“I know the law. The law doesn’t know the streets.”
Sidney Lumet’s PRINCE OF THE CITY (1981) will be available on Blu-ray August 24th from Warner Archive. Ordering information can be found HERE
Treat Williams portrays special investigator Danny Ciello in this epic film about a New York detective who turns state’s evidence and is plunged into a nightmare of conflicting moral issues.
NYPD officer, Daniel Ciello’s involved in some questionable police practices. He’s approached by IAB, and in exchange for him potentially being let off he’s instructed to begin looking at the inner workings of police corruption. Danny agrees as long as he doesn’t have to turn on his partners but he soon learns he cannot trust anyone. He must decide whose side he’s on and who’s on his.
DEADFALL is bound to get comparisons to FARGO. With a few minor script tweaks and slightly different accents, this could have been passed off as a direct to DVD sequel. It is not that there are any similar characters or storylines but more so in the look and feel of the film. Had this been FARGO 2, I’d call it a worthy successor although I’m sure others will want my head on a platter (or my body in a woodchipper) for saying that. Prior to seeing the film, I heard some strongly negative feedback and was even told to avoid it completely by someone who attended an earlier press screening. Since then I’ve noticed a slew of negative reviews calling it an absolute mess and much worse. Honestly, I don’t know why everyone is ranking on this film so much because I loved the hell out of it.
DEADFALL opens with a car crash. Addison (Eric Bana) and his sister Liza (Olivia Wilde) make it out alive but their driver is not so lucky. Addison kills the first cop on the scene while Liza stuffs a bag full of the scattered money they just stole from a casino. They decide to split up as they each attempt to make it across the border. Addison ends up killing his way through the woods and Liza uses her looks to secure a ride with Jay (Charlie Hunnum) to his family’s cabin near the border. It is Thanksgiving and he is going to see his mom (Sissy Spacek) and dad (Kris Kristofferson) despite their strained relationship. Problem is Jay just got out of prison and may have accidentally killed a former business partner who refused to give him the money he owes. Addison faces some obstacle himself with the police after him investigating the murder of the trooper he killed. Despite the wishes of her father / police chief (Treat Williams), among the search party is the very capable Hanna (Kate Mara) who just so happens to be old friends with Jay and his family.
Believe it or not, there are even more side stories and important characters that I’ve chosen to excise for time. Yes, the film is convoluted. Yes, it has moments of needless complications and mass coincidence. Yes, it can be a bit campy and has heavy-handed moments that feel a bit forced. Yes, the fairly incestuous relationship between Addison and Liza is a bit weird. Yes, the insanely sexist attitudes within Hana’s police department feel horribly outdated. Yes, I’m starting to see why some people didn’t like this film after typing all that.
But none of that really matters because DEADFALL is damn fun. And the single biggest aspect that will suck you in and keep you watching no matter how ridiculous things get is Eric Bana. If this film came out before KNOCKED UP, this would be the movie they were all toasting to in the nightclub. Eric Bana’s performance is brilliantly twisted and wildly unhinged without ever going too far over the top. Addison is a badass who does some truly awful things with a wink and a smile. The film has plenty of other great things going for it like some wonderful visuals, thrilling action set pieces, the beautiful Kate Mara, and unnecessary Olivia Wilde nudity. But the only real reason you need is ERIC F***ING BANA!
Hello guys and gals! It’s your good friend Melissa again, with another tasty movie snack. This time its the new trailer and poster for “HOWL”, starring James Franco as Allen Ginsberg. The official press release states:
Opening in New York and San Francisco on September 24th, 2010 and
in Los Angeles on October 1st, 2010.
Directed by: Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman
Starring: James Franco, David Strathairn, Jon Hamm, Bob Balaban, Alessandro Nivola, Treat Williams,
Mary-Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels
Starring James Franco in a career-defining performance as Allen Ginsberg, HOWL is the story of how the young poet’s seminal work broke down societal barriers in the face of an infamous public obscenity trial. In his famously confessional style, Ginsberg – poet, counter-culture icon, and chronicler of the Beat Generation – recounts the road trips, love affairs, and search for personal liberation that led to HOWL, the most timeless work of his career. HOWL interweaves three stories: the unfolding of the landmark 1957 obscenity trial; an imaginative animated ride through the prophetic masterpiece; and a unique portrait of a man who found new ways to express himself, and in doing so, changed his own life and galvanized a generation.
