Tag: morgan spurlock

Morgan Spurlock’s RATS Documentary Screens Midnights at The Tivoli Sept 23-24th

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Morgan Spurlock’s RATS screens midnights in St. Louis Friday and Saturday September 23rd and 24th at Landmark’s The Tivoli Theater (6350 Delmar Blvd). Tickets are $8.

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Inspired by Robert Sullivan’s New York Times bestselling book, the Discovery Documentary Film RATS goes deep beneath the surface to explore the lives of man’s greatest parasite. Oscar-nominated director Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) unveils a new form of documentary horror storytelling, journeying around the world to bring viewers face to face with rats while delving into our complicated relationship with these creepy creatures.

Taking us into the Rattus nests in ways never before captured on film, RATS dives deep into New York City’s parks, subway tunnels and sewers; venture to rice paddies in Cambodia and Vietnam where rats are caught and sold as food; cross worldly streets in India paroled by the revered Night Rat Killers; journey to the English countryside where packs of terriers kill hundreds of rats per day; and look inside a New Orleans lab, where scientists are studying how flooding and abandoned neighborhoods are making rats more invasive than ever.

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Landmark Theatres and Submarine Deluxe are teaming to release Morgan Spurlock’s new feature documentary RATS in 10 markets nationwide in midnight screenings September 23-24 exclusively at Landmark venues. The innovative theatrical play comes ahead of the documentary’s TV bow October 22 on Discovery Channel. The pic, described as a modern-day horror film, has its world premiere tonight at the Toronto Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section.

In the documentary based on Robert Sullivan’s bestselling book, Spurlock and his team travel around the world to bring viewers face to face with rats while delving into humans’ complicated relationship with the creepy creatures. The plan is to show it at Landmark cinemas in Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and St. Louis.

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“I am so proud of this genre-bending movie and am very excited that people will get to experience all its horror doc theatrical glory in Landmark Cinemas,” said Spurlock, whose Warrior Poets produced the film with Discovery, Dakota Group Ltd and Submarine Deluxe. “Seeing this on the big screen will give you even bigger nightmares.”

Spurlock co-wrote and pic and produced with Jeremy Chilnick. David Koh, Josh Braun, Dan Braun and Stanley Buchthal executive produced.

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SUPER SIZE ME Screens Thursday March 5th at Schlafly Bottleworks

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“See, now’s the time of the meal when you start getting the McStomach ache. You start getting the McTummy. You get the McGurgles in there. You get the McBrick, then you get the McStomach ache. Right now I’ve got some McGas that’s rockin’. My arms… I feel like I’ve got some McSweats goin’. My arms got the McTwitches going in here from all the sugar that’s going in my body right now. I’m feeling a little McCrazy!”

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SUPER SIZE ME screens at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood next Thursday, March 5th at 7pm. It is a benefit for Helping Kids Together

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SUPER SIZE ME is a 2004 documentary by Morgan Spurlock who basically does an experiment to see what eating McDonald’s three times a day for 30 days can do to the body. When the film opens, he’s in excellent health. His girlfriend is a vegetarian so it’s obvious he eats well. Noting the increased problem of obesity in this country he decided to prove the potential dangers of fast food, and surprise! He gains weight and his cholesterol goes up, he feels sick, lethargic, etc. I used to occasionally go into McDonald’s, and then I saw this film. After seeing it, I will *never* go into any fast-food chain in the world, even if my life depended on eating something…….just kidding! (except the Chicken McNuggets! – after seeing how they are made in the film, I don’t think I’d ever eat them again – but I rarely ordered them before anyway).

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In SUPER SIZE ME, Spurlock brings up some law suits that overweight people have filed against fast food companies saying their health problems and obesity are the fault of places like McDonald’s Look, exactly who would eat EVERY meal for 30 days at ANY restaurant?? Spurlock’s point is well taken and presented clearly, but if you choose to eat that much food each meal for a month what would you expect?? Most folk understand that McDonalds is not “health food” and act accordingly… People in the United States are going to have to start taking some responsibility for their actions…If someone eats himself into obesity it is their fault… Nobody shoves Big Macs into your mouth but you… It is just as easy to eat a salad and get some exercise… Let’s face it, people eat at McDonalds because it tastes good.. Don’t blame the corporation for an epidemic of obesity… Whatever happened to “Just Say No”? That said, SUPER SIZE ME is an interesting, funny, and enjoyable movie and I look forward to seeing it again when it plays Thursday, March 5th at Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood.

