In my review of THE BRONZE here at We Are Movie Geeks, I described it as : “….a painfully funny portrait of a strikingly deranged and clueless young woman.” (read all of my review HEREand read my interview with the film’s star Melissa RauchHERE)
THE BRONZE will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on August 2nd and We Are Movie Geeks wants to give away “Hope’s Olympic Home Viewing Kit”. This is a prize package that includes a cool duffel bag, the THE BRONZE Blu-ray, snacks and more.
All you have to do to win is to leave a comment below and answer this question: What was the name of the character that Melissa Rauch played on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory? It’s so easy!
We’ll be picking the winner next week. Good Luck!
1. You must have a U.S. mailing address.
2. No purchase necessary.
Becoming an Olympic bronze medalist in gymnastics has made Hope Annabelle Gregory a local celebrity in her small town. Despite her uncouth language and bristly attitude, she has become comfortable with being the backyard star of her community. But when the younger Maggie Townsend starts to steal the athletic spotlight with her own burgeoning abilities, suddenly Hope’s bronze medal seems to be losing its luster and she finds she must defend herself and her title to the ones closest to her.
Check out the trailer for THE BRONZE:
THE BRONZE stars:Melissa Rauch, Gary Cole, Thomas Middleditch, Sebastian Stan, Hailey Lu Richardson, and Cecily Strong
“It creeps and leaps and glides and slides across the floor. Right through the door. And all around the wall. A splotch, a blotch. Be careful of the Blob!”
THE BLOB screens Wednesday, August 3rd at Schlafly Bottleworks Restaurant and Bar (7260 Southwest Ave.- at Manchester – Maplewood, MO 63143) as part of Webster University’s Award-WinningStrange BrewFilm Series. The screening is Sponsored by Planet Score Records
THE BLOB is chiefly remembered now for launching Steve McQueen’s career. Soon after the release of this film, he was offered the role of Josh Randall on the hit TV series Wanted: Dead or Alive, and super-stardom was only a few years away. Here, billed as “Steven” McQueen, he leads a pack of teenagers who are determined to stop the Blob from devouring their small town. The main problem is that the authorities (i.e. the local police) refuse to believe their story about a “monster” killing people and think it’s all a “gag.” Hatched from a meteor, the Blob itself (with the help of about $100 worth of Special Effects) is a magnified slab of Jell-O that looks like it’s been left over from yesterday’s desert menu. As the film progresses, it gets bigger and bigger and is soon eating up whole buildings. The 28-year-old McQueen, who’s supposed to be a teenager himself in the movie, is smart enough to figure out that this evil hunk of space glob can’t stand low temperatures. In no time, everyone in town is bombarding it with CO-2 Fire Extinguishers and putting it into the deep freeze. The best scene in the film is when the Blob attacks the downtown theater during a midnight showing of DAUGHTER OF HORROR and the panicking and screaming (actually smiling and laughing) crowd comes running out into the street.
THE BLOB was distributed by Paramount Pictures who quite rightly figured it would be a smash hit with teenagers and it certainly was all of that.. Also in the cast is Aneta Corsaut who later had a long career in television with co-starring roles on the “Andy Griffith Show” and “Matlock.” McQueen, one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars of the 1960s and 1970s, died at the age of 50 in 1980. He was a one-of-a-kind actor who marched to his own beat, to say the least. Broke at the time, McQueen settled for a $3000 flat fee to str in THE BLOB although he was also offered 10% of the gross profits in lieu of any upfront money. Late in his career, McQueen was asked about having any regrets and answered “I should have taken the offer for 10% of THE BLOB”
So beware of THE BLOB (and Burt Bacharach’s opening theme tune- which you will not be able to get out of your head!) when it screens Wednesday, August 3rd at Schlafly Bottleworks Restaurant and Bar in Maplewood (7260 Southwest Ave.- at Manchester – Maplewood, MO 63143) as part of their Strange Brew film series .The movie starts at 8pm and admission is $5. A yummy variety of food from Schlafly’s kitchen is available as are plenty of pints of their famous home-brewed beer.
A Facebook invite for this event can be found HERE
Join us for some old-school 16mm Movie Madness! – It’s our monthly 16MM DOUBLE FEATURE NIGHT at The Way Out Club (2525 Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis)! Join Tom Stockman and Roger from “Roger’s Reels’ for a double feature of two complete films projected on 16mm film. The show is Tuesday August 2nd and starts at 8pm. Admission is FREE though we will be setting out a jar to take donations for the National Children’s Cancer Society.
