Home Blog

Director Bora Kim Takes Flight With Immersive Coming-of-Age Tale ‘House of Hummingbird’

0

Now playing in virtual theaters via Kino Marquee, House of Hummingbird has received a ton of critical acclaim (as well as awards) thanks to its realistic and compelling portrayal of a 14-year-old girl’s (Ji-hu Park) life in Korea. During our conversation, director/writer Bora Kim talked about the long road to getting the film made, the emotionally overwhelming reaction she has received from the movie, and why it was important to make a realistic movie about a middle school student.

‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ Blu-ray Giveaway!

0
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!

‘Carolina Caroline’ Review: Samara Weaving And Kyle Gallner Shine In Knockout Crime Thriller

0
Samara Weaving, Kyle Gallner in "Carolina Caroline" - Magnolia Pictures

CinemAddicts hosts Bruce Purkey and Eric Holmes absolutely love Carolina Caroline, an engrossing crime thriller which stars Kyle Gallner, Samara Weaving, and Kyra Sedgwick. Director Adam Rehmeier reunites with Dinner in America’s Gallner for this one, and this. movie should, according to Purkey, be a “huge crowd-pleaser.” Carolina Caroline hits theaters June 5, and we have the review for you below!

Read more: ‘Carolina Caroline’ Review: Samara Weaving And Kyle Gallner Shine In Knockout Crime Thriller
Samara Weaving in “Carolina Caroline” – Magnolia Pictures

Caroline Daniels (Ready or Not’s Samara Weaving) is determined to leave her small Texas town and those dreams are fulfilled after she meets a magnetic con man (Kyle Gallner). Their pairing leads to a crime infused road trip through the American Southeast. Written by Tom Dean and co-starring Jon Gries, the film runs 105 minutes.

Kyle Gallner and Samara Weaving in “Carolina Caroline” – Magnolia Pictures

As much as he loved Dinner in America, Eric Holmes may have a stronger passion for Carolina Caroline. “It just won’t get out of my head,” said Holmes. It keeps burroing further and further. I’m watching it going, ‘this is pretty good but it’s no Dinner in America.’ Then the furter I get away from it, I’m going ‘This might be better than Dinner in America. It’s having that effect of me.”

Bruce Purkey is more than willing for a Carolina Caroline rewatch. “It’s the world and the characters,” said Purkey. “I love them so much. I want to be there again. This is one of those kind of movies. I really love it a lot.”

Both of them believe that Carolina Caroline is one of the year’s best films and they gave the movie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Check out their full review:

Catch Carolina Caroline in theaters June 5th and share your thoughts on the movie in the comments!

***We receive a commission when you purchase using our Amazon affiliate links and/or SiteStripe. Thanks for supporting CinemAddicts!

Listen to the latest episode of CinemAddicts:

Interview with Speed Demon director Jon Keeyes is up on Find Your Film:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Jon Keeyes Talks ‘Speed Demon’ Filmmaking And Katie Cassidy Collaboration

0
Katie Cassidy in "Speed Demon" - Maverick Film & Complex Corp

Are you in the mood for an exorcism on a runaway train? The new movie Speed Demon, headlined by Katie Cassidy, is now out in theaters, Digital and On Demand. Filmmaker Jon Keeyes talks to Deepest Dream about his ambitious new project and working with Cassidy.

Read more: Jon Keeyes Talks ‘Speed Demon’ Filmmaking And Katie Cassidy Collaboration
William H. Macy and Katie Cassidy in “Speed Demon” – Maverick Film & Complex Corp

Speed Demon centers on Sister Lu (Katie Cassidy), a woman of the cloth who’s traveling by train from Montreal to New York City. William H. Macy is Father Novak, Lu’s mentor who tries to give her some stern but sage advice. Their lives takes a drastic turn when a demon takes over the train and threatens its passengers.

Collaborating with Katie Cassidy was a fruitful and personal one for Keeyes. “Katie wants to understand subtext and she wants to understand backstory, particularly with a character like Sister Lu that’s dealing with all of these different addictions and loss of faith. She was trying to figure out the way into her character, because that character goes 180 degrees through the course of this movie.”