The Facebook invite for the event can be found HERE

https://www.facebook.com/events/349263458592780

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Doors open at 6:30pm. $6 suggested for the screening. A yummy variety of food from Schlafly’s kitchen is available as are plenty of pints of their famous home-brewed suds. A bartender will be on hand to take care of you. “Culture Shock” is the name of a film series here in St. Louis that is the cornerstone project of a social enterprise that is an ongoing source of support for Helping Kids Together (http://www.helpingkidstogether.com/) a St. Louis based social enterprise dedicated to building cultural diversity and social awareness among young people through the arts and active living. The films featured for “Culture Shock” demonstrate an artistic representation of culture shock materialized through mixed genre and budgets spanning music, film and theater. Through ‘A Film Series’ working relationship with Schlafly Bottleworks, they seek to provide film lovers with an offbeat mix of dinner and a movie opportunities. We hope to see everyone next Thursday night!

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COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE Comes To DVD JULY 10, 2012

COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE

TO BE RELEASED ON DVD ON JULY 10, 2012

Critically-Acclaimed Documentary Will Be Released In Two Special Edition Sets   With One-of-A-Kind Figurines – Including the First Ever Joss Whedon Action Figure

Chris Ball, President and CEO of LA-based film production and distribution company Wrekin Hill Entertainment, and Joel Weinshanker, President and CEO of NECA Films, a division of NECA, announced today that Morgan Spurlock’s (SUPER SIZE ME) COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE will be released on DVD ($19.99 SRP) on July 10, 2012. The film will also be available in two Collectors Editions with figurines ($29.99SRP).

The two Collector’s Editions will contain the DVD alongside action figures of Stan Lee and Harry Knowles or Joss Whedon and Spurlock. This is the first time mega-director Whedon has been immortalized into action figure status… which will no doubt delight fans everywhere.

The Whedon/Spurlock special editions will be sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide.  The products are part of a unique retail opportunity with Toys “R” Us and will be sold alongside other action items dedicated to Comic-Con 2012.  The Lee/Knowles editions will be available at select stores and at online retailers.  A third combo-pack from HeroClix with all four figures and the DVD will also be available in July at game stores nationwide ($29.99 SRP).

The DVD will include the following special features: Behind-the-Scenes Featurette, Deleted Scenes, Talent Interviews and Trailer. Fans will also be able to purchase the DVD and Collector’s Editions at Comic-Con International in San Diego (July 12-15).

COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE explores this amazing cultural phenomenon by following the lives of five attendees as they descend upon the ultimate geek mecca at San Diego Comic-Con 2010.

One on one interviews with Comic-Con veterans who have turned their passions into professions include Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Frank Miller, Kevin Smith, Matt Groening, Seth Rogen, Eli Roth and others are shared throughout the film along with up close and up front coverage of all the panels, parades, photos, costumes, crowds and camaraderie that make up one of the largest fan gatherings in the U.S.   COMIC- CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE was released theatrically and on VOD in early April 2012.

 

COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE Product Details

Format : DVD

Street Date: July 10, 2012

Pre-Order: June 4, 2012

Running time: 86 min.

Rating: PG-13

DVD SRP: $19.00

DVD with collectable figures: $29.99

Audio: English 5.1

Subtitles: English and Spanish

Closed Captioned

 

