Key Art for UFO. Photo credit: Courtesy of SHOWTIME.
SHOWTIME announced it will air UFO, a four-part docu-series from J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Glen Zipper exploring our fascination with unidentified flying objects, and what clandestine influence the American government, lucrative private companies and the military may have in shielding the truth behind extraterrestrial phenomena to further their own agendas. Directed by Mark Monroe (Icarus) and Paul Crowder (Riding Giants), the seriesexplores unsettling theories of a subject that recently reached national headlines, and has historically been the focus of powerful politicians and CEOs, while average citizens pursuing the very same truth have been ridiculed and ostracized. The series is a co-production by Bad Robot and Zipper Bros Films.
SHOWTIME will release all four episodes of the new series UFO to its subscribers at midnight on Sunday, August 8, prior to its on-air debut that night at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Ignited by the bombshell New York Times story in 2017 revealing that the Pentagon had been secretly tracking UFOs for years, the series examines the history of the phenomenon through cultural and political touchpoints, including shocking testimony from eyewitnesses across the country.
As the conversation grows more bizarre and reaches the mainstream by virtue of credible investigations into alien encounters, UFO confronts the most enigmatic questions of all: Why do we believe what we believe? And what is the elusive truth beyond this decades long mystery?
UFO is executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Glen Zipper, Mark Monroe and Sean Stuart along with Ben Stephenson and Rachel Rusch Rich from Bad Robot. The series is co-executive produced by Kevin Lincoln and produced by Maren Domzalski and Paul McGuire.
So, travel venues are finally opening up just in time to escape those sweltering Summer temps. Someplace with a beach sounds ideal, though you may want to get some sand between your toes virtually while waiting for the world to get a tad more stable. Last week Israel was our getaway in SUBLET. This weekend we’re headed to sunny Italy for a “va-cay” put together by some incredible travel agents (yup there are some left) out of Emeryville, CA. Yes, those titanic talents at Pixar are whisking us away to the Italian Riviera for a magical adventure. But how does it stack up against their excursions to Ireland (BRAVE), France (RATATOUILLE), and Mexico (COCO)? Well, to find out you’ll be introduced to a young lad. To borrow from the Nat King Cole classic “Nature Boy” (rather than the obvious Suzanne Vega ode to a second-floor dweller), “There was a boy. A strange enchanted boy”. And his name is LUCA.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the time period is maybe the mid-1950s or so. That’s when a fishing boat, ignoring the local tales of scary sea beasts, lowers its net into the waters near the Isola De Mare. Of course, ‘something” is out there, and several objects are lost to the deep during the “interaction”. And just what is going on beneath the surface? It’s then that we meet Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay), a pre-teen sea “monster”. But he’s a good kid, closer to a “merboy”, but without the fleshy top half, his body’s covered in bright florescent scales and fins. And he’s helping, starting his daily chores as a sort of “fish-shepherd” to a herd, or is it a school, of small fish. His routine is disrupted by the discovery of some of those “lost” items from above. But his discoveries are soon scooped up by something (is it one of those murderous humans) in a diving suit. Luca follows and is stunned when he finds that the “thing’ is another boy like him, but when he leaves the water he becomes an air-breathing flesh-covered human (kinda’ like how Madison dried off in SPLASH). Later at his sea cave home. Luca tells of his adventure which prompts harsh warnings from mother Daniela (Maya Rudolph) and father Lorenzo (Jim Gaffigan), though Grandma (Sandy Martin) is not as concerned about it. But curiosity gets the better of him and Luca climbs out of the water (and a green leafy swim shorts form during his transformation) and meets the “collector”, a slightly older boy named Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer). The two become fast friends, exploring his decaying lighthouse, and daydreaming about cruising the globe on their very own Vespa scooter. But when Mom spies the “scarecrow”, Luca has erected to “guard the flock” she threatens to send him off to live on the ocean’s floor with his creepy Uncle Ugo (Sacha Baron Cohen). This scares Luca so badly that he agrees to join Alberto in his plan to get a real Vespa in the nearby seaside fishing village of Portorosso. There they become targets of the town bully Ercole (Saverio Raimondo) while befriending a girl around their own age, Giulia (Emma Berman), and eventually working for her fisherman father Massimo (Marco Barricelli). Soon the trio team up to enter the annual race (sponsored by a food company) in order to use the cash prize to buy one of those adored scooters. But can they keep their true origins a secret before they’re discovered, perhaps by the mysterious older couple that keeps tossing water balloons at kids?
