Tag: Lou Diamond Phillips

GET FAST – Review

The review of this aptly-named, fast-paced action flick, GET FAST, will contain fewer plot and character details than usual because they just don’t matter. The film opens with a heist and a heist of the first heisters. We learn that the big bags of cash being contested belong to a ruthless criminal who will do anything to get her bucks back. What ensues in the sprawling desert landscape is a series of chases, fights and shootouts, as the multiple factions compete for the loot, while scrambling to survive whatever the others throw at them. It’s high-octane, fairly bloody, and liberally laced with dark humor and dollops of slapstick.

The most familiar face belongs to Lou Diamond Phillips as a contemporary Fancy Dan cowboy who is the boss lady’s designated hitter… decidedly not in the baseball sense. It took a moment to recognize him behind the facial hair of an 1890s’ saloon owner who is channeling his inner Sam Elliott. It takes a while to figure out who is who, partly because events occur so quickly and violently that the downtime for thinking is minimal. Director, co-writer and lead actor James Clayton may be the star of the show more for what he did behind the camera than in front of it.

Impressively, this is only his second time wearing all three hats, following 2022’s similarly-themed BULLET PROOF. He again works with editor Zach Steele. The dudes are in sync, as they intertwine multiple arenas of action efficiently and coherently. When your fatigued grey matter is seeking the respite of pure escapist, no-brainer action, this one’s a solid option. Nobody will call this a great movie, but the guys hit the target at which they were aiming.

3 out of 4 Stars

GET FAST is available On Demand and Digital on November 15 from WellGo.

Rated R for violence/bloody images and brief language.

EASTER SUNDAY (2022) – Review

(from left) Tito Manny (Joey Guila), Regina (Elena Juatco), Eugene (Eugene Cordero), Joe Valencia (Jo Koy), Tita Teresa (Tia Carrere), Tita Yvonne (Melody Butiu) and Susan (Lydia Gaston) in Easter Sunday, directed by Jay Chandrasekhar.

So, when’s the perfect time to release a big family comedy about a big family event that happens in the Spring? Why, the “dog days” of Summer, naturally. Or at least that’s the thinking behind this weekend’s answer to the big star-fueled “action-on-the-rails” blockbuster. But what was the question, again? Yeah, so when will another “stand-up” superstar branch into the movies (most go right to TV) with an “all ages” funny flick loosely based on his life, and his sell-out comedy concerts? Move over Amy Schumer, Pete Davidson, and Kevin Hart, here comes some competition with a unique, often spicy ethnic voice. So, strap in for one wild and raucous EASTER SUNDAY.

An opening title montage introduces us to the hectic world of rising stand-up comic Joe Valencia (Jo Koy). When he’s not hustling from one club stage to the next, he tries to spend some quality time with his almost-out-of-high-school son Junior (Brandon Wardell), when he can wrangle him away from his ex. Almost preventing that is a big audition for a supporting role in a network TV sitcom pilot, though they want him to “hit up the accent” he uses in his act while talking about his Filipino family. Speaking of, his matriarch, single mom Susan (Lydia Gaston) “blows up” his phone with her concern about his arrival in time for the Easter Sunday family festivities. Thankfully Joe and Jr. hit the road, leaving LA for Daly City, just south of ‘Frisco. As soon as they arrive the duo are plunged into lots of “drama”. Mama is feuding with sister Tita Theresa (Tia Carrere), over…it’s unclear, but she threatens to boycott her post-church service lunch. Then there’s cousin Eugene (Eugene Cordero) who has taken Joe’s investment money for a taco truck and has instead diverted it to a “hype-truck”, selling designer labels “doodads”. Unfortunately, he’s gotten his inventory from a swaggering “wannabe” gangster named Dev Deluxe (Asif Ali), who wants his 40 grand today. At least Jr. has met a cool local girl named Ruth (Eva Nobelzada), while Joe has been pelted with calls from his aggressive LA agent (Jay Chandrasekhar) who wants him to fly back for a post-holiday dinner “re-audition”. But while outrunning Dev’s goons, acquiring some “hot” sports memorabilia, and hooking up with an old flame and a local celeb, will he be able to enjoy the massive feast his mom has “slaved over” or will he put career before “family time”?

