SingerArt Garfunkelis embarking on a worldwide tour, starting with a February 14 stop in S. Korea (Jamsil Indoor Gym) and winding down with a September 24 date in Scotland (Usher Hall).
Garfunkel’s two-man show (he teams up with guitarist Tab Lavern) contains tunes from Simon and Garfunkel, as well as covers of some of his favorite songwriters (A.C. Jobim, Jimmy Webb, and Randy Newman). “My work centers around a 90-minute show,” said Garfunkel in a Forbes.com interview. “I sing 18 songs and serve up 10 readings, my prose poems. I’m into it. I wrote about my life in show business, my woman, crossing the U.S. and Europe on foot, they mystery of it all. I feel, from sentence to sentence, I’m holding them.”
His tour dates are as follows:
Korea
February 2 – Seoul, S. Korea Jamsil Indoor Gym
Europe
March 10 – Dublin, Ireland – Vicar Street
March 12 – Haarlem, Holland – Philharmonie
March 14 – Hasselt, Belgium – Cultural Centre
March 15 – Paris, France – La Cigale
March 17 – Munich, Germany – Muffathalle
March 19 – Hamburg, Germany – Laeiszhalle
March 20 – Copenhagen, Denmark – DR Koncerthuset
September 16 – Liverpool, ENG – Philharmonic September 17 – Cardiff, WAL – St. David’s Hall September 19 – Oxford, ENG – New Theatre September 21 – London, ENG – Royal Albert Hall September 23 – Gateshead, ENG – The Sage September 24 – Edinburgh, Scot – Usher Hall
U.S.
February 27 – Aventura, FL – Broward Community Center
March 29-31 – Vienna, VA – Wolf Trap April 17-18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Library April 24-25 – Niagara Falls, NY – Falls Casino
Premiering tonight, Allegiance centers on Alex (Gavin Stenhouse), a whip smart CIA analyst whose parents (Hope Davis, Scott Cohen) and sister (Margarita Levieva) are members of a Russian sleeper cell that have just been activated.
ALLEGIANCE – Pictured: (l-r) Scott Cohen as Mark O’Connor, Hope Davis as Katya O’Connor — (Photo by: Will Hart/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank)
The pilot, which is filled with its share of twists and turns, delivers the goods, as Alex’s own intellectual prowess serves as an even match for his family’s clandestine skills. Will Alex, once he discovers his family’s involvement with the SVR, turn everyone in, or will he become a double agent and commit treason against his country? These are a few of the questions in play for the freshman series, which was created by The Adjustment Bureau filmmaker George Nolfi.
ALLEGIANCE — Season:1 — Pictured (l-r): Scott Cohen as Mark O’Connor, Alex Peters as Sarah O’Connor, Kenneth Choi as Sam Luttrell, Hope Davis as Katya O’Connor, Gavin Stenhouse as Alex O’Connor, Margarita Levieva as Natalie O’Connor, Morgan Spector as Victor Dobrynin — (Photo by: Joe Pugliese/NBC)
In the video below, Stenhouse talks about the challenges of learning Russian for Allegiance (the Brit also had to cultivate an American accent for the part – so he’s pulling double duty). For Levieva, Russian is her first language, and she, along with a dialect coach, helped Stenhouse and other co-stars with the language.
Based on Cecelia Ahern’s beloved novel Where Rainbows End, Love, Rosie centers on Rosie (Lily Collins) and Alex (Sam Claflin), lifelong best friends who harbor romantic feelings for each other.
But time and circumstance has a way of changing a couple’s seemingly fated destiny, and Rosie and Alex eventually follow their own relationship and career paths. Since it’s a romantic comedy, the outcome of Love, Rosie is understandably set in stone, but Collins and Claflin have tons of chemistry to spare. Both actors are fully engaged in their respective stories, making Love, Rosie an entirely diverting and oftentimes moving experience.