Bonus Features

Behind the Scenes Featurette
Deleted Scenes
Interviews

Trailer

About Wrekin Hill Entertainment

WREKIN HILL ENTERTAINMENT is a Los Angeles-based production and distribution company, founded by the former Newmarket Films team of Chris Ball and Rene Cogan. Ball and Cogan built a reputation at Newmarket for producing and distributing such indie classics as MEMENTO, DONNIE DARKO, WHALE RIDER, MONSTER, and THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Wrekin Hill has a multi-year US home entertainment distribution deal with Lionsgate, and a three-year multi-platform output deal with Canadian distributor eOne. The company aims to distribute four to five quality theatrical releases each year, in addition to its ancillary driven output, with a focus on the same kind of director-driven specialty films on which the team has built its reputation. During 2011, Wrekin Hill has theatrically released such films as Peter Weir’s THE WAY BACK, and Spencer Susser’s HESHER starring Joseph Gordon Levitt and Natalie Portman.  In early 2012, the company released award-winning Chinese director Zhang Yimou’s (HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, HERO) and producer Zhang Weiping’s THE FLOWERS OF WAR starring Academy Award® winning actor Christian Bale, Morgan Spurlock’s COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE, and DARK TIDE starring Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez. Wrekin Hill will release British box office hit THE INBETWEENERS later this year.

About National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA)

NECA INC. operates as a media and entertainment company in the US and internationally, with divisions dedicated to Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment, and Online Retailing / Digital Distribution.  The Consumer Products division is a leading manufacturer and distributor of entertainment related products, dominating the specialty market.  The Filmed Entertainment division is investing in the production and distribution of content that will benefit from NECA’s unique and proprietary distribution and marketing model.  The online division leverages NECA’s properties to provide an immersive, platform-agnostic entertainment experience through subscription and transactional models.

Website – http://comicconmovie.com/ 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/comicconmovie 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/comicconmovie 

YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/ComicConDoc 

WAMG At The COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE Red Carpet Premiere

Have you ever imagined a place where Vulcans and vampires get along? Where wizards and wookies can be themselves? Welcome to Comic-Con San Diego… and more importantly, welcome to the COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE red carpet premiere on Wed, April 4th 2012 at the Archlight Cinemas in Hollywood.

COMIC-CON EPISODE IV:  A FAN’S HOPE- a film by Morgan Spurlock explores this amazing cultural phenomenon by following the lives of five attendees as they descend upon the ultimate geek mecca at San Diego Comic-Con 2010:

  • Eric, an aspiring illustrator, is hoping to impress publishers and land a job;
  • Holly, costume and creature designer, hopes her creations will win the big prize;
  • Chuck, a long-time comic book dealer, is looking for a big sale to pay off his debts;
  • Skip, longtime amateur illustrator wants to be discovered at this year’s event;
  • James, a young fan, hopes his girlfriend will accept a dramatic proposal.

Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock was in attendance, as well as producer Joss Whedon, producer Matthew Galkin, producer Thomas Tull, producer Stan Lee, writer/producer Jeremy Chilnick, Chris Ball (CEO of Wrekin Hill Entertainment) with subjects in the film: Holly Conrad, James & Se Young Darling, Skip Harvey, Chuck Rozanski, Eric Henson, Scott Mantz, Robert Kirkman (writer/executive producer “The Walking Dead”), and Chris Rozanski. Also in attendance were Jesse Alexander (Co-Executive Producer/Writer “HEROES”), Candace Bailey (Co-Host of G4’s “Attack of the Show”), Doug Benson (SUPER HIGH ME), Clark Gregg (IRON MAN & THE AVENGERS), Tommy Davidson (“In Living Color” “Black Dynamite”), Chris Hardwick (Host of Nerdist.com),  Kevin Pereia (Co-Host of G4’s “Attack of the Show”), Morgan Webb (Hostess of G4’s “X-Play”), and more.

Click on the thumbnails to view photos:

What started as a fringe comic book convention for 500 fans has grown into the pop culture event of the year that influences every form of entertainment, now attended by over 140,000 strong.

One on one interviews with Comic-Con veterans who have turned their passions into professions include Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Frank Miller, Kevin Smith, Matt Groening, Seth Rogen, Eli Roth and others are shared throughout the film along with up close and up front coverage of all the panels, parades, photos, costumes, crowds and camaraderie that make up one of the largest fan gatherings in the U.S.

Presented by Stan Lee and Joss Whedon, COMIC-CON EPISODE IV:  A FAN’S HOPE is directed by Morgan Spurlock; produced by Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick, Matthew Galkin, Harry Knowles and Thomas Tull; and written by Spurlock and Chilnick.