In their vocal casting, Pixar continues their knack for tapping just the right talents, rather than going after the big media “flavors of the month”, which too many of their competitors rely on (big name>best fit). Case in point, Tremblay, six years after his ROOM breakthrough, hits just the right notes as the boy whose world is so quickly expanding. Unlike many family fantasy heroes, he seems perfectly content in his “part of the pond”, not wanting to burst into an “I Want” song. Tremblay balances the curiosity and yearning for adventure with healthy bits of fear and worry. Maybe his folks, which he really misses, are right about these pasty savages. He’s a great counterpoint to the always-confident Alberto, who’s given the correct mix of bravado and swagger by Grazer, who knows when to “dial it down” for the complex and emotional final act. Completing the pre-teen trio is the energetic, feisty Giulia voiced with vigor by the talented Berman. Another terrific trio, real comedy vets, also get their chance to shine in the major adult roles. Rudolph is the passionate “mama grizzly’, well maybe “mama shark’ as the forceful but very caring matriarch Daniela, while Gaffigan exudes his “laid back” charm as the bumbling papa Lorenzo, who’s often the “softie” to his “lay down the law’ spouse. And Cohen gives Uncle Ugo, a weird off-kilter tone that matches his nightmarish appearance (you can see through his chest and observe his heart pumping). Relative screen newcomers Raimondo and Barricelli are superb as the arrogant. preening, pompous Ercole (“You can have the pleasure of watching me eat a sandwich”) and the intimidating, gruff, but warm-hearted Massimo, respectively.
Speaking of newcomers, how about this fabulous feature film directing debut by Enrico Casarosa. Talk about hitting one out of the park your debut turn at bat (perhaps scoring a goal would be more in the film’s spirit). The tone, the emotional shift, the pacing, well everything lands (and swims). Of course, a great deal of credit for that must go to screenwriters Jesse Andrews and Mike Jones who deliver a tale that comes close to the emotional wallop of an UP, with a dash of COCO and INSIDE OUT. This literal “fish out of water” fable tackles prejudice and acceptance, as the villagers’ fears really match the “monsters”. More prominent in the film’s climax are the themes of friendship, going from selfish to selfless as BFFs realize they must let go to allow others to “spread their wings”, or fins, despite the pain of losing them. Somehow these deep emotional concepts never get in the way of the inspired slapstick and frenetic action sequences. Perhaps the biggest inspirations are found in the phenomenal visuals, the gorgeous worlds these endearing characters inhabit. We know that Pixar can do the deep blue sea (you almost expect to see Nemo and Dory zipping past), but the dazzling look of the sea folks are delicious “eye candy” with vibrant cool blues and shimmering yellows. Equally stupifying is the village of Portorosso, a dusty sun-baked town right out of post-war Italian classics. Around one corner you may nearly get run down by THE BICYCLE THIEF, around another your eyes could drink in a sultry young Sophie Loren (if you’re lucky). It’s really a love letter to that era (weathered LA STRADA posters adorn many walls). There are even local variants of Disney staples. This brings me to my only negative. Aside from LA’s El Capitan Theater, this film isn’t playing on any big screen venues. This happened last year with SOUL, but most screens were shuttered. Last March RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON from Disney Animation Studios was given a theatrical release along with Premiere Access (a big one-time upcharge) on the Disney Plus+ streaming service. This film should be available in multiplexes everywhere to bask in its beauty and to appreciate the gifted artists that worked (often at home) to craft this work. Any rumblings out of Emeryville are truly justified. Off the soapbox, and back to the positives. The lead kids have a nice exaggerated facial structure (those teeth-filled mouths), but the most interesting designs may be the adults (Massimo and Lorenzo sport impressive facial hair), and the silent, scowling kittycat Machiavelli (look forward to the stuffed toys). The music score from Dan Romer never overwhelms or dominates. This is primo Pixar, a glorious feast for the eyes and heart, as satisfying as a family pasta Sunday supper. Bravo and brava to all involved in creating one of the year’s best films, the triumph that is LUCA. So dig in, mangiare! And stick around for the end credits for a dessert as tasty as tiramisu!
