Mark Ruffalo gives an Oscar-calibre performance in one of the best films of 2015, SPOTLIGHT.
Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Billy Crudup and directed by Academy Award-nominee Tom McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced last week that Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will be honored with the 2016 American Riviera Award at the 31st edition of the Fest, which runs from February 3 to February 13, 2016. This is the first time the award will be given to three honorees, who will be fêted with a Tribute celebrating their careers, culminating with their powerhouse collaboration in Tom McCarthy’s blisteringly true drama SPOTLIGHT. The film recently opened to critical acclaim. The Tribute will take place during the festival’s run at the historic Arlington Theatre.
“Michael, Mark and Rachel are three of the finest actors in the business.” stated Festival Director Roger Durling, “They are artists in the truest sense of the word who continue to surprise and inspire audiences with their talent,” adding, “their recent turn in Spotlight demonstrates their skills both harmoniously as an ensemble and individually, it is an honor to celebrate their work with the American Riviera Award.”
(Left to right) Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer, Mark Ruffalo as Michael Rezendes and Brian d’Arcy James as Matt Carroll in SPOTLIGHT. Photo credit: Kerry Hayes/Open Road Films
When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.
SPOTLIGHT is now playing in select theaters and will be in theaters everywhere this Friday.
Go behind the scenes of SPOTLIGHT in this brand new featurette and be sure to check out the newly released clips from the film below.
Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci and Billy Crudup, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.
The film opens in St. Louis, Friday, November 20th.
SPOTLIGHT is now playing in select theaters and expanding across the nation throughout the following weeks. Check out this link for a complete list of theaters, which will continue to be updated:http://www.spotlightmovietheaters.com
WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of SPOTLIGHTon Monday, November 16 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.
We will contact the winners by email.
TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.
3. No purchase necessary.
Rated R for some language, including sexual reference.
Open Road Films has released the brand new poster for their upcoming film SPOTLIGHT.
An official selection of the 2015 Venice Film Festival and Toronto Film Festival, SPOTLIGHT hits select theaters on November 6th, 2015.
A group of Boston Globe reporters uncovers a shocking cover-up that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions.
SPOTLIGHT – which stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian d’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci – tells the true story of the Globe’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters who spent a year investigating allegations of abuse within the Catholic Church, ultimately revealing decades of deception at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal and government establishment and touching off a wave of revelations around the world.
Directed by Academy Award-nominee Tom McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative drama that tells the true story behind the scandal that shook the world.
For more on how the stars became their real life counterparts, read the Boston Globe’s fascinating story HERE.
Featuring a terrific ensemble cast of Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, SPOTLIGHT tells the true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions.
Check out the riveting new trailer below.
When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.
Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.
In the movies we’ve seen countless tales told through the eyes of (usually now grown-up) children all about the wild, wacky adventures they experienced with their unconventional, non-conformist parents or caregivers such as MAME, GYPSY, even the inventor pop of CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG. But what if they were more than zany, and didn’t break into song. The father of this new autobiographical film is unlike the lovable eccentrics embraced in past films. He’s has a real diagnosed, clinical disorder. How would children really deal with that? This film’s title comes from the younger daughter’s interpretation of her beloved poppa’s condition. Instead of saying that he’s bi-polar or manic-depressive, she says that her daddy is an INFINITELY POLAR BEAR.