Website – http://comicconmovie.com/ 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/comicconmovie 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/comicconmovie 

YouTube – http://www.youtube.com/user/ComicConDoc 

COMIC-CON EPISODE IV: A FAN’S HOPE opens:

April 5th – Opens Los Angeles (Laemmle Monica 4-Plex), Seattle, San Francisco 

April 6th – VOD  

April 13th – Opens New York City (Village East Cinema), Philadelphia and Boston

Morgan Spurlock, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman & Ben Silverman Present MANSOME – In Theaters This May

Electus announced today that Oscar and Emmy Award-nominated director/producer Morgan Spurlock’s new documentary film MANSOME will be distributed theatrically by Paladin. The hilarious look at men’s identity through the exploration of male grooming habits, which is scheduled to have its world premiere at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival on April 21st, will open in limited release in several major cities nationwide including New York and Los Angeles beginning May 18th. Written, directed and produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and executive produced by DumbDumb co-founders Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Electus Founder Ben Silverman, MANSOME marks Arnett and Bateman’s first executive producer credits.

In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, fancy men’s day spas, and high-end grooming products galore, MANSOME is a witty, provocative and highly-entertaining glimpse into what it means to be a man in a world where the definition of masculinity has become as diverse as a hipster’s facial hair in Williamsburg. With his signature humor and insight, Spurlock combs over the follicles of men’s idiosyncratic grooming habits, opening up a dialogue about men’s unique approach to self image.

An expose of comic proportions, MANSOME follows Arnett and Bateman to the spa as they undergo various beautification rituals while offering amusing stories and observations about elusive male bathroom secrets. The film highlights a wide range of men including champion beardsmen, longtime barbershop owners, known metrosexuals, mustachioed males and professional wrestlers; all intercut with candid, one-on-one interviews and commentary from actor/comedians Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Paul Rudd,Zach Galifianakis, Adam Carolla, Judd Apatow, as well as sociological experts and everyday men and women all of whom weigh in on everything from the growing incidence of men turning to plastic surgeons to our obsession with facial hair.

“As someone who has spent the past eight years shaving around a ridiculous mustache, I couldn’t think of a more ‘Mantastic’ story to tell than this,” said director/producer Morgan Spurlock.  “I jumped at the chance to work with Will and Jason.  They’re so manly, so handsome, so … Mansome.”

“If I do say so myself, there are no better coiffed, buffed, sharpened and styled men than Morgan, Will and myself to open the world’s eye to the changing notion of masculinity in today’s culture,” said executive producer and DumbDumb Co-Founder Jason Bateman. “Mansome is a special tribute to our passion and dedication for male grooming and the freedom of facial-hair expression which we wholeheartedly feel should be equal amongst both sexes,” continued executive producer and DumbDumb Co-Founder Will Arnett.

“Jason Bateman and Will Arnett are two legendary back shavers, and Morgan’s mustache and strange receding hairline make them the perfect partners to bring this project to life,” said Ben Silverman, Executive Producer and Founder of Electus.

The other interview subjects featured in MANSOME include John Waters, ZZ Top band members Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons, Anthrax musician Scott Ian, Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Kate White, author Brett McKay, sociologist Michael Kimmel, beard expert Allan Peterkin, champion beardsman Jack Passion, Old Spice Guy Isaiah Mustafa, Co-Founder of Movember Andrew Garone, biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, pro-wrestler Shawn Daivari, stylist Stefan Campbell, clothing buyer Ricky Manchanda, and salon and barbershop owners Martial Vivot, Donnie Hawley, Ricky King, Adam Baker, Michael Haar and Kamal Neru.

MANSOME is created and executive produced by Warrior-Poets (Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick), Electus (Ben Silverman, Drew Buckley, Laura Caraccioli) and DumbDumb (Will Arnett, Jason Bateman).Mark Urman’s Paladin is handling the theatrical distribution of the film.

For additional information on the MANSOME, or to join the conversation, please visit www.MansomeTheMovie.com or www.Facebook.com/mansome.