4 Out of 4
LUCA streams exclusively on Disney+ beginning on Friday, June 18, 2021
Dominic Pace, who played the bounty hunter Gekko in “Star Wars: The Mandalorian”, will beat the ‘I Had That’ Collectibles Shop in Belleville, IL That’s located at 120 East Main Street in Belleville, IL. The ‘I Had That’ Facebook page with updates and more info can be found HERE. He is appearing at the shop on Wednesday, July 7th from 12-6pm.Dominic will be signing photos and copies of a Fan Fiction Comic all about his character for $30/autograph There are 4 awesome comic covers to choose from! Come say hello and meet this talented guy!
Pace began his studying with members of the Actors Studio Mimi Turque and Susan Batson in 1995. He then moved on to William Esper’s two-year program where he studied under Terry Knickerbocker. He has been awarded “Best Actor” at the 2004 Palm Beach International Film Festival for his performance in the independent feature, Little Kings. He was a member of The MET Theater Company and the Tim Robbins Company, The Actors’ Gang in Los Angeles.
“a compelling new look at Frankenstein’s creation” – Bloody Disgusting
A NIGHTMARE WAKES will be Available on VOD, Digital HD & DVD on July 6, 2021. Check out this scary trailer:
LJE Films, a business unit of AMC Networks, has picked up select rights to the horror film, A NIGHTMARE WAKES,fromShudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural. RLJE Films will release A NIGHTMARE WAKES on VOD, Digital HD and DVD on July 6, 2021.
Now you can win the Win the DVD of A NIGHTMARE WAKES. We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite Frankenstein movie is (I’s say THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. It’s so easy!
The feature screen writing and directorial debut of Nora Unkel, A NIGHTMARE WAKESstars Alix Wilton Regan (The Wife), Giullian Gioiello (“Scream: The TV Series”), Claire Glassford (Collateral Beauty), Philippe Bowgen (“The Mick”,“Supernatural”) and Lee Garrett (“The Undoing”). RLJE Films will release A NIGHTMARE WAKES on DVD for an SRP of $27.97.
A NIGHTMARE WAKES is based on the timeless novel and the birth of one of cinema’s most iconic monsters. While composing her famous novel “Frankenstein,” Mary Shelley descends into an opium-fueled fever dream and carries on a torrid love affair at a remote lake house. As she writes, the characters of her novel come to life and begin to plague her relationship, forcing everyone—including herself—to question her sanity.
“Hey you guys!!!” And at the risk of either being non-inclusive or sexist, “you gals, too”! There’s a new feature-length documentary arriving in theatres this weekend that certainly breaks the preconceived notions of what many consider “film homework”. Yes, there are a considerable amount of “talking heads”, but the movie is far from “dull and dry”. Now, that’s due in large part to the doc’s subject matter (hence all those “talkers” on camera). This is a prime example of this film genre’s popular “subset”, the “show biz” documentary. Last year saw two great entertainment profiles on the Go-Go’s, the Bee Gees, and Natalie Wood. Now, this look at the life and career of one of the latter’s co-stars will no doubt earn similar accolades this year (along with another out today). Speaking of accolades, this lady’s amassed so many, even joining the elite group known as EGOTs (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winners). And after nearly eighty years in the “biz called show,” she’s still wowing audiences. But somehow, she still holds on to a good deal of modesty. That may account for the profile’s full title, RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT. Hang on, because she’s not slowin’ down, you guys!!