First up is KING KONG VS GODZILLA (1962)
Lets get ready to rumble!!!!!!!!!! In the far corner of Tokyo, weighing in at 127 tons. 407 feet tall. Wearing a rubber lizard suit. He represents the island nation of Japan. He is the slayer of the shipping lanes! The smasher of cities! The self-proclaimed King of All Monsters! The one and only………Godzilla!!!!!! *Applause*. In the other corner wearing the world’s largest ape suit…..he represents the United States. He hails from Skull Island. He weighs 125 tons. He is a 396 feet tall. He is world greatest gorilla. The most sinister simian. He is King Kong!!!!! KING KONG VS GODZILLA is a battle of cinematic monster champions from 1962. America vs. Japan. You might expect that since this was the Japanese Studio Toho’s movie, Godzilla would win, but you’d be…well, you’ll have to watch the movie to see how it plays out.
Next is ST. IVES (1976)
Charles Bronson stars as the title character in the twisty tale of intrigue ST. IVES (1976). Raymond St. Ives is a crime writer currently in need of some cash. He’s hired by career criminal, Abner Procane (John Houseman), who’s written down several journals of his misdeeds whichhave been stolen, and he needs St. Ives to act as a “go between”, or deliver money to the thieves while retrieving the incriminating documents. But nothing goes as planned, and St. Ives, an inquisitive sort as well as a cool customer, becomes determined to find out what he’s gotten himself into. Bronson is great as usual, but it’s really the supporting cast that brings ST. IVES to life. Houseman is utterly delightful, as is the beautiful Jacqueline Bisset, Maximilian Schell, Harry Guardino, Harris Yulin, Dana Elcar, Michael Lerner, George Memmoli, Dick O’Neill, Elisha Cook Jr., Daniel J. Travanti and future stars Robert Englund. The story itself, based on a novel by Ross Thomas, does keep the viewers on their toes while they work, like Bronson, to figure out what’s what.
There will be movie trivia with prizes and of course The Way Out Club will have a full bar and Way Out Pizzas for sale. Don’t miss it!
THE GOONIES (1985) plays this weekend (July 29th and 30th) at The Tivoli at midnight as part of their Reel Late at the Tivoli midnight series.
Four kids – Mikey (Sean Astin), Chunk (Jeff Cohen), Mouth (Corey Feldman) and Data (Ke Huy Quan) who call themselves “The Goonies” finds a map in the attic of Mikey’s house. Their beloved neighborhood is about to become a golf course, so they go out on an adventure to find lost buried treasure. Unfortunately, three crooks Mama Fratelli (Anne Ramsey) with her sons Jake (Robert Davi) and Francis (Joe Pantoliano) are also seeking the treasure.
One of the most beloved movies of the 80’s, THE GOONIES is a timeless adventure from director Richard Donner and producer Steven Spielberg that has stood the test of time.
THE GOONIES has youth, fun, and excitement by the truckload but also that perfect “Boy’s Adventure” element that’s often hard to capture on film (think KING KONG, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS, and LIFE OF PI). THE GOONIES also captured the 80’s so well with its fashion, hairstyles and music, so even now it feels not so much dated, as a charming look back. Many of the film’s young actors went on to bigger things (Sean Astin in LOTR and Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin). They show quite a lot of star quality and manage to give performances beyond their years under the assured direction of Richard (THE OMEN, SUPERMAN) Donner. In many ways, the film plays like a juvenile variation of the Indiana Jones movies, and is a very competent and fast-moving yarn. Don’t miss THE GOONIES when it screens midnights this weekend at The Tivoli
The Tivoli’s located at 6350 Delmar Blvd., University City, MO. Admission is a mere $8!
Reel Late at the Tivoli takes place every Friday and Saturday night and We Are Movie Geeks own Tom Stockman (that’s me!) is there with custom trivia questions about the films and always has DVDs, posters, and other cool stuff to give away. Ticket prices are $8. We hope to see everyone late at night in the coming weeks.
The cast of MARVEL’S DOCTOR STRANGE appeared this weekend at San Diego Comic-Con and helped unveil a brand new trailer and poster for the film!
First, check out the new trailer:
Now, in all it’s glory, is the new DOCTOR STRANGE poster!
Ain’t that a beauty!
Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE is in U.S. theaters November 4, 2016 and the gang here at We Are Movie Geeks are counting the days!