So, how’s Koy as the lead of a feature film? Pretty decent, though he relies a bit too much on reprising some stand-up bits in certain scenes (at the church…oookay). But he conveys the idea of a man literally being pulled by all sides, or a variation of the old variety show “plate-spinner”, though one of them’s gonna’ crash to the floor. It helps that he’s willing to be the “straight man” to many of the terrific “scene-stealers” ready to nab the spotlight. Primary is the always grinning Cordero who doesn’t fully understand his dire straights thinking he can charm his way out of anything since it seems to work with most of his family, except the frustrated Joe. Gaston is endearing as the sweet “noodge” who doesn’t “get” her son’s life but tries to be his anchor. Ali’s a very funny comic villain using his manic bluster to puff up his petite frame. Carrere is in full “diva mode” as the fussy competitive sister. But really shaking things up is Koy’s BFF from the “club days”, Tiffany Haddish, who’s a comic “stealth missile” destroying everything and everyone in sight during her two sequences (if she could find a lead role that showcases her like this). Another comic, Jimmy O. Yang scores some laughs as a reclusive retail hustler. And Lou Diamond Phillips seems to be having a blast as he satirizes his screen persona. Perhaps the biggest laughs come from Chandrasekhar as the agent who needs to talk right away but loses interest quickly (“Oops, going through a tunnel, losing you…”).

Wouldn’t you know that the director gave himself a plum comic role (in the tradition of Sydney Pollack and Mel Brooks)? But then Chandrasekhar has honed his comedy skills as part of the Broken Lizard crew, at the helm of many of their film projects, along with countless TV shows and a few other features. This may be the reason why his digs at “Tinsel-Town” feels so right and have the spark that most of the final act concerning the family dynamic lacks. At times the script recalls another funny franchise (it’s a wonder this was titled “My Big Fat Filipino Holiday”), or a “stitched together” compilation of the first three or four episodes of a TV sitcom. It’s often a tad exhausting to think of all the hijinks occurring over a single day, culminating in a bit of gunplay that feels out of sync with the bickering relatives. And all these conflicts get compressed and churned into a “feel good finale” that seems too “pat”. Still, it’s great to take a tour through a culture that Hollywood hasn’t explored and the fans of Koy’s comedy specials should find EASTER SUNDAY a pleasant bit of family fluff. Here’s hoping that his next screen effort offers more bite to the “bits”.

2.5 Out of 4

EASTER SUNDAY is now playing in theatres everywhere

Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips in RENEGADES Available on ‘Retro VHS’ Blu-ray October 19th From Mill Creek

“Look over my shoulder and tell me if you see an Indian following me.”

Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips in RENEGADES available on ‘Retro VHS’ Blu-ray October 19th from Mill Creek Entertainment

Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips star in RENEGADES, a modern-day action-adventure as mavericks who join forces to bust the city’s biggest crime ring. Unconventional undercover cop Buster McHenry (Sutherland) infiltrates a gang of criminals by joining in a jewelry heist. The attempt fails, but the gang manages to steal a rare weapon from a nearby American Indian exhibit. Deserted by the gang and now hunted by the police, McHenry reluctantly joins forces with Hank Storm (Phillips), and Indian who’s come to the city to recover the sacred lance. Their whirlwind trail propels the team through a wild car chase, a harrowing rooftop gunfight and a perilous run on top of a subway car. It’s a fast-paced action that leads to a fiery climax in this exciting climax in this exciting film from director Jack Sholder (The Hidden).

Here’s the New Trailer for ADVERSE starring Thomas Nicholas, Lou Diamond Phillips, and Mickey Rourke – On Demand and Digital and DVD March 9th

Lionsgate will release ADVERSE on Digital, On Demand and DVD on March 9th.  The film will also be in theaters on February 12th through Black Jellybean Productions.

Check out this thrilling trailer:

Thomas Nicholas (“Red Band Society”) and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) star in this gritty, intense urban thriller about one man’s quest for revenge. Struggling to make ends meet, rideshare driver Ethan (Nicholas) learns his sister Mia is deep in debt to a sleazy drug dealer. When Mia goes missing, Ethan discovers that crime boss Kaden (Rourke) is behind the act, and to get close to him Ethan takes a job as Kaden’s driver. One by one Ethan hunts down members of Kaden’s crew to wreak bloody vengeance as he prepares to confront Kaden himself.

The stellar cast also includes Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Astin, and Penelope Ann Miller.

BIG KILL Screening in St. Louis This Friday with Director Scott Martin and Actress Stephanie Beran in Attendance

Actress Stephanie Beran returns home for the St. Louis premiere of her new film, BIG KILL, this Friday, December 7th, alongside director Scott Martin. Beran (who plays Felicia Stiletto in the film) and Martin (who also appears in the film) will be at the Marcus Chesterfield Cine for the premiere as well as a special Q&A session following the 7pm showing.

Tickets are on sale now and available to the general public at the theater box office and wherever Marcus tickets are sold online.