About Electus
Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus’ programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com. @ElectusLLC

About DumbDumb
DumbDumb is a digital content and production studio led by Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. By using their well-known comedic tone and sensibility, DumbDumb creates and produces brand-inspired entertainment content that reaches audiences across all forms of social, digital and traditional media. Their goal is to enhance traditional marketing and advertising activities, and ultimately revolutionize the way advertisers connect with their audiences. With the backing and distribution expertise of Ben Silverman’s multimedia entertainment studio, Electus, and IAC, DumbDumb is a valuable strategic and creative resource for brands looking to harness the power of entertainment and humor. For more information about DumbDumb, visit www.DumbDumb.com. @dumbdumb

About Warrior-Poets
Warrior-Poets is a New York-based production company that develops, produces, and edits content for television, film, and new media. Founded in 2004 by Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock, the company has established itself as a leading producer of non-fiction programming. Spurlock and his business partner Jeremy Chilnick, have produced multiple award winning projects, including FX’s 30 Days, What Would Jesus Buy?, The Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Special In 3-D! On Ice!, and the recent Sony Classics release, Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. Their latest feature film Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope will be in theaters Spring 2012.

About Paladin
Paladin was formed in the fall of 2009 by veteran independent film industry executive Mark Urman.  Its first release was the award-winning drama, “Disgrace,” starring John Malkovich, and other titles the company has distributed include “The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond”, based on an original screenplay by Tennessee Williams, and starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Evans; the acclaimed drama, “The Greatest,” starring Pierce Brosnan, Carey Mulligan and Susan Sarandon; the Sundance 2010 critics’ darling, “Douchebag,” written and directed by Drake Doremus; and the prize-winning omnibus documentary, “Love Etc.”  In 2011, Paladin enjoyed its greatest success with Tom Shadyac’s “I Am,” which was in theaters nationwide for six months and became one of the year’s highest grossing documentaries.  More recent Paladin releases include “The Whale,” narrated and executive produced by Ryan Reynolds; the Sundance 2011 award-winner, “Connected,” Oscar-nominee Taika Waititi’s prize-winning “Boy,” and “Musical Chairs,” the latest film by Susan (“Desperately Seeking Susan”) Seidelman, currently in release.  Upcoming titles include the conservation-themed “Otter 501,”scheduled to open this spring.

THE OTHER F WORD Opens In LA & NY November 4th

THE OTHER F WORD, a documentary exploring punk rockers turned fathers opens in Los Angeles and New York on November 4th. The film talks with Jim Lindberg from the seminal skate-punk band Pennywise and a bunch of other rockers (Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, Tony Hawk, Mark Mothersbaugh, Rancid’s Lars Fredriksen, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers) to examines what happens when a generation’s ultimate anti-authoritarians become society’s ultimate authorities – dads. (Directed by Andrea Blaugrund Nevins, produced by Cristan Reilly, and executive produced by Morgan Spurlck & Jeremy Chilnick.

This revealing, funny, and touching film asks what happens when a generation’s ultimate anti-authoritarians – punk rockers – become society’s ultimate authorities – dads. With a large chorus of punk rock’s leading men – Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, Rise Against’s Tim McIlrath – THE OTHER F WORD follows Jim Lindberg, a 20-year veteran of the skate punk band Pennywise, on his hysterical and moving journey from belting his band’s anthem ”F–k Authority,” to embracing his ultimately authoritarian role in mid-life: fatherhood.
Other dads featured in the film include Art Alexakis (Everclear), Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo), Tony Adolescent (The Adolescents), Fat Mike (NOFX), Lars Frederiksen (Rancid), skater Tony Hawk, and many others.

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Here is a clip of musician and super fancy dude Mark Hoppus talking about the “F” word:

THE OTHER F WORD Opens In New York And Los Angeles November 4th

For More Info Check Out The Films Official Website: http://www.theotherfwordmovie.com Or Their Facebook HERE


 

Blu Monday: Beaver Puppets, Killer Cars and Smelly Trolls

Your Weekly Source for the Newest Releases to Blu-Ray Continue reading Blu Monday: Beaver Puppets, Killer Cars and Smelly Trolls

2011 SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE AWARDS ANNOUNCED FOR TIFF

SPOTLIGHT INITIATIVE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR
2011 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Honorees Include Ashley Greene, Anna Kendrick, David Paymer,
Morgan Spurlock and Roland Emmerich

The Creative Coalition is pleased to announce that Ashley Greene (Butter, Twilight), Anna Kendrick (50/50, Up in the Air), David Paymer (Twixt, The American President), Morgan Spurlock (Comic Con: Episode IV – A Fan’s Hope, Super Size Me) and Roland Emmerich (Anonymous, 2012) have been named as honorees for the 2011 Spotlight Initiative Awards. The awards will be bestowed to honorees during the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

The dinner honoring this year’s recipients will be attended by influential players from the arenas of art and entertainment and takes place on Saturday evening, September 10th at the Roosevelt Room.