After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant and conceited surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil. DOCTOR STRANGE stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Tilda Swinton. Check back at We Are Movie Geeks for continued coverage of this highly-anticipated film!
On Saturday, July 23, Warner Bros. showcased at Comic-Con several of its most-anticipated upcoming feature releases in its Hall H presentation.
Check out the Comic-Con trailer for WONDER WOMAN, starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielson, Robin Wright, David Thewlis and directed by Patty Jenkins.
WONDER WOMAN is released in cinemas around the world next summer when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the action adventure.
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.
Joining Gadot in the international cast are Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Ewen Bremner and Saïd Taghmaoui. Jenkins directs the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg and Geoff Johns, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg, based on characters from DC Entertainment.
Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston.
The film is produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Rebecca Roven, Stephen Jones, Wesley Coller and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.
The film is scheduled for release on June 2, 2017, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
In theaters September 16 is the upcoming BLAIR WITCH. Lionsgate originally promoted it as THE WOODS when in reality it is a sequel to BLAIR WITCH.
The film is helmed by director Adam Wingard (YOU’RE NEXT, THE GUEST, V/H/S, V/H/S/2), who has assembled an accomplished behind-the-scenes team that includes screenwriter and longtime collaborator Simon Barrett (YOU’RE NEXT, THE GUEST, V/H/S, V/H/S/2); producers Roy Lee (THE RING, THE STRANGERS, THE GRUDGE), Steven Schneider (PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, INSIDIOUS), Keith Calder, p.g.a. (YOU’RE NEXT, THE GUEST, ANOMALISA), and Jess Calder, p.g.a. (YOU’RE NEXT, THE GUEST, THE DEVIL’S CANDY), ; and executive producers Jenny Hinkey, Daniel Myrick (director/writer, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT), Eduardo Sanchez (director/writer, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT) and Gregg Hale (producer, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT).
For several years, Lionsgate had been searching for the right concept to reboot Blair Witch, as well as filmmakers who could satisfy the fans of the first film and reach a new generation of moviegoers. Following the success of V/H/S and the company’s acquisition of Wingard and Barrett’s independent horror movie YOU’RE NEXT, Lionsgate set up a secret meeting with the duo to pitch the sequel.
“It was kind of like giving your daughter away in marriage — pretty touchy subject but we couldn’t have asked for better sons-in-law,” says Eduardo Sanchez (director/writer, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT). “The movie takes our original film and turns it up to 11. Seriously, it’s a nightmare funhouse of a film that pulls you in and never lets you go.”
Watch the new trailer now.
It’s been 20 years since James’s sister and her two friends vanished into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland while researching the legend of the Blair Witch, leaving a trail of theories and suspicions in their wake.
James (James Allen McCune of TV’s SHAMELESS) and his friends Peter (WRECK-IT RALPH’S Brandon Scott), Ashley (Corbin Reid of TV’s DISNEY STAR DARLINGS) and film student Lisa (Callie Hernandez of upcoming LA LA LAND and Ridley Scott’s upcoming ALIEN: COVENANT) venture into the same woods each with a camera to uncover the mysteries surrounding their disappearance.
At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals Lane (Wes Robinson of TV’s STATE OF AFFAIRS) and Talia (Valorie Curry of TV’s THE FOLLOWING) offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods. But as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence.
Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.
Valorie Curry stars as ‘Tamara’ in BLAIR WITCH. Photo Credit: Chris Helcermanas-Benge
Since surprise was part of The Blair Witch Project’s legacy, the filmmakers wanted to keep the sequel under wraps.
“A huge part of the first movie was the surprise of those initial screenings when people weren’t sure if it was real or not,” says Keith Calder. “We hope to capture that same excitement by making the film in secret and not telling audiences it exists until the film’s about to come out.” “Keeping this a secret in the era of oversharing and excessive marketing on social media, especially of horror films, felt new and original for the time,” says Barrett.
Keeping such a secret proved an enormous logistical challenge.
“I created versions of the script that were widely different,” says Barrett. “The cast auditioned with fake pages, and the actors didn’t know what movie they agreed to be in until their deals were finalized.”
Different versions of the script also circulated on set. “The art department would be making a sign, and it would be wrong because they were going off the wrong script,” says Barrett.
Now the filmmakers must get accustomed to saying “Blair Witch” out loud. “I’ve been so conditioned never to say those words — even on set we called it ‘B-dubs,’” says Barrett. “We’re so happy we can finally talk about it.”