For Collins, getting the green light from Love, Rosie’s author was a huge priority:
“Cecelia Ahern gave her blessing, so that was the most important thing. But there’s also a lot of differences, and when you take a book and make it into a movie, you have to – there are compromises to be made, but the essence of the characters stay the same. It’s a more condensed version of the story and instead of it being all about letter writing we used modern technology. But it’s still about professing how you feel with the written word.”
LILY COLLINS & SAM CLAFLIN – LOVE, ROSIE
In the audio clip below, Lily Collins and Sam Claflin talk about their innate chemistry in Love, Rosie, which originated from an intense sit down session orchestrated by director Christian Ditter.
Love, Rosie opens February 6 in theaters and On Demand.
Walk down the streets of Hollywood and you’ll see scores of attractive, wannabe actors and filmmakers serving you coffee, grub, and liquor at every corner. New to Blu-ray and DVD, Starry Eyes (98 minutes, MPI) takes that environment to the nth degree, as Tinseltown’s bottom feeding underbelly is witnessed through the desperate “eyes” of Sarah Walker (Alex Essoe, delivering a stunning performance).
Tired of waitressing at a dead end job and exasperated with her slacker friends, Walker is determined to make it in show business, even if it means sacrificing her sanity in the process. After landing a soul crunching audition from a shady production company, Walker is offered a Faustian bargain which ensures a meaty leading part.
Getting the job may be a dream come true, but Walker’s gradual mental and physical deterioration reaches horrific levels, as her benefactors’ deathly grip on her life leads to an inevitable transformation.
If you’re a fan of the David Lynch Los Angeles noir masterpiece Mulholland Falls or just love creepy, unsettling thrillers (Jonathan Snipes’mesmerizing music score is also a highlight), Starry Eyes definitely fits the bill.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
Commentary with co-directors Kevin Kolsh & Dennis Widmyer, and producer Travis Stevens.
10 Deleted Scenes (11:37) – Most of these scenes were understandably cut from the film, as the directors obviously wanted to retain the flick’s lean, 98-minute running time. Since most of the narrative deals on Sarah Walker’s perceptions of reality, there is an earthquake sequence that’s worth a look.
Jonathan Snipes Music Video(2:28) – A must for audio geeks, as viewers get a peek inside Snipes’ music studio as he creates a track for the movie.
Alex Essoe Audition Video (13:52) – Features Alex Essoe’s two auditions for Starry Eyes. Ironically, some of the scariest moments from the film come from Sarah Walker’s auditions, and seeing Essoe trying to land the role for her own auditions is a sight to behold (see the movie first before launching this special feature).
Behind The Scenes Photo Gallery
Trailer
During my interview with Alex Essoe, she talked about how she connected to Sarah Walker sans any judgement:
It was a film centric Monday for me, as I started the day co-hosting Behind The Lenswith film critic/interviewer debbie lynn elias over at Adrenaline Radio, where we discussed the new documentaries Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of and Energizing Our World (narrated by Edward James Olmos, whom we interviewed on the show).
But the day was far from over, as I trekked to Hollywood to catch an evening discussion with this year’s Oscar nominated screenwriters. The “Q&A With Jeff Goldsmith”event took place at The Los Angeles Film School, a venue which, along with being an educational institution, also offers up free screenings and discussions for the general public.
Pictured (L-R) Damien Chazelle, Anthony McCarten, Graham Moore, E. Max Frye, Jeff Goldsmith, Alex Dinelaris Jr., Jason Hall, Dan Gilroy. Credit: The Los Angeles Film School
Although Foxcatcher scribe E. Max Frye humorously complained to Goldsmith that the group was much funnier during their Santa Barbara International Film Festival panel, Monday evening’s discussion was definitely informative. Each scribe reflected on the most challenging moments of their screenwriting careers and broke down the challenges of creating their respective narratives.