In the film’s opening scenes we encounter the magical Ms. Moreno as she prepares for Her own big birthday party, making decorations alongside her only daughter Fernanda (and laughingly saying that a truly big star would have hired someone for these tasks). Cut to the big “old school” “wing-ding” as Ms. M joins the hired entertainment, cutting a rug with the much-younger dancers. After some praise from another media legend, Norman Lear, the filmmakers delve into Moreno’s colorful history, told by the lady herself. Truly a rags-to-riches fable, Rita tells us of her idyllic early years in her birthplace of Humacao, Puerto Rico. At barely five years of age, Rita accompanies her now single seamstress mother Rosa Maria to a new life in the states, taking a crowded boat to NYC (Rita says she never saw her left-behind-with papa younger brother again). Rosa knew her daughter was gifted and “hitched a ride’ on her own rising star. While most youngsters her age were centered on school, she was singing and dancing in swanky supper clubs and night spots. It’s then that the film abruptly returns to the “now” as we follow Rita on a “working day” (still before the cameras when most retired), up at dawn, driving herself to Sony Studios for a long “tape day” on the Lear-produced sitcom revival for Netflix of “One Dat at a Time”. It’s then back to her history, as Rita and her mama somehow score a meeting with MGM head Louis Mayer during his Big Apple visit. He’s impressed (“She’s a Spanish Liz Taylor”), and Rita is under contract (her fifth film is SINGING IN THE RAIN). But after that career high point, she’s regulated to supporting parts, slathered in brown makeup and long jet black hair, as the exotic native girls, brushed aside for the blonde Anglo leading ladies. And outside the sound stages, Rita must deal with lecherous older men (that Harry Cohn) and abusive directors. The next decade in film finally gives her a chance to shine as she is awarded a Supporting Actress Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY. But the good roles didn’t immediately fly her way as she deals with a tempestuous love affair with Marlon Brando that nearly destroys her. But Rita finds a loyal hubby in Dr. Leonard Cohan and begins a family as she conquers TV ( the cult PBS TV fave “The Electric Company” in the early 70s) and Broadway, getting a Tony as the campy Googie Gomez in 1975’s “The Ritz” (a movie version followed in 1976). The Awards keep coming as Rita continues her political work in DC (we see lots of 60s archival footage of her alongside MLK), and she assumes the role of Latin-American icon. What a life this lady has lived!
This cinema love letter is deftly crafted by director Mariem Perz Riera utilizing an incredible amount of movie clips that will delight cinephiles and TV fans (look, Rita’s dancing for Zorro). One unique device used to illustrate the transitions in Rita’s life story is animations of her as a classic toy of yore, the paper doll. The pixelation of paper cut-outs show her at different ages donning all manner of costume and clothing to reflect the eras and her many roles. And then there are those “talking heads”, an amazing gathering of stars from Hollywood’s “Golden Age” like Mitzi Gaynor, who had to go on “studio dates” with other “contract player” (we see many awkwardly staged stills of the couples having a “fun night on the town”). Luckily we also hear from several of her co-stars like her “Bernardo” and Oscar night co-winner George Chakiris and direct from “The Electric Company, “Easy Reader’ himself, Morgan Freeman (the clips from that kids’ classic show Rita’s superb comic talents, with the “glamour gal” transforming into a broad, mugging, but still charming, clown). Plus there are also those inspired by the icon like Lin-Manuel Miranda (who “name-checks” her in the new film of his IN THE HEIGHTS) to Eva Longoria who tells of her own struggles with producers wanting her to “spice up” her roles. Oh, and there’s even another EGOT, as Whoopi Goldberg joins the admirers (was hoping for my favorite EGOT, Mel Brooks, to drop in, alas…). But more entertaining and compelling than all of them is the lady herself. Her reflections to the camera are often a brilliant acting lesson, shifting quickly from one character to another (her grumbling mother becomes a snooty hotel clerk). Her tales are often hilarious (Yul Brynner tells her that her role in THE KING AND I is boring…and Rita agrees) to harrowing (she’s nearly ravaged at a daytime party for a whiskey distiller). Most interesting may be her romantic encounters, like a fling with