HOWL is written and directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman and stars James Franco, David Strathairn, Jon Hamm, Bob Balaban, Alessandro Nivola, Treat Williams, with Mary-Louise Parker and Jeff Daniels. The film is produced by Elizabeth Redleaf and Christine Kunewa Walker for Werc Werk Works and executive produced by Gus Van Sant and Jawal Nga. The animation design is by Eric Drooker, with cinematography by Edward Lachman, production designer by Therese DePrez, costume design by Kurt and Bart and a score by Carter Burwell.
So check out the trailer and poster below. This is sure to be a fantastic film!
Before you question me for posting an article about a made-for-TV Hallmark movie, let me explain… I am paying attention to this one in particular because it hits close to home. The film tackles an issue in America (and obviously other cities in the world) that is lacking in awareness. The film is based on a true story about Brad Cohen, from the book co-written by Lisa Wysocky. Brad Cohen is a man with Tourette Syndrome who overcomes his obstacles and becomes a great teacher. It’s refreshing to see a movie that offers support of people with Tourette Syndrome instead of using it as a comical crutch like so many movies have recently done. (i.e. Duece Bigelow, etc.) To my recollection, the last relatively “known” movie to depict Tourette Syndrome in a realistic light was ‘The Tic Code’ starring Gregory Hines.
It is extremely difficult to get an accurate figure on how many children and adults are affected by Tourette Syndrome, but authoritative estimates place it around 200,000 in the United States alone. Having myself been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at the age of 12, my experience growing up was significantly influenced by how my “tics” were perceived by those at school, both from students and teachers alike. I can attest that without promoting awareness of Tourette Syndrome and encouraging an understanding of it, the experience of young people with Tourette Syndrome can often be difficult. I am fortunate that most of my tics have subsided with age, and with the help of some very wise people in my life, but this is not the case for many. I encourage everyone make an effort to watch this movie, especially if you have children… have them watch it with you as well.
‘Front of the Class’ is scheduled to air on CBS: Sunday, December 7, 2008 @ 9:00pm EST.
The national Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. is very excited to announce the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV presentation of Front of the Class, which will premiere on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at 9:00 pm EST on CBS.
Front of the Class is inspired by the true story of Brad Cohen, a young man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who overcomes considerable odds to become a gifted teacher. Based on Brad’s award winning book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, this poignant TV feature is an accurate and inspiring depiction of this much misunderstood neurological disorder.
The adult Brad is played by Jimmy Wolk (The Spiral Project) and young Brad is played by Dominic Scott Kay (Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End). Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) and Treat Williams (Everwood) play Brad’s parents.
When growing up, teachers and other adults – even Brad’s father – interpreted his involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements as attempts to get attention. He was teased by other kids. As a result, he hated school, until his school principal recognized and acknowledged that Brad’s acting up was actually a result of his Tourette Syndrome symptoms. His principal chose to use an all-school assembly to educate both the faculty and his fellow students about the disorder. This dramatic incident was pivotal in helping Brad win their understanding and acceptance.
At that point, Brad decided to become the teacher he never had. But that ambition was more easily stated than achieved. Despite an impressive college record and glowing recommendations, getting a job was an almost insurmountable challenge. He was turned down in 24 consecutive interviews. His 25th interview finally resulted in a job offer.
Brad’s openness about having Tourette Syndrome, as well as his easy-going manner and gentle humor, quickly won over his young students. In addition to the standard curriculum, the students learned valuable lessons in understanding and tolerance. At the end of the year, Brad was named Georgia’s outstanding first-year teacher.
Oscar winner Peter Werner (Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy) directed from a script by Tom Rickman (whose screenplay for Tuesdays with Morrie won a Humanitas Prize and Writers Guild Award; the film won six Emmys, including Outstanding Movie). Andrew Gottlieb (The Russell Girl) is the producer; Brent Shields (Sweet Nothing in My Ear) and Tim Shriver (Amistad) are the executive producers.
