were nominated for Oscars.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Avatar” on Blu-ray 3D:</strong> Consumers have been slow to adopt 3D technology in the home, but those who have both a 3D TV and 3D Blu-ray player should be excited to learn that James Cameron’s “Avatar” is now available in all its multi-dimensional glory.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Mad Men” – Season Five:</strong> Another batch of recent episodes from the Emmy-winning TV drama about the key players at a 1960s advertising agency. Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Christina Hendricks and January Jones star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Psych” – The Complete Sixth Season:</strong> New episodes of this long-running USA Network detective drama won’t return until early next year, meaning fans have plenty of time to relive the 16 installments on this boxed set. The show focuses on Shawn Spencer (James Roday) a man who uses his keen observational skills to pretend to be a psychic and aid police in solving crimes. Dule Hill, Corbin Bernsen and Maggie Lawson also star.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“Pete’s Dragon” – 35<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Edition Blu-ray:</strong> Disney is rolling this 1977 film, about a boy and his invisible dragon friend, to Blu-ray for the first time. Mickey Rooney, Helen Reddy, Sean Marshall, Red Buttons and Jim Dale star. Directed by Don Chaffey.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>“The Cup”:</strong> Drama focused on jockey Damien Oliver’s dramatic 2002 win at the Melbourne Cup. Stephen Curry and Brendan Gleeson star. Directed by Simon Wincer.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Scary movies from Scream Factory:</strong> This sub-label of Shout! Factory is releasing two early ’80s horror films just in time for Halloween: “Terror Train” (1980) and “The Funhouse” (1981). The former stars Jamie Lee Curtis, and it centers on a killer targeting college kids who are partying on a train. Tobe Hooper (“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”) directed the latter, and it is focused on teenagers stalked by a masked murderer in a carnival funhouse.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Blu-ray debuts from Miramax:</strong> Lionsgate is delivering the Blu-ray premieres of two films originally produced by Miramax: “Ella Enchanted” and “Everybody’s Fine.” The former is a family film starring Anne Hathaway as a young woman who has been placed under a spell. The latter features Robert De Niro as the widowed patriarch of a dysfunctional family.  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <em>Forrest Hartman, a</em> Highbrow Magazine <em>contributor, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. For more of his work visit <a href="http://www.ForrestHartman.com">www.ForrestHartman.com</a>. </em></p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moonrise-kingdom" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Moonrise Kingdom</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wes-anderson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wes Anderson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/edward-norton" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">edward norton</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/thats-my-boy" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">that&#039;s my boy</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/adam-sandler" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Adam Sandler</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/madagascar-3" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">madagascar 3</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/chris-rock" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">chris rock</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/chernoby-diaries" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">chernoby diaries</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Forrest Hartman</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:22:53 +0000 tara 1737 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1682-moonrise-kingdom-chernobyl-diaries-arrive-dvd-blu-ray#comments Welcome to the Poignant World of Filmmaker Wes Anderson https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1199-welcome-poignant-world-filmmaker-wes-anderson <div class="field field-name-field-cat field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/film-tv" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Film &amp; TV</a></div></div></div><span class="submitted-by">Submitted by tara on Wed, 05/30/2012 - 21:27</span><div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mediumwesanderson%20%28festival-cannesDOTcom%29.jpg?itok=sMNidkNl"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/2mediumwesanderson%20%28festival-cannesDOTcom%29.jpg?itok=sMNidkNl" width="480" height="292" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>  </p> <p>  In a memorable scene from the 2007 film, <i>The Darjeeling Limited</i>, Angelica Houston’s character, Patricia, suggests to her estranged sons that “Maybe we could express ourselves more fully if we say it without words,” a line that neatly summarizes Wes Anderson’s success as a filmmaker.</p> <p> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p> The sparse dialogue in <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s films captures detachment and suppression – a part of all human relationships. Yet, his films also portray misfortunes and difficulties we encounter with those closest to us in a warm-hearted, positive light. His films manage to capture the joys of relationships, despite their challenging complexities. <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s success rides largely on his unique depiction of these two conflicting sides of human behavior -- our social tendencies and our hermetic ones. Though his films balance the line between comedy and tragedy, his work has an overall positive message about human nature. </p> <p> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p> <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s style is well-defined at this point. The cinematography, which includes plenty of slow-motion shots and still frames, furthers his peculiar spin on the way his characters interact with one another. Those who have grown fond of his distinct style will be satisfied with <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s latest release, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><i>Moonrise</i></st1:placename><i> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place>.</p> <p> <o:p>                                                                                    </o:p></p> <p> Critics often point to his reoccurring emphasis on idiosyncrasies as style over substance, calling it pretentious and glib. However, they fail to recognize that this is a deliberate inversion; of course <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city> has specific intentions with his films -- the non sequiturs in the dialogue are not just ironic and purposeless. They disguise the genuine, moral themes within the plot, and by doing so, enhance them. Whereas people in real life often make comments laced with irony, sarcasm, or cynicism intending to unmask conventionality and traditionalism, <st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place>’s characters say these things earnestly. In <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s universe, the irony is inverted. Within a traditional narrative form, it becomes morally instructive, dealing with themes about self-identity, love, family, and friendship.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumdarjeelingmovie.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 450px; " /></p> <p>  </p> <p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><i>Moonrise</i></st1:placename><i> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place><i> </i>is a classic coming-of-age tale. It follows two young, disillusioned outsiders, Sam and Suzy. They both seek self-knowledge and a better grasp on their identities. Sam is a dissident in the tradition of Yossarian (from Joseph Heller’s classic, <i>Catch-22</i>). He runs away from the campground of the Khaki Scouts -- a boy scout troupe run efficiently by the stern but sensitive Scout Master Ward (played by Ed Norton). Besides the similarities between Sam and Yossarian as intelligent outsiders, the film does not delve into heavy satire of the Scouts, which does in fact resemble the paradox-ridden, military unit in <i>Catch-22</i>.</p> <p> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p> <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city> isn’t interested in the darker side brought about by existential isolation in the postwar Western world. Rather, his focus is on a general disillusionment from those closest to us in our lives: family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and the various people we encounter and interact with. Just like in his previous works, the filmmaker reminds us that these relationships are the foundation for curing the suffering caused by isolation.</p> <p> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p> In <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><i>Moonrise</i></st1:placename><i> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place>, Sam has recently been disowned by his foster parents and is frequently cited as the least popular boy in his troupe. Suzy’s alienation stems from anger and disillusionment towards her parents that manifests itself in sporadic acts of violence. In <st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place>’s sleek style, the characters are likable and presented as more intelligent and creative than those around them. In response to a question from Sam about what she wants to do when she grows up, Suzy says that all she wants is to have adventures, and Sam concurs.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <o:p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediummoonrisekingdom.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 422px; " /></o:p></p> <p>  </p> <p> Like a good percentage of <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s fan base -- well-educated, upwardly mobile young people hoping to find fulfillment in their lives and to move beyond the conformity in a Western world that paradoxically seems to champion the idea of “the individual” -- Sam and Suzy suffer for being free-spirited and free-thinking. Through love, Suzy and Sam are comforted from the pains that stem from the process of forming their identities.</p> <p>            </p> <p> David Foster Wallace’s fiction often dealt with overcoming the traps of postmodern art and finding meaning beyond irony. In his well-known essay titled “E Unibus Pluram: Television and <st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place> fiction,” he explains the difficulty in balancing intelligent, hip, jaded self-awareness and actually having something meaningful to say. To some, <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s films may not escape the crippling chains of irony, but for younger generations that have consumed obscene amounts of cynicism through media, his films offer sincere, universal messages about the importance of establishing authentic relationships.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <o:p> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/mediumroyaltenenbaums.jpg" style="width: 443px; height: 616px; " /></o:p></p> <p>  </p> <p> In his most recent collection of essays titled, <i>Farther Away</i>, at the conclusion of an essay about his journey to an island in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Chile</st1:country-region> in the wake of his friend Wallace’s death, Jonathan Franzen laments about how “sick and crazy radical individualism really is.” This message about the importance of being able to experience authentic love, as opposed to an obsequious self-love, is increasingly relevant in a world becoming more flooded with impersonal technologies and media. Art that reminds of this, that provides us with self-aware but genuine humor, will therefore resonate.</p> <p>  </p> <p> <st1:city w:st="on">Anderson</st1:city>’s <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><i>Moonrise</i></st1:placename><i> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:place><i> </i>fulfills this difficult standard, solidifying it as a memorable and worthwhile experience. At first glance, the film may appear to be more light-hearted and unassuming than some of <st1:place w:st="on">Anderson</st1:place>’s past existential explorations on screen. Despite the plot’s adolescent characters and PG-13 rating, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><i>Moonrise</i></st1:placename><i> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype></i></st1:placename></st1:place> shows signs of being his most mature film to date.</p> <p> <o:p> </o:p></p> <p> <strong>Author Bio:</strong></p> <p> <i>J</i><em>ohn McGovern is a contributing writer at </em>Highbrow Magazine.</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/wes-anderson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wes Anderson</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/filmmaker-wes-anderson" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">filmmaker Wes Anderson</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/film-director" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">film director</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/movies" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Movies</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/moonrise-kingdom" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Moonrise Kingdom</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/royal-tenenbaums" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Royal Tenenbaums</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/darjeeling-limited" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">The Darjeeling Limited</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/ed-norton" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ed Norton</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/francis-mcdormand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Francis McDormand</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bill-murray" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bill Murray</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/bruce-willis" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Bruce Willis</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">John McGovern</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pop field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Popular:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">not popular</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-photographer field-type-text field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Photographer:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">festival-cannes.com</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-bot field-type-list-boolean field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Bottom Slider:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Out Slider</div></div></div> Thu, 31 May 2012 01:27:18 +0000 tara 1051 at https://www.highbrowmagazine.com https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/1199-welcome-poignant-world-filmmaker-wes-anderson#comments