“I keyed in on the scene when she’s talking with Father Novak about her addictions,” added Keeyes. “It’s a moment of clarity for an addict to recognize who they are and what they are, and their inability to actually stop. And she says, ‘There’s times when I feel like I’m possessed. I’m a recovering drug addict and I’ve been in recovery for a very long time.’ . . . I spent a tremendous amount of time talking about my own story, and then about Sister Lu’s story, and we spent that time together and she figured out how to approach that scene.”

Check out our review of Speed Demon in CinemAddicts:

Full interview with Jon Keeyes is up on Find Your Film and on YouTube:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

‘Saccharine’ Spoilers And Ending Explained: Midori Francis Body Horror!

0
Midori Francis in "Saccharine." Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes and I discuss our respective love for the body horror film Saccharine and we also dive into spoilers. We talk about the movie (spoiler-free) for a little over 18 minutes and then we spend the rest of the video giving our Saccharine interpretations. Check out our video below!

Read more: ‘Saccharine’ Spoilers And Ending Explained: Midori Francis Body Horror!
An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release

Midori Frances Delivers A Memorable Performance In Body Horror Thriller

Saccharine centers on Hana (Midori Francis), a medical student who digests weight loss pills which are partly made of human ash! Coincidentally, Hana and several of her colleagues are working on a cadaver (which one student nicknames Bertha) and she ultimately uses parts of that body to create more pills. On top of that horrific life choice, Hana believes she sees the ghost of Bertha, and this supernatural force may be feeding of Hana’s body! When taking these pills and supposedly seeing the ghost, Hana continues to binge eat but loses weight in the process.

Midori Francis in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Now playing in select theaters, Saccharine is directed by Relic filmmaker Natalie Erika James and co-stars Madeleine Madden as Hana’s prospective love interest Alanya. Danielle Macdonald co-stars as Josie, Hana’s close friend who plays a pivotal role during the movie’s final act.

Midori Francis in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Saccharine Spoilers Start Now!

One of the big reveals from Saccharine centers on Hana’s father, as we find out that he is confined to his own room due to his obesity. Hana’s mother has been understandably overworked and frustrated as his caregiver (she installs a security camera in their kitchen!). Filmmaker James’ own father had weight issues, and part of that experience is assumedly interwoven in the story.

The third act, when Hana decides to take a growth from her stomach because she’ll be rid of Bertha’s ghost, is one of the film’s several gross out scenes. As she slashes her stomach and puts her hand inside her body, Hana understands she will eventually get close to passing out. Thus, Josie is on hand to save Hana from bleeding out and dying.

In the midst of this incision, Hana imagines herself back at the bottom of a garbage chute (which we see earlier in the story). There she encounters Bertha who gradually moves towards Hana for the final confrontation. Bertha, if I recall, puts Hana’s hand in her mouth and as she bites down we cut to the sound of a slap. Josie wakes up Hana a permanent deep sleep, saving her in the process.

Madeleine Madden in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Saccharine Ending Explained!

Hana and Josie attend a funeral service for the cadavers, and they pay their respects to Bertha. We are lead to believe that after Hana’s near death experience, she has cut off the connection with Bertha. Unfortunately, the ghost still lives within Hana, as her initial kiss with lover Alanya leads to Alanya’s murder (we see Hana start to bite down on Josie!).

Is is now Josie’s corpse that is on full display on a couch, and that image directly refers to an image (again, if I recall!) that was adorned on the medical school earlier in the movie. Josie is the latest “food” for Hana, as her body parts will be ground up to make more pills to make the cycle continue!

Midori Francis in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Check out our full Saccharine movie review and spoilers/ending discussion below:

Share your thoughts and review of Saccharine in the comments!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Jenn Freeman and Alexander Hammer Detail Five Year Journey Of Netflix Documentary ‘Room To Move’

0
Jenn Freeman in "Room To Move" - Netflix

Choreographer/dancer/educator Jenn Freeman’s life is spotlighted in the new Netflix documentary Room To Move. Directed and edited by her close friend Alexander Hammer, the film focuses on how Freeman’s life was profoundly affected after being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Instead of shrinking from life, Freeman pushed forward with her artistry and even mounted the ambitious production Is It Thursday Yet?. Hammer, whose life becomes synchronistically intertwined with Freeman during the making of the documentary, is also prominently featured in Room To Move. It’s a refreshingly even-eyed, visually immerstive, and insightful documentary that resonates. Check out my full interview with Freeman and Hammer below!

Read more: Jenn Freeman and Alexander Hammer Detail Five Year Journey Of Netflix Documentary ‘Room To Move’
Room To Move – Netflix

Shooting on Room To Move started in 2021 when Jenn Freeman was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder. The documentary also focuses on Freeman’s uncompromising approach to her passion for dance and teaching (and learning) from her students. In the midst of her own trials, Freeman did not proceed from a self-centered place.

“ Growing up, I knew that my path was different than my peers and that my interests were different,” said Freeman. “There were those few educators that I had, teachers that really saw me. Those are the people that encouraged me and kept me moving forward. It just meant so much to me, and I think it instilled the desire to do that for other young people because I could see myself in my students and in other artists. I’m inclined to have the nature to encourage other people to follow their dreams or their truth in whatever that looks like. I think it’s just probably from a place of appreciating people who did that for me.”

A big part of the documentary is Freeman’s husband Ian Stuart (parts of Room To Move are from his video footage). This close collaboration among the three gives Room To Move an intimate feels sans artifice. “It’s a testament to Jen and my relation and also with Ian – we just go so close in such a personal way,” said Alexander Hammer, whose own health and mental journey is spotlighted in Room To Move. “We just also happened to be making this movie together. So bringing myself into it was a lot of encouragement from a lot of different people saying that it would be a bonus or a plus to the story. I hope they’re right – we’ll find out soon!

Catch Room To Move, now streaming on Netflix. Share your thoughts on the documentary in the comments!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

‘Saccharine’ Review: Midori Francis Delivers “Fully Committed” Performance In Body Horror Film

0
Midori Francis in "Saccharine." Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Directed by Relic and Apartment 7A filmmaker Natalie Erika James, Saccharine centers on Hana (Midori Francis), a medical student who takes diet pills to lose weight. The pills, however, are made of human ash, and Hana’s actions lead to possible encounters with a ghost! Madeleine Madden is Alanya, a gym trainer who is the object of Hana’s affections and Danielle Macdonald is Hana’s close friend (and fellow medical student) Josie. Check out Bruce Purkey’s review below!

Read more: ‘Saccharine’ Review: Midori Francis Delivers “Fully Committed” Performance In Body Horror Film
Midori Francis in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Although Saccharine may be initially compared to The Substance, it might even harken back to a Roman Polanski classic. “It feels more like Repulsion, I think, where you have a singular character, not always trapped in her apartment, but she is trapped in her body,” said Bruce Purkey. “This thing that should be making her feel better about herself ends up making her spin more out of control. It’s a pretty interesting movie.”

Madeleine Madden in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Purkey praised the heck out of Relic, and although he viewed Apartment 7A as a “letdown,” he was looking forward to director/writer Natalie Erika James’ latest effort. Although he recommended Saccharine (he gave it 3.5/5 stars), he was slightly disappointed with the feature.

“The central performance of Hana by Midori Francis is really good,” added Purkey. “She’s fully committed. So that helps a lot with this movie too. So I probably sound like I’m higher on this movie than I actually am.”

Both Eric Holmes (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and I ( ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2) gave Saccharine higher marks, and I will be posting a separate article where we discuss spoilers.

Midori Francis in “Saccharine.” Courtesy of Narelle Partainer. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release.