the King, Elvis Presley. But the most complex is Brando, which consumed her to the point of attempting suicide (after a botched abortion he arranged). She now mocks him in her one-woman show, yet still keeps a photo of her with him (dressed as Napoleon) amongst her family portraits and snapshots. She seems to have a more stable relationship with her husband Gordon, but Rita tells of the stumbles and reveals that his death left her feeling more liberated than devastated. Her passion for current affairs is also shown (she’s watching the Brett Kavanaugh hearings while having breakfast in her TV dressing room). The biggest surprise may be her saying that she’s completely exhausted after the big “tape day” at Sony. It’s a flip on the talk show cliche of actors saying they never wish to retire as she appears to somewhat regret taking on such a big project in this point in her life (or maybe it was an unusually trying day). Oh, but there’s no “throwing in the towel” for the film’s finale since it’s far from her career’s fade-out. She’s got a small role, written in just for her, in Steven Spielberg’s big-screen remake of WEST SIDE STORY, which will be out in December, just in time for her 90th birthday. Now that’s something to celebrate, much like the wonderful RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT. Oh, how lucky are we that she “loves it here in ‘Am-air-i-kaaa!!”.
3.5 Out of 4 Stars
RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT opens in select theatres and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at the Hi-Pointe Theatre and Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinemas on Friday, June 18, 2021
The Martial Arts Action-Comedy PAPER TIGERSLands Its Puncheson Blu-ray & DVD June 22. Bonus Content Includes Behind-the-Scenes Material, Deleted Scenes & Bloopers
Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray of PAPER TIGERS We Are Movie Geeks has three to give away. Just leave a comment below telling us what your favorite Kung-fu movie is (I’s say ENTER THE DRAGON. It’s so easy!
1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.
2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES
Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes and critically-acclaimed around the world, THE PAPER TIGERS, a homage to feel-good martial arts films like The Karate Kid, debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD June 22 from Well Go USA Entertainment. The audience-pleasing film shows how three dedicated kung fu disciples grew into washed-up, middle-aged men—now one kick away from pulling their hamstrings. But when their master is murdered, they must juggle their dead-end jobs, dad duties, and old grudges to avenge his death. The award-winning feature film debut of Director Tran Quoc Bao, THE PAPER TIGERS stars Alain Uy (“Helstrom,” “True Detective”), Ron Yuan (Mulan, “Marco Polo”), and Mykel Shannon Jenkins (The Gods, Undisputed III: Redemption). The film is currently available to watch in theaters and on digital.
Following its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival, THE PAPER TIGERS played numerous festivals around the world, winning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Film at the Boston Asian American Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize for Best Feature Film at the Seattle Asian American Film Festival.
As teenagers, kung fu disciples Danny (Alain Uy), Hing (Ron Yuan) and Jim (Mykel Shannon Jenkins) were inseparable. Fast forward 25 years, and each has grown into a washed-up middle-aged man seemingly one kick away from pulling a hamstring—and not at all preoccupied with thoughts of martial arts or childhood best friends. But when their old master is murdered, the trio reunites, soon learning that avenging their sifu will require conquering old grudges (and a dangerous hitman still armed with ample knee cartilage) if they are to honorably defend his legacy.
THE PAPER TIGERS has a runtime of approximately 111 minutes and is rated PG-13 for some strong language, offensive slurs, and violence.
Marta Kessler as Kira and Svetlana Khodchenkova as Lilya in “Sekta.” Courtesy of MHZChoice.com
Good news, of a sort. The US is apparently not the only country having problems with cults. The Russian TV miniseries “Sekta” (“The Sect”) dramatizes the emotional and physical brutality of what cults can do to the gullible, and how hard it can be for others to rescue and de-program the victims. Powerful, if unpleasant, to witness, yet seemingly insightful and realistic about short and long-term effects on all touched by such situations.