Representing all aspects from the world of independent filmmaking, the 2011 class of honorees embodies the tenets of The Creative Coalition’s Spotlight Initiative. The Spotlight Initiative was created in 2008 to support independent films with messages that make a positive difference in the world and celebrate the art and craft of filmmaking for their social relevance.

The Creative Coalition CEO, Robin Bronk said, “The range of work from this year’s honorees is a true testament to why we created the Spotlight Initiative Award. Actors and filmmakers are under no obligation to use film as a venue to educate audiences on social issues, but our 2011 class of recipients has done a masterful job in doing so throughout their respective careers.”

THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD – The Review

Oops! That’s not the complete title it’s actually POM WONDERFUL PRESENTS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD. Well, that’s explained during the course of this new documentary from Morgan Spurlock- the man behind the TV show ” 30 Days ” and the features SUPER SIZE ME and WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN? ( no need for a sequel to that one ). In this new film the easy-going everyman explores the world of sponsorship and movie marketing.

Spurlock begins the film with a simple premise-I’ll make a film about product placement and finance it with money from corporate sponsors. He sets up meetings with these companies and marches through their lobbies carrying a big portfolio and spreading out art boards adorned with concept illustrations ( one is a cartoon-like sketch of him showing artwork to seated execs ) on to long conference room table like Mad Men’s Don Draper ( or Bewitched’s Darren Stevens ). He presents a sponsorship scale- the dollar amount gets you so many mentions, this amount puts you in the title. Many realize the absurdity of this idea, but surprisingly many want in. The title comes about when Spurlock meets with the big bosses ( including the main boss lady ) of Pom, a bottled pomegranate juice. He also enlists many other companies ( Jet Blue airlines, Sheetz gas/convenience stores, etc. ) who are then inserted into the film as backdrops or commercials. Along his journey Spurlock meets with marketeers, media experts ( like Ralph Nader ), and film makers ( Peter Berg, Brett Rattner, Quentin Tarentino ). We even get to see him promoting the film on the late night TV chat fest ” Jimmy Kimmel Live ” while wearing a jacket festooned with all of his movie sponsor logos, like a auto racer’s jumpsuit.

Now, compared to the subject matter of his other two features ( and most of the episodes of his TV show ), this new work seems a bit slight. Sure we all know that companies pay big bucks to movie studios to get their products on screen. Of course the ET/Reese’s Pieces legend is retold. Probably the worst example of placement is the 1984 SUPERGIRL. Next time it’s on cable just try and count up all the products and logos. Just a few months ago TV’s The Colbert Report ran footage of a recent daytime drama where two characters sang the praises of Chex Mix during a scene ( instead of someone holding the product it’s now integrated into the dialogue). Spurlock shows a couple of TV offenders. He’s been working so long in film I have trouble buying his surprise at the practices. And some scenes seemed to be set up to get sort of a “punk’d” response. Did he really think the Pom folks would go for an ad featuring a very un-subtle erection joke? Still his sense of the absurd is infectious ( when he discovers Mane n’ Tail Shampoo for horses and humans ), as is the outrage at public schools selling advertising space . No huge revelations, but you may learn a little more about how marketing has become all pervasive. I still don’t have any interest in pomegranate juice, though.

Overall Rating: Three and a Half Out of Five Stars

Dennis Quaid & Morgan Spurlock at DALLAS IFF

The DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac hosted amongst others SOUL SURFER’S Dennis Quaid and documentary director, Morgan Spurlock on the red carpet of April 2, 2011.  Spurlock joined the festival to promote his latest documentary THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD.