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‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Blu-ray Giveaway!
I’m very excited to announce that I have Five (5) Blu-rays of Sonic The Hedgehog up for grabs. The discs, all of which are sealed, also come with the Digital Code and the DVD! Entry details are below!
Rafael Manuel Talks “Emotional Clarity” of Filipiñana and Crafting A “Cinema of Resistance”
Director Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana has received its share of critical acclaim, and this weekend it expands its theatrical reach. An evocative and visually immersive exploration of a Filipina’s (Jorybell Agoto) experiences at a country club, this Philippines set narrative locked me in from the jump. Manuel talked to Deepest Dream about his feature and he explains why “emotional clarity” is an integral part of his filmmaking aesthetic.
Read more: Rafael Manuel Talks “Emotional Clarity” of Filipiñana and Crafting A “Cinema of Resistance”
Filipiñana centers on Isabel (Jorybell Agoto), a 17-year-old who works at a country club outside Manila. Whether its lining up golf balls or scooping them out of the water, Isabel and her fellow co-workers have an understandably hard time working out in the baking sun. They also have to deal with the tourists and club members who may take advantage of their social status, leaving these women as second class citizens on the grounds that they keep immaculate.
Isabel’s main journey is to return a golf club to Dr. Palanca (Teroy Guzman), the head of the premises. A secondary storyline centers on a club member’s (Carlitos Siguion-Reyna) attempts to get his niece (Carmen Castellanos) to stay in the Philippines and help with the family business.
Don’t expect a plot heavy narrative with Filipiñana since it refreshingly traverses another direction. “I really believe that emotional clarity should take precedence over narrative clarity because it’s less propagandistic,” said Rafael Manuel. “With emotional clarity, you’re giving autonmy to an audience to feel how it is they want to feel because then an image can invoke a totally different response from another person. For me, this is very much a cinema of resistance.”
The film is also a cinema of discovery thanks to the nuanced performance of Jorrybell Agoto.
“She’s so amazing,” said Manuel. “One of my favorites is Giulietta Masina, the wife of Federico Fellini. I think there’s a lot of similarities between Giulietta and Jorybell in the playfulness and even in the facial structure and the expression. What drew me towards Jorybell is (she’s) like a silent presence that grows – and (her) playfulness, obviously. I see so much depth and meaning, like an underground reservoir of meaning in her eyes. This is super important with the kind of cinema (that) I want to do, where the acting is very minimalistic because you leave space for freedom for the audience.”
Rounding out the ensemble are Nour Hooshmand, Isabel Sicat, Micah Musa, Elle Velasco, and Angeli Bayani.
Filipiñana hits Los Angeles and additional cities on September 4th. Tonight he will be doing a post-screening Q&A at the Laemmle Noho 7. He will also be part of a Q&A on September 4 and September 8 at the Laemmle Glendale.
Full interview:
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
***We review Filipiñana, Coyote vs. Acme, and Buddy on the latest CinemAddicts:
Josiah Pippel On Winning ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Championship: “I Want To Go For More”
Josiah Pippel is the Season 18 champion of American Ninja Warrior, and that honor garnered him a trophy and $250,000. Pippel talked to Deepest Dream about the long road to becoming a champion (his Ninja journey began at 7!) and why his ninja career is far from over. My full interview with Pippel is featured in the post.
Read more: Josiah Pippel On Winning ‘American Ninja Warrior’ Championship: “I Want To Go For More”Although American Ninja Warrior fans have followed Josiah Pippel’s journey for years, there is an aspect that can’t be fully explored within the television real. “I think the biggest thing that people don’t see is the late nights in the gym,” said Josiah Pippel, who is the co-founder of the ninja league Team Ninja Association. “The hours we’ve dedicated and all the failure that has gone into this ween. I’ve been doing this for 13 years, and now I’m finally the champion of American Ninja Warrior. But that was 13 years of failures (and) 13 years of lessons learned to get met to this point.”