Where: Marcus Chesterfield Cine

When: Friday, December 7 @ 7pm

Q&A following immediately after

A tenderfoot from Philadelphia, two misfit gamblers on the run, and a deadly preacher have a date with destiny in a boom town gone bust called Big Kill. After the death of his wife, Jim, the accountant, has come from the East to join his brother in business. Jake and Travis, two misfit rogues with one foot on each side of the law, have come from the south after being run out of Mexico under a hail of gunfire.  What they find in the West is a wild ride, a fight for survival, and a moment of decision that will change them all forever.

ELENA OF AVALOR: REALM OF THE JAQUINS Available on Disney DVD August 7th


Join Crown Princess Elena as she soars through a hidden gateway into Vallestrella, the mysterious, dazzling domain of the jaquins. On the way there, she accidentally releases a mythical forest sprite that could endanger Avalor! Now Elena must find the jaquins’ magical, legendary Sunbird Oracle to save the kingdom! Bring home Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jacquins on Disney DVD August 7th, which includes 10 bonus shorts.


Voice Cast:     Aimee Carrero as Elena; Jane Fonda as Shuriki; Lou Diamond Phillips as Victor Delgado; Cheech Marin as Quita Moz; Noël Wells as Marimonda; Carlos Alazraqui as Skylar; Yvette Nicole Brown as Luna; and Chris Parnell as Migs


Episodes:                            Realm of the Jaquins (44-minute episode)

Three Jaquins and a Princess

Shapeshifters


Bonus Features:               10 Bonus Shorts-             

                                                Adventures in Vallestrella – Flight of the Butterfrog

Adventures in Vallestrella – Sleeping Sunbird

Adventures in Vallestrella – Fast Food

Adventures in Vallestrella – Peabunny Boogie

Adventures in Vallestrella – Human Nature

Scepter Training with Zuzo – The Heist

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Royal Treasury Escape

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Nothing But Blaze

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Stoway

Scepter Training with Zuzo – Don’t Be Our Guest

Win THE 33 Digital Soundtrack And Prizepack

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WAMG is giving away TWO (2) prizepacks from the film, THE 33.

Win THE 33 digital soundtrack download. The digital soundtrack by composer James Horner will be released Friday, November 6.

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TWO GRAND PRIZE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

  • The Digital Soundtrack
  • T-shirt
  • Book
  • Flashlight

THREE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:

  • The Digital Soundtrack

Order the soundtrack here: http://www.amazon.com/33-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack/dp/B017NVUWII/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1447078022&sr=8-3&keywords=the+33+soundtrack

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ENTER YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE A WINNER.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

No purchase necessary.

From director Patricia Riggen, THE 33 stars Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Juliette Binoche, James Brolin, Lou Diamond Phillips, with Bob Gunton, and Gabriel Byrne.

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Chile, where 33 miners had been buried alive by the catastrophic explosion and collapse of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine. Over the next 69 days, an international team worked night and day in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped men as their families and friends, as well as millions of people globally, waited and watched anxiously for any sign of hope. But 200 stories beneath the surface, in the suffocating heat and with tensions rising, provisions—and time—were quickly running out.

A story of resilience, personal transformation and triumph of the human spirit, the film takes us to the Earth’s darkest depths, revealing the psyches of the men trapped in the mine, and depicting the courage of both the miners and their families who refused to give up. Based on the gripping true story of survival – and filmed with the cooperation of the miners, their families and their rescuers – THE 33 reveals the never-before-seen actual events that unfolded, above and below ground, which became nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon.

THE 33 opens Friday, November 13th

Read Jim Batts SLIFF 2015 review HERE.

The film is rated PG-13 for “a disaster sequence and some language.”

Visit the movie’s official site: www.the33movie.com

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Chilean Miners Reunite For Fifth Anniversary Screening Of THE 33

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©2015 ALCON ENTERTAINMENT, LLC Photo Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

The Chilean miners – whose miraculous rescue from a collapsed mine five years ago today captivated more than a billion people around the world – reunited in Rome on Tuesday to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the day they emerged from the mine.

In the Eternal City, the miners were applauded at a special anniversary screening of Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ inspiring drama THE 33, where they were joined by director Patricia Riggen and producer Mike Medavoy.

The film not only reveals the remarkable story of their survival against the odds but of the families, whose unwavering faith and support was instrumental in the rescue, and of the international team of rescuers, who would not give up until they brought the miners home.

THE 33 opens nationwide in US theaters on November 13, 2015, exactly one month after the five-year anniversary of the rescue. The film will be released in UK cinemas on January 29.

During their trip, the miners took the opportunity to visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Coliseum, the Pantheon and the Basilica of San Giovanni.

On Wednesday, the miners will go to the Vatican to participate in an audience with Pope Francis.

In 2010, the eyes of the world turned to Chile, where 33 miners had been buried alive by the catastrophic explosion and collapse of a 100-year-old gold and copper mine. Over the next 69 days, an international team worked night and day in a desperate attempt to rescue the trapped men as their families and friends, as well as millions of people globally, waited and watched anxiously for any sign of hope. But 200 stories beneath the surface, in the suffocating heat and with tensions rising, provisions – and time – were quickly running out.

A story of resilience, personal transformation and triumph of the human spirit, the film takes us to the Earth’s darkest depths, revealing the psyches of the men trapped in the mine, and depicting the courage of both the miners and their families who refused to give up.

Based on the gripping true story of survival – and filmed with the cooperation of the miners, their families and their rescuers – THE 33 reveals the never-before-seen actual events that unfolded, above and below ground, which became nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon.

THE 33 features an international cast led by Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”), James Brolin, and Lou Diamond Phillips, with Bob Gunton and Gabriel Byrne. The cast also includes Mario Casas, Jacob Vargas, Juan Pablo Raba, Oscar Nuñez, Tenoch Huerta, Marco Treviño, Adriana Barraza, Kate Del Castillo, Cote de Pablo, Elizabeth De Razzo and Naomi Scott.

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Patricia Riggen directed THE 33 from a screenplay by Mikko Alanne, Oscar nominee Craig Borten (“Dallas Buyers Club”) and Michael Thomas, based on the screen story by Jose Rivera and the book Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar. The film was produced by Oscar nominee Mike Medavoy (“Black Swan”), Robert Katz and Edward McGurn. Carlos Eugenio Lavin, Leopoldo Enriquez, Alan Zhang and José Luis Escolar served as executive producers.

This film has been rated PG-13 for a disaster sequence and some language.

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Warner Bros. Pictures To Hold VIP Screenings Of THE 33 On October 13

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On October 13, 2010, the world held its collective breath as the global media broadcast the miraculous rescue of 33 Chilean miners that had been trapped 200 stories below ground for 69 days following the disastrous collapse of a copper-gold mine in Copiapó, Chile. Spurred on by the support and faith of the miners’ families encamped outside the mine, the Chilean miners’ rescue is one of the most moving real-life events of modern times, watched by more than a billion people around the world.

On October 13, 2015, Chilean Consulates across the United States and in Canada will celebrate the five-year anniversary of this daring rescue with events, including special screenings of Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ new film THE 33.

Made with the cooperation of the real-life miners, their families and their rescuers, THE 33 opens nationwide on November 13, 2015, exactly one month after the five-year anniversary of the rescue.

Patricia Riggen, director of THE 33, stated, “I am thrilled and honored that our film is playing a part in celebrating the five-year anniversary of this momentous event. Our main goal in making ‘The 33’ was to show the courage and resilience of the men who were trapped, the hope and faith of their families, and the determination of the rescuers who overcame near-impossible odds to bring them home. Their inspiring story captured the attention of millions five years ago and it should never be forgotten.”

In New York, San Francisco, Houston, Toronto and Chicago, the Chilean Consulates will join with Alcon and Warner Bros. to hold VIP screenings of the film. The Chilean Consul General in each city will serve as host of the event.

In Ottawa, Canada, the Chilean Embassy, together with Alcon and Warner Bros., will present a special screening of THE 33 and reception, hosted by the Chilean Ambassador to Canada.

In Miami, at the AMC Sunset Theaters, the General Consul of Chile will help unveil a replica of the Fenix capsule that brought the 33 miners out from the depths of the collapsed mine.

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THE 33 features an international cast led by Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Academy Award winner Juliette Binoche (“The English Patient”), James Brolin, and Lou Diamond Phillips, with Bob Gunton and Gabriel Byrne. The cast also includes Mario Casas, Jacob Vargas, Juan Pablo Raba, Oscar Nuñez, Tenoch Huerta, Marco Treviño, Adriana Barraza, Kate Del Castillo, Cote de Pablo, Elizabeth De Razzo and Naomi Scott.

Patricia Riggen directed THE 33 from a screenplay by Mikko Alanne, Oscar nominee Craig Borten (“Dallas Buyers Club”) and Michael Thomas, based on the screen story by José Rivera and the book Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar. The film was produced by Oscar nominee Mike Medavoy (“Black Swan”), Robert Katz and Edward McGurn. Carlos Eugenio Lavin, Leopoldo Enriquez, Alan Zhang and José Luis Escolar served as executive producers.

The film has been rated PG-13 for a disaster sequence and some language.

Visit the film’s official site: www.the33movie.com

facebook.com/the33movie

twitter.com/the33film

instagram.com/the33movie

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