Along with Frye, the attendees included writers Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”), Anthony McCarten (“The Theory of Everything”) Graham Moore (“The Imitation Game”), Alex Dinelaris Jr. (“Birdman”), Dan Gilroy (“Nightcrawler), and Jason Hall (“American Sniper”).
Graham Moore – Writer, “The Imitation Game.” Credit: The Los Angeles Film SchoolDamien Chazelle, Writer/Director of “Whiplash” (Credit: The Los Angeles Film School)
For more information on the Oscar nominated screenwriters panel and The Los Angeles Film School, click here.
Tonight’s episode of Chicago Fire (NBC, 10 pm et/pt) continues the investigation on the fire which killed Shay (Lauren German), as Severide (Taylor Kinney) discovers an unexpected source that may provide important information on the case.
Speaking of sources, Chicago Fire technical advisor/fireman Steve Chikerotis has been invaluable to the cast and crew of the production. Check out the video below as Taylor Kinney, Jesse Spencer, and Eamonn Walker talk about Chikerotis’ (he retired from active duty in November 2014) impact on the show:
CHICAGO FIRE — “Three Bells” Episode 313 — Pictured: Jesse Spencer as Matthew Casey — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE – Pictured: (l-r) Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden, Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
Renowned artist Justin BUA and art dealer Paula Wagner are the hosts and judges of Street Art Throwdown, an intense new series which has artists ply their trade in the diverse streets of Los Angeles.
Ten of the country’s most talented artists push their stamina and skills to the breaking point, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grand prize.
STREET ART SHOWDOWN — Pictured: (l-r) Solomon “Grimnasty” Perry, Anne “Love Annie” Preece, Kristen Adamczyk, Jenna Morello, Ivan Preciado, Martilla “Marley” Miner-Davis, Lauren Wagner, Justin BUA, Alexandra “Lady One” Graniello, Vanessa “Agana” Espinoza, Matthew Pryke, Cameron Moberg “Camer1” — (Photo by: Andrew Eccles/Oxygen)
Having seen the premiere episode, the eye catching images on display is just one reason to check out the program, as Wagner and BUA don’t hold back at critiquing (as well as encouraging) the respective artists. The show is also highly rigorous, as the participants often have to run, climb (and sometimes trip) their way to their destination before any spraying begins.
In the video below, Justin BUA explains why hard work, as well as his innate talent, are key elements to his success as an artist and entrepreneur.
Mear One serves as a guest judge on tonight’s premiere episode (Oxygen, 9 pm et/pt).
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of is an obvious must watch if you’re a fan of the group, and it’s also worth your time if you’re a documentary enthusiast. Director Stephen Kijakhad the singers revisiting each of their hometowns for some much needed bonding experience.
What ensues is a closer look at the background of each of the members, as viewers are given an intense look at some of the scars (and triumphs) they’ve carried along the way. According to Howie Dorough, It was also a much needed trip, as Kevin Richardson rejoined the band for their latest album In A World Like This:
This was the first time Kevin was back in the studio with us for almost seven years. This trip was crucial in reconnecting all of us. We went out there – we pushed the envelope. The last time we had done something like this (was when) we went to the Bahamas during the (making of) the Black & Blue record. We weren’t anywhere near the same mind space where we’re at now.
As for Dorough, he has a pretty amusing (and if you have a weak stomach, digusting) remembrance of his family’s relationship with rabbits. On a more serious note, however, he also discusses stepping out of the shadows and taking a more active role as a lead singer of Backstreet Boys (this welcome turn of events is chronicled in the documentary).
To hear Howie Dorough, aka Howie D, discuss how his participation on Backstreet Boys has evolved throughout the years, click on the Soundcloud Audio below:
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of is now playing in theaters and is also available on VOD and iTunes.
20+ years later and this was one of the most emotional experiences we’ve had together as a band. #BSBTheMovie
It’s been a pleasure serving as a co-host for Behind The Lens, the film centric program created and hosted by Debbie Lynn Elias. Last week’s episode featured an in-depth interview with Supremacydirector Deon Taylor, plus coverage of the films Song One (featuring interviews w/ Anne Hathaway, Jenny Lewis, and Johnathan Lewis) andStrange Magic.