Even though he has climbed to the top of the mountain, Pippel refuses the complacent approach. “Obviously I’m not taking it for granted,” said Pippel, who defeated reigning champion Kai Beckstrand. “This is a really big moment for me and opportunity, but I want to go for more. I think I’m not done with the sport just yet and with American Ninja Warrior. I have more to give, and now I’ve proven that I can be at the top and I want to stay there as long as I can. So with Season 19 coming around the corner and Season 20 (as well), my goal is to defend my championship and be the two-time and maybe even three-time champion.”
During the interview, Pippel also discussed being positively influenced by his parents and the community that has supported his journey. He also delves into the time he puts into Team Ninja Association and explains why his passion for cars runs deep:
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Ryan Reynolds On Why ‘Mayday’ Is A “Really Well Timed” Buddy Picture
Described as a “genre-bending, action-packed buddy comedy,” Mayday features the starpower of Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh and it should be a hit when it premieres globally September 4th on Apple TV. Co-directed, written and produced by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the feature, according to Reynolds, is “really well timed.” Check out our Mayday post for more details!
Read more: Ryan Reynolds On Why ‘Mayday’ Is A “Really Well Timed” Buddy Picture
A Worthwhile Collaboration For Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds
Kenneth Branagh described Ryan Reynolds as a person of “joy and brilliance,” and Reynolds follows a similar track. “Ken has not only brought me the same kind of joy, day in and day out, but he’s kind of a teacher,” said Reynolds, who plays U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy ‘Assassin’ Kelly in Mayday. “You sort of work with somebody like that and just learn from every single moment, and it grounds you in this idea that ‘Wow, I’m really lucky to do this job. Get a front row seat to this incredible performer (and) this incredible storyteller.”
‘Mayday’ Is A “Well-Timed” Throwback To 1980s Buddy Comedies
At the New York premiere of Mayday, Reynolds likened the tale to memorable features of yesteryear. “I think this movie’s well-timed,” said Reynolds, who worked with co-director John Francis Daley in the 2005 feature Waiting…. “This is the sort of old fashioned, ’80s kind of feel (type movie). That decade produced some of the greatest buddy action comedies of all time. You’ve got Midnight Run (and) Another 48 Hrs.. You (have) Beverly Hills Cop (and) Lethal Weapon. They all came out of this era and it’s so much fun. And John Goldstein and John Francis Daley really captured that joy you have watching those kinds of movies while still not making it feel dated. Even though it’s a period piece.”
Catch Mayday, co-starring Marcin Dorociński and Maria Bakalova, on Apple TV September 4th! Share your thoughts on the movie in the comments!
We review Buddy and Coyote vs. Acme on CinemAddicts:
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***Ryan Reynolds’ quotes come from generic interviews supplied by Apple TV to media members.
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Mark Wahlberg Talks “Great Chemistry” With ‘By Any Means’ Star Yahya Abdul Mateen II
Directed by Elegance Bratton (The Inspection), By Any Means centers on an FBI agent (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who is investigating the killings of targeted civil rights leaders. Helping him on his quest is mafia hitman Greg Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg), a man who knows a thing or two about violence and vengeance. The feature, written by Sascha Penn (Power Book III: Raising Kanan), hits theaters Friday. Check out our post for a few Wahlberg insights on By Any Means!
Read more: Mark Wahlberg Talks “Great Chemistry” With ‘By Any Means’ Star Yahya Abdul Mateen IIA Unique Role For Mark Wahlberg
By Any Means, inspired by a true story, was a feature which boasted a rare role for Mark Wahlberg. “It’s one of those characters where you don’t get to play that often,” said the actor, who was last seen in the comedy Balls Up. “You just got to dig a little deeper and go a little darker.” Wahlberg described Greg Scarpa, aka the Grim Reaper, as a “fascinating guy” and he added that he was approached on “more than one occasion” to play Scarpa. “I read the script (to By Any Means) and fell in love with it, and I thought it was fascinating how this guy who lived and existed in this world of the mafia in New York and the Colombo Wars all of a sudden he’s down in the South during the Civil Rights movement.”
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Is A Bonafide Star
Another postive aspect of filming By Any Means was getting the chance to collaborate with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. “I had never worked with Yahya and never met Yahya,” said Wahlberg. “But to see the level of talent and also a level of charisma and commitment that he has – it’s pretty incredible. I think we have great chemistry together. He’s fantastic in the part and it’s one of the few times where I’m seeing a star about to really explode. I can’t wait to see what he does in the future.”
Rounding out the By Any Means ensemble are Nicole Beharie, Josh Lucas, LisaGay Hamilton, LaChanze, Ethan Embry, David Strathairn and Giancarlo Esposito.
Catch By Any Means starting Friday, September 4. Share your thoughts on the movie in the comments!
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
We review Buddy and Coyote vs. Acme on the latest episode of CinemAddicts:
A “Shaken, Not Stirred” Nicolas Cage Is 007 Inspiration In ‘Fortitude’ Trailer
Hearing Nicolas Cage saying he likes his Vodka Martini “Shaken, not stirred” is a big reason to see the action packed Fortitude trailer. That said, will the movie overall be a worthy watch? Cage plays real life 007 inspiration Dusko Popov in the film, which reunites him with Con Air filmmaker Simon West. Check out the trailer and share your thoughts in the comments!
Read more: A “Shaken, Not Stirred” Nicolas Cage Is 007 Inspiration In ‘Fortitude’ Trailer
An All-Star Cast Highlights Fortitude
Based on a true story, Fortitude centers on spy-soldiers Dudley Clarke (Ed Skrein) and Thomas Argyll Robinson’s (Matthew Goode) attempts to mislead the Germans during the buildup to D-Day. Michael Sheen co-stars as Winston Churchill, Art Malik plays James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and Alice Eve is British intelligence agent Nancy Armstrong. Rounding out the ensemble are Sir Ben Kingsley, Lukas Haas, Adrian Topol, Emilio Sakraya, Maeve Courtier-Lilley, Jenny Watwood, Tika Camaj, and Paul Anderson.
Simon West Brings Veteran Leadership To Fortitude
The trailer spotlights the action as well as the comedy that Fortitude is shooting for, and it is a blend that fits Simon West’s (Old Guy, Bride Hard) aesthetic. West also helmed Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The General’s Daughter, The Mechanic and The Expendables 2.
Running at 103 minutes, the feature was penned by Simon Afram (he’s also one of the producers). A Fortitude release date has not been released. Let u know your thoughts on the film and name a few of your favorite Simon West movies!
We review Buddy and Coyote vs. Acme on the latest episode of CinemAddicts:
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Dennis Quaid Delivers “Killer Arrangements” In ‘The Florist’ Trailer
Directed by Babak Najafi (Proud Mary, London Has Fallen), The Florist has a pretty straightforward plotline. The trailer shows a young woman (Sky Katz) in trouble after witnessing a crime and it’s up to the titular character (Dennis Quaid) to keep her alive. The action-thriller from Saban Films hits digital October 9. Check out the trailer and share your thoughts!
Read more: Dennis Quaid Delivers “Killer Arrangements” In ‘The Florist’ Trailer
In the official logline, The Florist centers on “the deadly lengths a man will go to protect the innocent.” Also the poster’s “killer arrangements” is a pretty funny and catchy description to put under the movie’s title. Jean Reno (Leon: The Professional) receives second billing in The Florist, so expect him to partake in some of the feature’s action sequences. Dennis Quaid is Carl, a seemingly average Joe who should be making floral arrangements instead of taking down bad guys. Along with Sky Katz playing the woman in trouble, the film also stars Leonidas Gulaptis and Anna Schafer.
With such a generic title and plotline, The Florist is ripe for sequel possibilities if it does good business. However, there is no theatrical release and the picture has three credited screenwriters (Scott Windhauser, Eran Creevy, Ethan Suess).
At worst, The Florist might be a turn your brain off actioner that could work if you need your action fix. Quaid and Reno always deliver no matter what genre (check out Reno in My Penguin Friend!).
Will you be putting The Florist on your watch list? What are some of your favorite Dennis Quaid movies? Share your thoughts in the comments! Catch The Florist on Digital starting October 9.
We review Buddy and Coyote vs. Acme on the latest episode of CinemAddicts:
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Gal Gadot On What Made ‘The Runner’ Special: “The Ending Blew My Mind”
Gal Gadot stars in the psychological thriller The Runner, and the feature hits Prime Video globally starting September 2 via Amazon MGM Studios. Along with getting the chance to work with filmmaker Kevin Macdonald (The Mauritanian, Black Sea), Gadot had another obvious reason for taking on this suspenser.
Read more: Gal Gadot On What Made ‘The Runner’ Special: “The Ending Blew My Mind”
It All Starts With The Script!
The Runner was written by Mark Gibson, whose credits include Lush (which he also directed), The In Crowd, Snow Dogs, The Wild, and the TV-movie Protect and Serve. This is Giibson’s first produced screenplay since Protect and Serve which came out in 2007.
“I could not put the script down,” said Gal Gadot in a generic interview released to media members. “It was the easiest read, and also what I loved what the fact that I couldn’t figure out where the story’s going. And the ending blew my mind!”
Is Running Part of Gal Gadot’s Workout Routine?
In The Runner, Gal Gadot plays Maia, a high powered attorney who receives a devastating phone call during a London morning run: her soun has been kidnapped. If she wants to get him back, she must follow every command and tell no one about her situation. As she runs from one place to another and listens to these commands, Maia has to confront how far she will go to keep her son safe and alive.
All that running led to Gadot ending the film on crutches, as she reflected on her injuries in an interview with People. “At one point I broke my feet and that was it,” said Gadot. “And afterwards I need to recover and all of that.”
The Runner Release Date And Gadot’s Hope
Co-starring Damian Lewis and running 84 minutes, The Runner hits Prime Video September 2. “I hope the audience are going to enjoy the twist and turns that this movie has to offer.”
Will you be watching The Runner? Share your thoughts on the film in the comments!
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Tessa Blake Talks ‘If I Tell You’ Collaboration With Carol Kane And Shooting In The Boundary Waters
Now playing in select cities, If I Tell You is a suspenseful and evocative family drama from filmmaker Tessa Blake. Based on Lisa O’Donnell’s novel Closed Doors, the indie film centers on Michael (Etienne Kellici), a 12-year-old boy who attempts to figure out why his mother (Allison Miller) came home one evening with a black eye. Blake talked to Deepest Dream about working with Kellici, collaborating with co-star Carol Kane, and why Minnesota’s Boundary Waters was the perfect place to shoot If I Tell You.
Read more: Tessa Blake Talks ‘If I Tell You’ Collaboration With Carol Kane And Shooting In The Boundary Waters
If I Tell You co-stars Bill Heck as Brian, the family patriarch and Kennedi Butler as Alice, Michael’s best friend. Carol Kane plays Michael’s caring and refreshingly unpredictable grandmother. Rounding out the ensemble are Christopher Jackson, and Carmela Zumbado.
Although the ensemble for this indie is top notch, If I Tell You’s effectiveness lies in Etienne Kellici’s realistic performance as the understandably concerned Michael. “Etienne is an extraordinary actor, and the performance he gives in this movie is world class,” said Tessa Blake. “To carry a whole movie with emotional simplicity and connection is very different than showing up for a scene or two. A lot of child actors are smart, and so they know what they’re supposed to say or what they’re supposed to do. Etienne was the kid that just let it bubble up. He is amazing, and I am so pleased for the world to see how extraordinary he is.”
Extraordinary is word that also fits Carol Kane. “She is an icon (and) an extraordinarily generous actor,” said Blake. “I think sometimes the thing that you may not know as a viewer watching Carol, because she portrays such quirky characters (is) she’s really brilliant. She is a really brilliant storyteller, and her incisive questions of me as a director were just perfectly challenging. (Carol) is an incredible actor from her head to her heart, and she is a loving presence on set.”
The original novel was set in Scotland, and although a part of Blake’s childhood consisted of living in that country, she had always wanted to tell an American story. “A lot of people in my family struggle,” added Blake. “Economically struggle – and people’s futures got left behind by advancing technology or jobs moving abroad. We wanted to find an environment where that was authentic to the place (and) an place where the great natural beauty is sustaining and creates a sense of adventure for the kids. And (where) their playground is immense.”
“Among the places where there were tax credits and support, we fell in love with the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, and it was just perfect for the story.”
Full interview with Tessa Blake:
If I Tell You plays at Ely’s Historic State Theater through September 3rd. Check out the movie’s official website for more info and future screening dates!
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Gregg Araki’s ‘I Want Your Sex’ With Olivia Wilde And Cooper Hoffman Hits Digital
The critically acclaimed Gregg Araki feature I Want Your Sex, starring Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman, is now out on Digital. Currently resting at 91% (critics) and 66% (audience) on Rotten Tomatoes, the feature is definitely on my watch list. For further details on the movie, check out the post!
Read more: Gregg Araki’s ‘I Want Your Sex’ With Olivia Wilde And Cooper Hoffman Hits DigitalI Want Your Sex centers on Elliot, an innocent looking guy who lands a job for artist/provocateur Erika Tracy (Oliva Wilde). When Erika chooses him to be her sexual muse, Elliot may feel like the luckiest man on Earth. Some fantasies fulfilled, however, come at a dear price, as Elliott is swept into a world of power obsession, betrayal, and murder!
Rated R and running 90 minutes, the feature co-stars Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Johnny Knoxville, Margaret Cho, Roxane Mesquida, Daveed Diggs and Charlie xcx.
This is Araki’s first feature length film in 12 years after 2014’s White Bird in a Blizzard (starring Shailene Woodley). He has spent the past years directing television episodes (including 13 Reasons Why and American Gigolo).
Years ago I interviewed Gregg Araki at a radio roundtable for 1995’s The Doom Generation. During that chat he remarked that children grow up and lead an entirely different life than their parents. It’s a remark I’ve remembered to this day, and of course The Doom Generation is a movie that’s still hard to shake!
What are some of your favorite Gregg Araki movies? Will you be renting/purchasing I Want Your Sex on digital? Comment below with your review/thoughts on the film!
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.
Buddy, Filipiñana, and Coyote vs. Acme are reviewed on the latest episode of CinemAddicts:
‘Moana’ Hits Digital September 8 With 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Release Set For October
Disney’s live-action version of Moana, featuring Dwayne Johnson as Maui, hits Digital September 8. The movie hits 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD on October 6. A limited edition 4K UHD Steelbook is also part of the physical media release plan. Check out our post for bonus features details!
Read more: ‘Moana’ Hits Digital September 8 With 4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray Release Set For OctoberMoana’s Live-Action Synopsis
Disney’s live-action reimagining of Moana features the titular character (Catherine Laga’aia) embarking on an empic journey beyond Motunui to restore prosperity and well-being to the people of her beloved island. Joining her in the quest is the unpredictable demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson).
Moana Bonus Features
There is a wealth of extras on the Moana release. They include:
- “Sing Along With the Movie” – the segment is self-explanatory!
- First Light – Interview with cast and crew of Moana.
- It Calls Me – How the filmmakers found Catherine Laga’aia, who is part of a Samoan family living in Australia.
- Whole Family Proud – Interviews with actors Rena Owen (Gramma Tala), Frankie Adams (Sina), and John Tui (Chief Tui).
- Motunui – Artisans, cultural experts and production designer John Myhre build the village of Motunui.
- Move As One – A look into the film’s choreographer from the vangage point of choreographer Tiana Nonosina Liufau.
- Island Fashion – Interview with costume designer Liz McGregor.
- Voices Return – The process of bringing the music of the original into live-action. Featurette spotlights the reunion of Lin-Manuel Miranda and collaborators Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i. The live action film also has a new song titled “Along The Way.”
- Song Selections – “Tulou Tagaloa,” “An Innocent Warrior,” “Where You Are,” “How Far I’ll Go,” “We Know The Way,” “How Far I’ll Go (Reprise),” “You’re Welcome,” “Shiny,” “Along the Way (Malaga Ki Ei),” “I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors),” “How Who You ARe,” and “We Know The Way (Finale).”
Will you be purchasing Moana on Digital and/or Physical Media? Share your thoughts in the comments!
***We receive a slight commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and affiliate links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!
***I give away Blu-ray or Digital code each week to members of our CinemAddicts Movie Club. Join our Facebook Group and become part of our community. Any questions please email me at editor@deepestdream.com.