Saccharine, for me, is on the same level (and it may have exceeded) Relic. The third act, when Hana finally comes into her own, is a visual tour de force from James and cinematographer Charlie Sarroff (Smile, Smile 2). The final moments should divide cinephiles, but I was totally on board with James’ uncompromising outcome. Stay for the film’s end credits!

All three of our Saccharine reviews are up on CinemAddicts, and you can also check out Bruce’s solo coverage on YouTube:

Saccharine is now playing in theaters.

***We receive a slight commission if you purchase via our affiliate links and/or Amazon Sitestripe. Thanks for your support!

For Daily Movie Recommendations and Reviews, join our CinemAddicts Facebook Group!

Join Our CinemAddicts Facebook Group

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Movies Out Today: Saccharine, Sick Puppy, Reckless, Ask E. Jean

0
Images: Saccharine (Narelle Portanier. An Independent Film Company and Shudder Release), Reckless (Samuel Goldwyn Films), Ask E. Jean (Abramorama), Sick Puppy (Dark Sky Films)

There are a bunch of films out today that we covered on CinemAddicts that will hopefully be worth your time. Are you in the mood for a supernatural/psychological thriller (Saccharine)? What about a critically acclaimed documentary on journalist E. Jean Carroll (Ask E. Jean)? If Scott Adkins is your man, we have a Reckless (pun intended!) review from Eric Holmes. Last but not least, Bruce Purkey is up in the Cinem-Attic giving his take on an absolutely unexpected featured named Sick Puppy. Listen to our latest CinemAddicts episode for details on these new films!

Read more: Movies Out Today: Saccharine, Sick Puppy, Reckless, Ask E. Jean
Madeleine Madden and Midori Francis in Natalie Erika James’s SACCHARINE. Courtesy of Independent Film Company and Shudder. An Independent Film
Company and Shudder Release.

Saccharine centers on Hana (Midori Francis), a medical student whose life takes a turn for the worse after she takes weight loss pills that are made from human ashes! To take more pills, she shaves off parts of an overweight cadaver that she and her fellow colleagues have been studying. The feature co-stars Madeleine Madden as Alanya, the object of Hana’s affections, and Danielle Macdonald as Hana’s classmate/friend Josie. All three of us loved Natalie Erika James’ Relic (Bruce was not a fan of Apartment 7A), so there was a ton of high expectations with Saccharine. We recommend Saccharine and check out our review on CinemAddicts:

Nicole Deon and Scott Adkins in “Reckless” – Samuel Goldwyn Classic

Scott Adkins stars in Reckless as an ex-convict who is attempting to avoid the cops and criminals while he is trying to reclaim his share of an old heist. The feature, directed by Elliott Montello, features Vinnie Jones as the main antagonist. Eric Holmes, who has Adkins on his Mt. Rushmore of actors, compares this film to Adkins’ previous movie Accident Man. Reckless is now out on Digital and On Demand.

Check out Eric’s review of Reckless (he gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 out of 5) below:

E. Jean Carroll in Ask E. Jean – Abramorama

Directed and produced by Ivy Meeropol, Ask E. Jean centers on the life of journalist/advice columnist E. Jean Carroll. The 91-minute documentary also focuses on Carroll’s lawsuit against Donald Trump (she won both times). Holmes recommends the documentary, which is currently at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Meeropol will be doing Q&A’s at the IFC Center tonight through May 22nd. For more information on more Ask E. Jean showings, check out its official site.

Listen to Holmes’ Ask E. Jean review and check out his interview with Meeropol:

Directed and written by Jay Reid, Sick Puppy centers on Charlie (Natasha Calls), a woman who wants her hubby John (Brett Geddes) to stop being a serial killer. Although John decides to quit his killing ways, their lives are threatened when the police come knocking on their door! Running at 105 minutes, the film contains some absolutely unpredictable subplots. Bruce Purkey gave this movie a “One Star Banger” rating, meaning although he sees the movie as absolutely ridiculous and dumb, he had a great time watching the flick! Sick Puppy is now playing in select theaters and is available on Digital via Dark Sky Films.