Elias, whose reviews and features can be found on moviesharkdeblore.com,also discussed her love for TCM and its #TCMParty presence on Twitter. Also, if you check out the video below, part of “Behind The Lens” also features visual aids, as Elias digs up a couple of her favorite movie books from her extensive collection every week.
I’ll be joining Elias for the next “Behind The Lens” installment, as Edward James Olmos (“American Me,” “Miami Vice”) is scheduled to talk about the documentary “Energizing Our World.” Plus, if you love the Backstreet Boys, Elias has an exclusive interview with “Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of” director Stephen Kijak.
“Behind The Lens” episode goes live Monday, February 2 at 11 a.m. pt on adrenalineradio.com.
Now out on Blu-ray and DVD, My Old Lady (PG-13, 107 minutes) is based on a play by revered playwright Israel Horovitz, and if you’re expecting a charming comedic confection with Kevin Klineand Maggie Smith, then you’ve just skimmed the surface.
Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is an embittered 57-year-old New Yorker who inherits his recently deceased father’s Parisian apartment. Thrice divorced and in desperate need of financial liquidity, Mathias is intent on selling the domicile at a huge profit.
Kevin Kline & Maggie Smith in “My Old Lady”
Mathilde (Maggie Smith) and her daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas) are the apartment’s longtime residents, and under a French real estate law known as viager, Mathias must actually pay Mathilde, the previous owner of the state, rent until she dies. Once she passes, Mathias can immediately sell the apartment and live the rest of his life in the lap of luxury.
Although “My Old Lady” could have been framed as a light comedy wherein the initial combatants develop a profound friendship, Horovitz takes his narrative to more ambitious and darker territories, as Mathias’ flippant attitude masks a tragic past which is understandably hard to shake.
Dominique Pinon & Kevin Kline in “My Old Lady”
“Precision is the key to long life – precision and wine,” says Mathilde during her first dinner with Mathias. That similar quality is shared by debut filmmaker Horovitz, whose snappy and pinpoint dialogue are among “My Old Lady’s” many strengths.
With cinematographer Michel Amathieu, Horovitz bathes My Old Lady in the warmest of colors (almost as rich Mathilde’s preferred red wines), and while a healthy portion of the story is set within the apartment, there’s a refreshing sense of space within each frame. Whether it’s hitting thematic or visual notes, “My Old Lady” is that rare drama that allows the narrative, along with the characters who inhabit its universe, room to breathe.
Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas are all Oscar winners, and watching them weave through Horovitz’s cleverly crafted words is a pleasure to watch.
I’m not going to spoil the unexpected turns you’ll discover in “My Old Lady” and let you luxuriate within, as one of the character describes, “the blood of Paris.” A deft and occasionally heartbreaking mix of comedy and drama, My Old Lady thankfully doesn’t go gentle into that good night.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
92 Street Y Annette Insdorf Interview with Kevin Kline & Writer/Director Israel Horovitz (57:33) – This is a first rate and informative discussion that’s part of the Reel Piecesmovie series, as Horovitz delves into his lifelong friendship with mentor/father figure Samuel Beckett. At the end of the conversation, Horovitz also explains how a chance meeting with Alma Singer (Isaac Singer’s widow) inspired part of “My Old Lady’s” story.
Kevin Kline also talks about why he’s very picky with his projects (He’s been dubbed Kevin “De-Kline”) and he elaborates about his extensive work in the theater.
My Old Lady – Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Kevin Kline in “My Old Lady”
Movie Notes:
***Kevin Kline and Kristin Scott Thomas previously played husband and wife in the drama “Life As A House.”
***Maggie Smith and Kristin Scott Thomas played mother and daughter in Robert Altman’s feature “Gosford Park.”