The protagonist is a nurse, Lilya (Svetlana Khodchenkova), who helps a trio of parent-hired freelancers after they’ve managed to retrieve an unwilling Nika (Anastasiya Chistyakova) from her large, violent cult. The leader is a charismatic guy who claims the usual sort of insight beyond this lifetime, and a path to eternal bliss. They have no problem using any means to retake Nika, who supposedly is the key to their ritual ascension. They are also extremely well-funded, with clout in high places to keep the cops away. The proceedings are further complicated by Lily’s baggage from her previous trauma in another cult, and raising a young daughter, Kira (Marta Kessler), who may have some powers of her own. Lilya’s problems from that ordeal may not be completely behind her in several respects.
The early going is rather confusing, with numerous flashbacks delaying our understanding of what’s going on now, and what it all means. But patience will be rewarded, as the past and current story lines converge into an action-packed chain of events. Nika has been thoroughly brainwashed, and staunchly resists the process of returning to what we call a normal life. The “cure” often seems almost as bad as the indoctrination had been.
The sets are excellent for their bleakness that suits the subject matter. First-rate performances from the three women and Filipp Yankovski, as Berk the creepy, mesmerizing leader of Nika’s cult. He resembles a young Royal Dano, for those who recall that great character actor of yore. Gaunt and driven, one sees how his special brand of narcissistic psychopathy could reel in those who feel lost and adrift in their communities. Leaders of religious and political cults generally seem so certain of whatever they’re spewing, that the “Kool-Aid” seems plausible, and better than any other options they perceive.
Watching this is not a relaxing binge. But if you’re in the mood for something serious, with the bonus of the rare opportunity to see what Russians are viewing, it’s a good bet. “Sekta,” in Russian with English subtitles, is streaming now on MHZChoice.com
We already covered the 11pm screening of THE ROOM Thursday June 24th at The Skyview Drive-in in Belleville (5700 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226), HERE. Now the Skyview folks have added two more films to that night’s program to make it an evening of (relatively recent) Cult Classics! The Facebook invite for this memorable night can be found HERE. The Skyview site can be found HERE
THE DISASTER ARTIST on screen 1 starts at 9pm (read my review of THE DISASTER ARTIST HERE)
In THE TOMORROW WAR, the world is stunned when a group of time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: Thirty years in the future mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. The only hope for survival is for soldiers and civilians from the present to be transported to the future and join the fight.
Among those recruited is high school teacher and family man Dan Forester (Chris Pratt). Determined to save the world for his young daughter, Dan teams up with a brilliant scientist (Yvonne Strahovski) and his estranged father (J.K. Simmons) in a desperate quest to rewrite the fate of the planet. tHE FILM ALSO STARS Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson, Edwin Hodge, Jasmine Mathews, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Keith Powers.
Check out the final trailer now.
Directed by Chris McKay and written by Zach Dean, the score is from Grammy Award-winning, EMMY and BAFTA nominated composer Lorne Balfe.
Amazon Studios will exclusively release THE TOMORROW WAR globally on Prime Video July 2nd, 2021.
J.K. SIMMONS stars in THE TOMORROW WARCHRIS PRATT stars in THE TOMORROW WAR
TOY SOLDIERS (1991) is part of a Wil Wheaton Blu-ray Double Feature with DECEMBER available from Mill Creek Entertainment. It can be ordered HERE
Toy Soldiers – A group of troublemaking boys decide to take a stand when terrorists seize control of their boarding school.
December – Set in a New England prep school on the day after Pearl Harbor, five close friends must choose whether to stay in school or go to war. Their decisions shock themselves and each other as they must grow up faster than they ever imagined.
Critic Reviews:
“this energetic actioner was intended totally for the Tiger Beat crowd.” – Doug Brod, Entertainment Weekly
Starring:
Wil Wheaton, Sean Astin, Balthazar Getty, Brian Krause, Jason London