This story’s focus is the unconventional Stuart family. Well, unconventional for the late sixties and early seventies. Cameron “Cam” Stuart (Mark Ruffalo) comes from one of the Boston based blue blood families, their fortune made many years ago as a railroad empire. But Cam’s portion of said empire is controlled by his tight-fisted, stern grandmother, so he lives basically on his own meager resources. And he must deal with his bi-polar disorder. Cam’s married to Maggie (Zoe Saldana), a studious African-American woman who is the primary “bread-winner” to the family, and toils as a clerk in a law firm. Cam is basically “Mr. Mom” to their two daughters, whip-smart eleven year-old Amelia (Imogene Wolodarsky) and sweet eight year-old Faith (Ashley Aufderheide). But as the film begins, Cam is relieved of his duties when he suffers a complete breakdown, and threatens the family. As Maggie and his terrified daughter watch, Cam is arrested and later taken in to be hospitalized. As he slowly recovers, Maggie and the girls are forced to move to a more modest apartment. When Cam moves out of a mental health facility and into a half-way house (and responds well to their visits), Maggie proposes a plan to him. She will take classes in NYC, in order to get a better job, if he will move into the apartment (the couple were on the verge of separation before the incident) and raise the girls (with her coming back for the weekends), and if he promises to stay on his medication and quit drinking. After some hesitation Cam agrees, and soon the girls are re-united with their beloved Daddy, but heartbroken over Mommy’s weekdays absence (which, due to tests and term papers, stretches into solid weeks). But will the added responsibilities and pressures push Cam into a relapse?
Ruffalo adds another superb performance to his impressive career, balancing between his work in small independent films like this and blockbusters like the Avengers flicks where he makes Bruce Banner just as interesting as the big green “other guy”. Here he also treads another tightrope with Cam, who is often lovable, but never completely steady, the unease nearly always present in his darting eyes. We see Cam plunge deep into the darkness of his disorder early on (and a later altercation with an old family friend), then attempt to climb out through the fog of medication (he tries unsuccessfully to replace his lithium with booze, to ill effect). What stays constant, through the outbursts of frustration and the manic highs, is the love for his family (and smoking unfortunately), particularly his passion for Maggie and hope that they can be lovers once more. For fans of the gifted, versatile Ruffalo, BEAR is a must see. Saldana also gets a break from the franchises and the action thrillers, and gives us a woman not only challenged by the situation at home , but by the rules of 70’s society. Mothers were finally joining the workforce, but there seemed to be an extra thick glass ceiling for women of color. Maggie’s determined to give her girls a better life, but her heart is ripped in pieces as she must leave them with long unbearable stretches. She believes in her husband, but worries that she may have given him a burden too heavy for him to shoulder (at times she must be a mother to him). Saldana’s in top dramatic form, showcasing her terrific acting range. Wolodarsky impresses as the eldest daughter, dismissing any charges of nepotism (she’s the director’s daughter). Amelia tries to conceal her anxieties in order to keep Daddy on the right track, knowing when he’s spiraling away, and be a surrogate mom to him and her younger sister. Aufderheide is an adorable young actress with an infectious smile, who’s determined to see the positive in everything. Like most kids, she’s baffled by adult behavior, with the erratic Cam multiplying her confusion. Oh, big kudos to the film makers for casting screen veteran Keir Dullea as Cam’s father in a too brief dinner scene.
Director/screenwriter Maya Forbes, mainly known for her work in comedy, delivers a film full of passion and heartfelt emotion, perhaps since she’s basically telling us her own life story. She makes no attempts to sweetly romanticize those childhood years. The family fun moments are offset by that uncertainty and embarrassment (Dad is aggressively friendly to the neighbors and insists on delivering them to the front steps of their school in his “beater”cars). We root for this family even as we wonder if Maggie’s really doing the right, safe thing for the girls. Bobby Bukowski’s cinematography utilizes a muted palette, perhaps to give the feel of dimmed memories, to great effect, while Theodore Shapiro provides a subtle musical backdrop. Forbes gets terrific work from the entire cast and keeps the story moving for the film’s brisk ninety minutes. Despite the whimsical title INFINITELY POLAR BEAR is a compassionate look at mental illness and a compelling portrait of one family’s strengths and struggles.
4 Out of 5 Stars
INFINITELY POLAR BEAR opens everywhere and screens exclusively in the St. Louis area at Landmark’s Tivoli Theatre
Alright you Marvel movie maniacs, ready for another serving of shawarma? Yup, it’s been three years since we saw the very tired assemblage of “Earth’s mightiest heroes” enjoying that tasty, exotic treat, and so it’s time for another monstrous menace to rear its ugly head in order to get “the band” back together. So what have some of the members been doing since 2012. Lessee’, Tony Stark battled some major PTSD as he got his ticker finally fixed, Thor defended Asgard and re-united (and it felt so good!) with mortal Jane Foster, and Steve Rogers gained a new fighting partner and discovered that a former pal was also “on ice”. Oh, and SHIELD was disbanded due to an extreme Hydra infestation. But the box office may have yielded even more surprises. It was thought that the singular heroes would lose much of their earning potential after that first team-up. Not the case at all. Iron Man’s third outing along with Thor and Cap’s follow-ups were huge hits. Plus Marvel had a monster smash last August with a group of space-exploring misfits far removed from our Avengers in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (a much more recent comics series). Hmmm, maybe that SNL sketch nailed it, maybe “Marvel can’t fail”. But I digress. So just what happens when said “ugly head” (a gleaming metallic one) threatens the planet? We’ll find out when it’s assemblin’ time in AVENGERS: THE AGE OF ULTRON.
As the new adventure begins, we’re thrown right into the center of the action storm, much like the opening “splash page” of a comic book. A mountain Hydra fortress (looking like the kind of place that the Dirty Dozen would bust into) overlooking the small Eastern European country of Sovokia (maybe it’s next to Lutonia, home of the polka superstars, the Schmenge Brothers) is under attack from our heroes (“Herr Strucker, the Avengers are approaching!” “Destroy ‘zem!” “But ‘zey are the Avengers!”). The Baron (Thomas Kretchmann) decides to unleash the twins (you remember them from the mid-credits scene in CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER), Wanda AKA the Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the products of enhancement experiments involving the scepter of Loki. Pietro causes some damage with his super speed while Wanda messes with the minds of several Avengers, exploiting their deepest fears. Our heroes eventually triumph as Natasha AKA the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) calms the Hulk, hastening his change back to Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). And as the twins escape, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) hurriedly empties the Hydra hard drives of their secrets. Returning to Stark Tower, the Avengers HQ in NYC, Tony convinces Banner to help him set up the defensive program code-named “Ultron” using the newly acquired files (“Imagine a protective armor over the Earth”). The two leave the lab in order to attend a reception for the local citizenry, just as Ultron activates, over powers the Stark master computer system “Jarvis” and begins cranking out armored bodies in the Stark robotics shop. The relaxed tranquil post party is disrupted by the just completed Ultron robot figure (voiced by James Spader), who announces his plans to destroy them along with all mankind. As Ultron escapes via the internet, the Avengers attempt to stop him (and the recruited twins) before his greatest scheme is achieved. For it seems that this steel puppet wants to become a real boy who will rule the world.
This great gathering of actors once again ease into these very comfortable roles against another far-flung fantasy backdrop. Downey is still the undisputed the master of snark, lightning quick with a retort. But for all his bravado, here we get to see that fear of failure and the uncertainty that may lead to everyone’s demise. And there’s a touch of ole’ Doc Frankenstein as he realizes his own hand in the horror unleashed. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers AKA Captain America is often the butt of jokes for his old-school values while proving to be the leader the team truly needs. The “star-spangled man” has his darker moments as we see the look of regret in his eyes. Did his only chance for happiness pass him by over 70 years ago? Chris Hemsworth as Thor is still the gregarious, swaggering warrior who continues to develop real affection for these often “petty” mortal beings. The most mortal may be Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye who feels more than a bit uneasy as the most vulnerable guy on the team. He’s got no armor, nor gamma ray or super soldier blood, merely a man with really good aim. Still he makes a most valuable team player, particularly as we find out more about his personal life. Samuel L Jackson as Nick Fury hasn’t mellowed over the years, but still offers sage advice while never losing his faith in the Avengers Initiative program. Cobie Smulders is the all-business super secret agent, but can still kick back with the heroes in her new post SHIELD gig with Stark Industries.
The most compelling of the crew in this new outing may be the surprising, blossoming romance between Banner and Romanoff (another subtitle for the film might be “the super beauty and the beast”). In one early sequence the Widow almost acts as the “Anne Darrow” to the Kong-like Hulk. Ruffalo is endearingly hesitant and clumsy as he deals with these new feelings for his team-mate. Can he risk getting close to some one that could be crushed by his inner demon? But the same may be said of Natasha. Her deadly past was hinted at the first flick and the last Cap outing, and we’re given a brutal glimpse of her unspeakably horrific childhood. Johannson show us Natasha’s sadness and longing, hoping for a way to begin again. One of the best surprises in the sequel is the mature, engaging love story that gives this action blockbuster a warm, beating heart.
And then there’s the bad guys. Olsen makes Wanda a frightening force (just what are her mysterious abilities) while still projecting the vulnerability of a wounded child. Taylor-Johnson as her slightly older brother (by 17 seconds) is often the protective, nurturing parent to her when he’s not exhibiting a child-like joy in his gift of speed. The real scene stealer may be Spader as perhaps the most emotional metal man in the movies. He’s fearsome, petulant, patronizing, arrogant, and the ultimate ill-tempered teen. A really ticked off tin man. Since their casting has been announced, I should say that Julie Delpy and Linda Cardellini are most welcome new additions as women who figure into one Avenger’s past and another’s present and future. Oh, and several actors from solo film franchises reprise their roles, but I’ll not spill the beans on them.
Writer/director Joss Whedon cements his reputation as a fantasy genre mastermind. Unfortunately he’s often regulated to traffic cop as the big action set pieces become increasingly complex to the point of sensory overload. Yeah, the flick’s more than a tad overstuffed. Mind you, the shot out of cannon opening sequence does get the blood pumping. And the smack down between Tony Stark’s transformer-like super suit and the Hulk surpasses the big throw-downs from the previous film (Thor vs. Iron Man or Hulk vs.Thor). Plus it was great seeing the nice emerald giant revert to full on rampaging green goliath mode briefly. The story’s unfortunately sidetracked several time for “set-up”bits for upcoming flicks (like Thor’s dream and quest). Then there’s the unending onslaught of Ultron’s metal minions who become almost as ineffectual as the attacking aliens last time out. I mean, they’re just an entire mountain range of scrap. It almost exhausts us to the point of forgetting all that’s good and sometimes great in this effort. Those intimate moments between Bruce and ‘Nat’, the laid back hammer challenge, even the respite at a country safe house (maybe there could be an “Avengers: On Holiday” entry). Oh, and I can’t leave out the wonderful introduction of a new/old character. We’ve heard Paul Bettany as the voice of the Jarvis program since the first IRON MAN in 2008. Now we get to see him in the flesh (well, the vermillion synthetic skin) as the beloved comics character the Vision (he’s on some magazine covers, so I’m not being a spoiler). He doesn’t glide in until the film’s final act, but he makes quite the impression. His addition tips the scales into the plus column for the second installment. If you’re looking for more spectacular action then ULTRON truly over-delivers. You may want to skip the gym, since this is quite a high impact workout. Now onward to Marvel’s “Phase Three”! Excelsior!
On Tuesday, Andy Serkis, Jeremy Renner, Paul Bettany, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chris Evans, Elizabeth Olsen, Robert Downey Jr and Mark Ruffalo attended the European premiere of Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON in London.
Variety says “the new movie is a sleeker, faster, funnier piece of work.”
Dark Horizons calls it “loads of fun and never dull.”
Marvel Studios presents AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance.
As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.
Continuing their world press tour, watch as director Joss Whedon and cast discuss the film.
Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Hulk and Chris Evans as Captain America.
Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Don Cheadle as James Rhodes/War Machine, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction.
Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.