A new trailer has been released for FLOYD NORMAN: AN ANIMATED LIFE.
From filmmakers Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey, the feel good documentary is an intimate journey through the celebrated life and career of the ‘Forrest Gump’ of the animation industry – Disney Legend, Floyd Norman.
In Theaters, On Demand and Digital HD August 26, 2016
Comic-Con Screening & PanelJuly 22nd tomorrow Friday, (July 22nd at 3:10pm) followed by a Q&A with Floyd, the filmmakers Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey and composer Ryan Shore – a separate panel will be held that evening at 9pm.
Hired as the first African-American at Disney in 1956, Floyd worked on such classics as SLEEPING BEAUTY and 101 DALMATIANS, to name a few. In 1967, he was hand-picked by Walt Disney to join the story team on THE JUNGLE BOOK. He would later work at Hanna Barbera on many classic cartoons, including SCOOBY DOO. His talents would later take him to Pixar to work on TOY STORY 2 and MONSTERS INC… But on Mr. Norman’s 65th birthday in 2000, Disney HR force-retired him. He struggled with Disney’s decision and refused to leave his “home”.
For the last 16 years, Floyd has “hijacked” a cubicle at Disney Publishing, unpaid, but picking up freelance work when he can. At 81 he continues to have an impact as both an artist and a mentor. As Mr. Norman says “[He] [plans] to die at the drawing board.”
To celebrate the upcoming release of John Travolta’s I AM WRATH on July 26th, We Are Movie Geeks would like to offer a John Travolta Blu-ray bundle as a giveaway for our readers! (check out our coverage of I AM WRATH HERE)
You can win all of these John Travolta Blu-rays:
I am Wrath
From Paris With Love
Pulp Fiction
The Punisher
The Forger
She’s So Lovely (Digital copy)
All you have to do is leave a comment below answering this question: What is your favorite movie starring John Travolta? (mine is SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER). It’s so easy. We’ll be picking the winners next week. Good Luck!
1. You must have a U.S. mailing address.
2. No purchase necessary.
Brace yourself for a thrilling experience with the intense action-revenge thriller, I Am Wrath, arriving on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand onJuly 26 from Lionsgate. John Travolta (From Paris with Love) stars as a man who takes action after realizing a group of corrupt police officers will never solve his wife’s murder. From the director of The Scorpion King, I Am Wrath is currently available On Demand and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.
NOTFILM screens this Friday through Sunday (July 22nd-24th) at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 E. Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119). The film begins each evening at 8:00.
In 1964 author Samuel Beckett set out on one of the strangest ventures in cinematic history: his embattled collaboration with silent era genius Buster Keaton on the production of a short, titleless avant-garde film. Beckett was nearing the peak of his fame, which would culminate in his receiving a Nobel Prize five years later. Keaton, in his waning years, never lived to see Beckett’s canonization. The film they made along with director Alan Schneider, renegade publisher Barney Rosset, and Academy Award-winning cinematographer Boris Kaufman, has been the subject of praise, condemnation, and controversy for decades. Yet the eclectic participants are just one part of a story that stretches to the very birth of cinema, and spreads out to our understanding of human consciousness itself.
NOTFILM is the feature-length movie on their film’sproduction and its philosophical implications, utilizing additional outtakes, never before heard audio recordings of the production meetings, and other rare archival elements.
The critics love NOTFILM:
A.O. Scott at The New York Times says:
“NOTFILM testifies to an almost inexhaustible fascination with the pleasures and paradoxes of cinema…. Notfilm finds a hitherto uncharted dimension of human and cinematic experience.”
Kenneth Turan at The Los Angeles Times called NOTFILM:
“Completely fascinating! … A thoughtful, incisive meditation on its decades-old events,Notfilm is gossipy and philosophical by turn, joining microscopic analysis of the filmmakers’ lofty intentions with juicy morsels of information about exactly what happened when theory met practice on the steamy summer streets of New York City where Filmwas shot…For moviegoers who care about film not just as a title, Notfilm can be unreservedly recommended.”
Now you’ll have the chance to see it on the big screen when it plays this weekend Friday through Sunday (July 22nd-24th)at Webster University.
Admission is:
$6 for the general public
$5 for seniors, Webster alumni and students from other schools
$4 for Webster University staff and faculty
Free for Webster students with proper I.D.
Advance tickets are available from the cashier before each screening or contact the Film Series office (314-246-7525) for more options. The Film Series can only accept cash or check.
The Webster University Film Series site can be found HERE
