Victoria Justice in "Summer Night." (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
Upon first blush Summer Night may have the feeling of an aimless and lackadaisical coming-of-age tale, and to be frank there is a certain charm within the space. Director Joe Cross’ debut feature thankfully goes much deeper sans the heavy handed message, leaving us with an easygoing yet ultimately memorable tale.
Richard Ladkani, director and cinematographer, with Mexican investigative journalist Carlos Loret de Mola. (National Geographic)
If you’re in the mood for a first rate documentary and a stirring drama, then Sea of Shadows and The Farewellare two flicks that are now out today. Episode 98 of CinemAddicts, as well as audio from my interview from both films are featured below!
Diana Lin and Awkwafina in "The Farewell." (Photo courtesy of A24)
Awkwafina delivers one of this year’s best performances in The Farewell, but she is a part of a great ensemble that also craft memorable work in writer/director Lulu Wang’s emotionally resonant drama. I talked to Tzi Ma and Diana Lin, who play Billi’s (Awkwafina) parents in the feature, and my Q&A with the actors is below!
Golshifteh Farahani in "Girls of the Sun." (Cohen Film Collection)
Having been a fan of Eva Husson’s 2015 feature Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story), I’ll be looking forward to catching Palme d’Or nominee Girls of the Sun when it hits Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms on August 6 via Cohen Media Group.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 09: Donald Glover attends the World Premiere of Disney's "THE LION KING" at the Dolby Theatre on July 09, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Seen earlier opposite Rihanna in Guava Island, Donald Glover will next be “seen” as the voice of Simba in the live action version of Disney’s The Lion King. Glover attended Tuesday night’s Hollywood premiere at the Dolby Theatre, and he was effusive over the project.
"Seven Samurai" photo provided by The Criterion Collection
If you type the words “Flick City” on my website, you’ll find various actors and filmmakers discussing films they love. Seven Samuraiis a film that’s considered one of cinema’s finest works, and actor Tzi Ma (The Farewell) and director Jesse V. Johnson (Avengement) discuss why that film is also on the top of their list. Audio and transcripts are below:
Currently Midsommar is my favorite film of 2019, so I absolutely love A24’s decision to release their limited edition Bear in a Cage collectible on Wednesday. If you haven’t seen the film, a bear plays an integral element in director Ari Aster’s masterpiece!
The Hustle starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson hits Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand come August 20 via Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The feature also hits Digital on August 6.
A photo of Marianne Ihlen from the film MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE Photo Credit: Courtesy of Roadside Attractions
Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love is one of my favorite films of 2019, and it was a pleasure to interview filmmaker Nick Broomfield (Whitney: Can I Be Me, Kurt & Courtney). A look into the romance and lifelong bond between Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen, the documentary opens in theaters today. Check out the interview below, and my full audio interview with Broomfield is available for CinemAddicts patreon backers.