Here’s a look at the poster for Sony Pictures Classics’ INFINITELY POLAR BEAR, starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.
Written and directed by Maya Forbes, the film opens in NY and LA on June 19th and expands nationally in the following weeks.
1978.
While most fathers spend their days at work, CAM STUART (Mark Ruffalo) is more likely to be found mushroom-hunting, cooking elaborate meals, or working on one of his many half completed projects. His family’s wealth keeps his family just barely afloat, while Cam struggles to live with manic depression. When Cam has a manic breakdown that lands him in a mental hospital, his wife MAGGIE (Zoe Saldana) and their two young daughters, AMELIA and FAITH, are forced to leave their house in the country and move into a cramped apartment in Cambridge, where Maggie tries to find a decent job, with no luck.
Broke, stressed, and overwhelmed, Maggie applies to business school and is accepted to Columbia University’s MBA program. Seeing this as her chance to build a better life for their daughters, Maggie asks Cam to become the primary caregiver for the girls while she completes her degree in New York. After all, routine is what the doctor ordered and the girls miss their dad. Cam agrees, hoping to rebuild his family. But the two spirited girls are not interested in making things easy for him.
With Maggie away in New York, Cam quickly realizes that he’s in over his head. Over the course of the next 18 months, as Maggie rushes to complete her degree, he learns, through trial and a lot of error, how to take care of his precocious daughters as well as himself. After years of struggling to find his place in the world, Cam may finally have found where he fits in.
Based on a true story, INFINITELY POLAR BEAR is a funny and heartbreaking portrait of the many unexpected ways in which parents and children save each other.
The Avengers return to the big screen in Marvel’s AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON.
When Tony Stark jumpstarts a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as they battle to save the planet from destruction at the hands of the villainous Ultron.
Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Quicksilver/Pietro Maximoff and Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff.
The cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Stellan Skarsgård with James Spader and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.
From director Joss Whedon, MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON’s score is from composer Brian Tyler with additional music by Danny Elfman.
Get set for an action-packed thrill ride when The Avengers return in MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON on May 1, 2015.
Check out the official US trailer for Sony Pictures Classics film INFINITELY POLAR BEAR, starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.
INFINITELY POLAR BEAR opens in NY and LA on June 19th and expands nationally in the following weeks.
1978.
While most fathers spend their days at work, CAM STUART (Mark Ruffalo) is more likely to be found mushroom-hunting, cooking elaborate meals, or working on one of his many half completed projects. His family’s wealth keeps his family just barely afloat, while Cam struggles to live with manic depression. When Cam has a manic breakdown that lands him in a mental hospital, his wife MAGGIE (Zoe Saldana) and their two young daughters, AMELIA and FAITH, are forced to leave their house in the country and move into a cramped apartment in Cambridge, where Maggie tries to find a decent job, with no luck.
Broke, stressed, and overwhelmed, Maggie applies to business school and is accepted to Columbia University’s MBA program. Seeing this as her chance to build a better life for their daughters, Maggie asks Cam to become the primary caregiver for the girls while she completes her degree in New York. After all, routine is what the doctor ordered and the girls miss their dad. Cam agrees, hoping to rebuild his family. But the two spirited girls are not interested in making things easy for him.
With Maggie away in New York, Cam quickly realizes that he’s in over his head. Over the course of the next 18 months, as Maggie rushes to complete her degree, he learns, through trial and a lot of error, how to take care of his precocious daughters as well as himself. After years of struggling to find his place in the world, Cam may finally have found where he fits in.
Based on a true story, INFINITELY POLAR BEAR is a funny and heartbreaking portrait of the many unexpected ways in which parents and children save each other.
This is Maya Forbes first film as writer and director. She began her career on the HBO comedy, “The Larry Sanders Show,” and spent four years as a writer/producer on that groundbreaking show. She has since written numerous television episodes and feature films, including the animated “Monsters vs. Aliens” and the independent “Seeing Other People.”