Check out Bruce’s Sick Puppy review on CinemAddicts:

Bruce Purkey closes out the episode with a review of the new Netflix series The Boroughs and he teams up with Joseph Bridges (a cinephile I bow down to!) for a Scarred S**tless review).

Thanks for listening to CinemAddicts. If you have Movie Recommendations and Film Reviews as well, please share your thoughts in the comments!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

‘The Drama’ Ending Explained And Spoilers: Charlie And Emma Happily Ever After?

0
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya In "The Drama" - A24

Robert Pattinson and Zendaya have tons of chemistry, but of course The Drama is not a romantic comedy. CinemAddicts hosts Bruce Purkey and Eric Holmes break down the ending of this much talked about black comedy and discuss spoilers. If you have seen the movie and want to hear a few takes on the film, check out our video below. Share your thoughts on The Drama as well!

Read more: ‘The Drama’ Ending Explained And Spoilers: Charlie And Emma Happily Ever After?
Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in “The Drama” – A24

Spoilers are coming in hot and heavy, so do not read further if you don’t want The Drama details uncovered!

The Drama’s Twist Hinges On One Big Secret

Charlie (Robert Pattinson) and Emma (Zendaya) are a very much in love and engaged couple. Over a night of drinking wine with Charlie’s close friend Mike (Mamoudou Athie) and his wife Rachel (Alana Haim), their bond is put to the test after Rachel asks the couple and her hubby to name the worst thing that they have ever done!

The big twist which may have divided audience members is that Emma, as a teen, planned a school shooting but backed out of the plan. That is definitely way too much information, but maybe Emma believed she garnered enough trust from Charlie to keep their relationship on solid ground?

Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in “The Drama” – A24

An Understandable Fracture In Emma And Charlie’s Relationship

 Bruce Purkey reflected on how writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Dream Scenario) delivered an uncompromising approach to Emma’s persona. “The relationship’s unraveling, the friendships are unraveling, the people are getting weird towards her,” said Purkey. “Emma can’t put the genie back in the bottle. But I think what’s interesting is as more of that story of her considering to do a school shooting comes out, the writer-director doesn’t let her, or us, off the hook. He keeps upping the ante.”

Bruce Purkey and Eric Holmes also discuss why Emma decided not to go through with the school shooting. “I think that the other shooting allowed her to see the aftermath of what she was about to do, and I think that she was disgusted with herself.” Purkey added that he sees Emma as the story’s most “empathetic” character.

Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in “The Drama” – A24.

The Drama is now available to Watch At Home via a slow of digital retailers. If you purchase/rent The Drama on Prime Video, we receive a commission as Amazon Associates members.

Check out Bruce and Eric’s spoiler discussion of The Drama:

We review Mobile Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe and Forge on this week’s CinemAddicts:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

‘Affection’ Ending Explained And Movie Spoilers: Jessica Rothe Role Revealed!

0
Jessica Rothe and Joseph Cross in "Affection" - Courtesy of Brainstorm Media

Were you confused by the big twist in the new horror film Affection? CinemAddicts co-host Bruce Purkey offers up spoilers to discuss the twist and I give my thoughts on the ending as well. Check out our Affection movie spoilers and ending explained post below!

Read more: ‘Affection’ Ending Explained And Movie Spoilers: Jessica Rothe Role Revealed!
Affection – Brainstorm Media

Ellie Was Right Along – This Is Not Her Family!!

If you have not seen Affection and don’t want spoilers talk, you’ve come to the wrong place and proceed no further!

In the beginning of the movie, Ellie is hit by another vehicle and the story immediately cuts to her lying down in bed next to her supposed husband Bruce (Joseph Cross). She claims that he is not her hubby, and she doesn’t have a daughter (Julianne Layne). Her assertion is she is married to another man and has a son.

Bruce says she is experiencing traumatic memory loss, and he has turned off cell phone service so there is no distraction to Ellie’s recovery. They live in remote and spacious farm house out in the woods, and Burce says it is all for Ellie’s benefit. As much as Ellie tries to live within this new “truth,” she is actually right! Always trust that first instinct!

Bruce, Althought Resourceful, Is Not A Very Good Guy!

The big twist is explained halfway through the story, as we learn that Bruce is still grieving over the loss of his wife and daughter. Their DNA is still available, as he is able to generate their bodies through some incubation process, and it means that he has created numerous clones of his loved ones!

Complicating matters is another tech when has Bruce being able to extract the memories of various people, and put their memories into his computer database. Once he merges a random conscious into a clone (whether it’s the wife or daughter), that clone inherits this new consciousness. However, if the clone’s DNA does not perfectly sync up or ultimately overpower the consiousness that was uploaded, then the subject becomes more erratic. This is why Ellie had all those seizures, and once this physical state emerges, it really is past the point of no return. Upon that stage, Bruce must kill the latest version of Ellie and start from scratch!

Jessica Rothe and Joseph Cross in “Affection” – Courtesy of Brainstorm Media

The Third Act Goes Off The Rails – In A Good Way!!

“This is what it means to love someone,” says Bruce, as he’s digging a grave, to Ellie.

By the third act, the newest version of Ellie gets the memories of everything that has happened thanks to the actions of the previous (and now severely injured) Ellie.

Bruce’s plans go awry when injured Ellie attacks him, and new Elie sets fire to the hole, killing them both. Of course, Alice witnesses the while thing! “I’m not f**king Ellie,” says the woman who, to clarify, is not f**king Ellie.

Jessica Rothe and Julianna Layne in “Affection” – Brainstorm Media

The Ending Is Kinda Happy And Kinda WTF?

Ultimately, the woman who is not Ellie takes Alice, who is now her daughter (they are obviously bonded through tragedy) back to her original home. It’s not known if she will find her husband and son, but at leaast she and Alice (who is actually not Alice), are together.

The woman who is not Ellie, however, did not burn down the warehouse which has the gestation unit and the consciousness files. Thus a new Ellie emerges and in the final moments she walks out and says (at least I think she says): “Mercy.”

Where will this Ellie go now that Bruce is dead, and is she the exact clone of the woman who survived? And are these clones actually aliens (due to the thing on the back of their neck?). It was a little bit confusing for me, but that said I thoroughly enjoyed the wings that director BT Meza took with Affection.

Check out Bruce Purkey’s Movie Review And Spoilers coverage of Affection:

CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes and I also review Affection on the latest episode We both enjoyed the film more than Bruce and recommend the film:

I also did a solo review of Affection and do a deep dive on the spoilers as well. Check out my 24-minute talk on Affection which is featured on our CinemAddicts Patreon!

Affection – Courtesy of Brainstorm Media

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

‘Two Pianos’ Review: François Civil And Nadia Tereszkiewicz Shine In Subtle Romantic Drama

0
Nadia Tereszkiewicz and François Civil in "Two Pianos" - Emmanuelle Firman, Why Not Productions

Filmmaker Arnaud Desplachin (My Golden Days) crafts another first rate cinematic tale with Two Pianos, the story of talented pianist Mathias Volger (François Civil) whose life turns sideways during his return home. His mentor (Charlotte Rampling) and a former lover (Nadia Tereszkiewicz) bring different complications, forcing Mathias to reexamine and possibly take hold of his life. Check out my CinemAddicts review below!

Read more: ‘Two Pianos’ Review: François Civil And Nadia Tereszkiewicz Shine In Subtle Romantic Drama
Two Pianos – Kino Lorber

A Piano Prodigy Returns Home

After a long stint teaching in Japan, Mathias Volger returns to Lyon at the request of his mentor Elena Auden (Charlotte Rampling) who wants him to perform with her at a concert. Mathias’ homecoming is met with enthusiasm from the classical musical crowd, and Elena displays an overwhelming fondness for her protégé. Elena is slightly disappointed with Mathias’ career trajectory, urging him that artists of their talents are better off living in solitude.

Nadia Tereszkiewicz n “Two Pianos” – Emmanuelle Firman, Why Not Productions

Mathias’ ex-lover Claude (Nadia Tereszkiewicz) is happily married to his best friend Pierre (Jeremy Lewin). His chance encounter with Claude during his return leads him to faint and, upon recovering, a night of drinking leads him to jail. His agent Max (an engaging Hippolyte Girardot) bails him out the next day, and a disheveled Mathias heads to rehearsals with an understandably concerned Elena.

There is a slight mystery at the beginning of Two Pianos regarding a child Mathias encounters in the park. Upon digging through his mother’s (Anne Kessler) photos, Mathias finds a picture of himself that looks exactly like the young stranger. Is Mathias imagining the child, or is there something logical for this coincidence?

François Civil and Valentin Picard in “Two Pianos” – Kino Lorber

Two Pianos = Two Different Viewpoints

Some viewers may see Mathias as a complete narcissist thanks to self-sabotaging and sulking behavior. Two Pianos, however, is a subtle and resonant look at the difficult choices some artists make to pursue their lifelong dream. Although Mathias still has passion for Claude and finds happiness in Lyon, there exists a world beyond his comfort. Elena, whose life mainly focused on artistic achievement, urges Mathias to follow her path.

These conflicting ideas swirl around Mathias’ head, and director Arnaud Desplechin weaves an immersive tale that is refreshingly uncompromising. Though Desplechin has the tools to bring a ton of operatic moments to Two Pianos, he chooses to play lighter notes during several pivotal moments (including the finale). This subtlety gives the film a true to life depth. Add in the locked in performances of Civil, Rampling and Tereszkiewicz, and Two Pianos ends up a top tier cinematic experience (my rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️).

Check out my Two Pianos review on CinemAddicts or on YouTube:

Two Pianos, running at 115 minutes, is now playing at Angelika Film Center and the Laemmle Royal. National expansion runs through early June and check out Kino Lorber for details.

***We receive a slight commission if you use our Amazon SiteStripe and/or links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Trailer: Maria Bakalova and David Strathairn Develop AI Afterlife Connection In ‘O Horizon’

0
Maria Bakalova and David Strathairn in "O Horizon" - Variance Films

Oscar nominees Maria Balakova and David Strathairn topline O Horizon, an upcoming drama about a neuroscientist (Balakova) who can communicate with her late father (Strathairn) thanks to a new technology. Hitting New York (June 12) and Los Angeles (June 19) theaters next month, the picture is written and directed by Emmy winning filmmaker Madeleine Rotzler. Check out the trailer and discover more info on the film below!

Read more: Trailer: Maria Bakalova and David Strathairn Develop AI Afterlife Connection In ‘O Horizon’

‘O Horizon’ Deals With Inevitable AI Issues

Although the trailer offers its share of comedic moments, it also shows the huge controversy behind the narrative. If neuroscientist Abby (Maria Bakalova) communicates with her late father (David Strathairn) through AI, how will that negatively impact her life. Since AI can already generate one’s voice and image, communicating with past loved ones must be around the corner?

Madeleine Rotzler Is An Acclaimed Documentarian

Along with O Horizon, director Madeleine Rotzler also directed the 2018 HBO feature O.G. which starred Jeffrey Wright. Her documentaries include A Hard Truth Ain’t It, the Emmy award winning Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus, and The Lottery (it was shortlisted for an Academy Award).

‘O Horizon’ Movie Facts

The movie premiered at the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival and won the Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema.

Bakalova, who received a Supporting Actress Oscar nod for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, also starred in Dirty Angels and The Apprentice. Strathairn, who was last seen in the Netflix series A Man on the Inside, received a Lead Actor Oscar nod for Good Night, and Good Luck.

Running at 107 minutes, O Horizon co-stars Adam Pally, Maggie Grace, Avi Nash, and Paulina Porizkova. Check out the trailer below and share your thoughts!

We review Two Pianos and The Last One for the Road on the CinemAddicts podcast:

***We receive a commission when you use our Amazon SiteStripe and/or links for your purchases. Thanks for your support!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