Tag Archives: Zoey Deutch

GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS – Review

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A week or so after all the well-deserved celebrations for the centennial of EGOT legend (my fave, BTW) Mel Brooks (one hundred years of him…hurrah, hooray), I was wondering where the comedies are in this cinema Summer season. Sure, there have been lots of funny moments, especially from the toys and the Minions, but nothing like the past warm weather visits from ZAZ (Abrahams and the Zuckers behind AIRPLANE!) or the Farrelly Brothers (THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY). Of the recent funny flick helmers, Judd Apatow’s streaming stuff, while Paul Feig serves up pulpy suburban thrillers like THE HOUSEMAID. True, we’ve gotten a JACKASS, though many consider it a doc and a reboot of SCARY MOVIE. Well, this weekend gives us two comedies that strive for two different “S words”. “Sophisticated” suits the very provocative THE INVITE, while “silly” best describes GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS. And with all these turbulent times, we can use a big helping of the latter…

This sophomoric saga is instigated by Frank (Fred Melamed), the friendly mailman walking the pleasant, picture-perfect streets of a Kansas suburb. On his route is a perky hair stylist named Gail Daughtry (Zoey Deutch) who is weeks away from marrying her high school sweetheart, Tom (Michael Cassidy). Her best work pal, Otto (Miles Guiterrez-Riley), is also looking forward to a “beauty professionals” convention in fabulous LA. The raunchy salon gossip turns to the “celebrity sex pass”. Otto explains it to the confused Gail. Couples agree that each can have one agreed-upon celebrity “pass” for “guilt-free” intercourse. She laughs it off when Otto suggests that she join him so that she can “cash hers in” with her TV crush, Jon Hamm. Later, Gail brings it up with Tom as they take in a book signing by a big TV and film star (I won’t spoil it). On an impulse, Tom had named her, so… he does “cash in”. An angry and upset Gail then tells Otto that she’s changed her mind. She’ll join him in “La La Land” for the convention and a hot, steamy slice of Hamm. But things get complicated upon their arrival when her case of brushes gets switched with a case of top-secret papers meant for an ill-tempered, impatient mobster queen named Ludovica (Sabrina Impacciatore). As Gail enlists the aid of an unlikely, motley “posse”, Otto, a frustrated “paparazzo named Vincent (Ken Marino), Caleb (Ben Wang), an eager ex-CCA intern/agent, and “Mad Men” co-star John Slattery, two “enforcers”, Sergio (Joe LoTruglio) and Niccolo (Mather Zickel) are hot on her trail for that case. Will they “whack ” her before she gets wild with the former but forever “Don Draper”? Only in Hollywood (and the movies)…

A most impressive comedic cast truly “goes for broke’ in every role, even the smallest. Ah, but the lead is the title heroine Gail herself played with pluck and energy to spare (I was reminded of the classic Ed Asner/Lou Grant line, “I hate spunk!!”) by the adorable Ms. Duetch. Far from being the cliche small town “prude”, Duetch gives her an open spirit, eager to experience all (yup) of life’s pleasures. Her “partner-in-crime” (chaos, really) is the equally curious (about everything “bi”) Otto, who’s given a perfect “best pal/ not quite straight man” tone by Guiterrez-Riley. He’s the leader of “Team Gail’ overseeing Wang as a bold “child man” (he’s always talking about “Mommy”). Marino as the “seen it all”, jaded photog Vincent (chuckling at these “rubes”) and Slattery in an inspired bit of self-mockery, riffing on his “second-tier” star status. Oh, that big star, Mr. Hamm, again exudes pure comic charisma, parodying his leading man looks with a buffoonish, bawdy bravado. His arrival late in the last act is well worth the wait, though he’s referenced throughout (Vince can’t get the pic). As I said earlier, I don’t want to spoil the delight in the other big celeb “pass”, but she also revels in skewering her fabulous fame. Melamed sets the mood of anarchy in those first moments, while LoTruglio and Zickel are spot-on on the deadly but dumb duo after the “Gail gang”. Oh, and there are also many other star cameos along with quick bits from comedy cutups (Tobie Windham as Hamm’s “muscle”) from classic TV.

Acting as the co-ordinator of the “crazies” is comedy vet David Wain, who co-wrote the script with his old partner from the cult MTV show “The State”, Marino (there are other alumni from that cable classic along with “Party On’ and “Childrens Hospital”). But Wain has been busy in features, with ROLE MODELS and THEY CAME TOGETHER, among others. Here, he’s following in the tradition of ZAZ with a barrage of gags and bits, with many hitting their target (about 65% or so), although with LA it’s the ole’ “fish in a bucket”. I’d say most of the jokes work, though some recurring bits never “kick in”, like the mob queen’s skin obsession, or Michael Ian Black’s street vendor. And the big, ultra-violent showdown with the baddies gets a bit tiresome. But then, the Hamm arrives and all in gold (or fool’s gold). Unlike the AIRPLANE team, Wain and Marino aren’t adhering to a single source script, but this story’s “inspiration” becomes obvious by the midpoint. To quote the old auto ad line, “your mileage may vary”, depending on your tolerance for the tacky, tasteless, and gloriously goofy. Well, we can use some “silly” right now, much as how my spirits were lifted by BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR during the waning days of the pandemic. It isn’t Noel Coward or THE INVITE, but it’s pretty inventive, and sometimes witty (much like “The Studio”). So, offset a laughter “workout” with that sweet AC at the multiplex with GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS. Now, could I “pull off” a “whip-curl”?

3 out of 4 stars

GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS is now showing at theatres everywhere

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS

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Having its premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS was called “a throwback sex comedy that will leave you grinning ear to ear.” – Indiewire

Small town hairdresser Gail Daughtry is engaged to her devoted high school sweetheart, Tom. Her life takes a turn when a trip to a book signing leads to Tom meeting – and sleeping – with his “celebrity pass”. Reeling from the betrayal, Gail impulsively joins her friend Otto on a trip to Los Angeles, where a psychic convinces Gail that the only way to save her marriage is to “even the scales” with her own celebrity pass: Jon Hamm. Thus begins an epic journey through Tinseltown as Gail and Otto join forces with a talent agency assistant, a paparazzo, and actor John Slattery, all in the search for Hamm. Along the way, they collide with celebrities and are hunted by a group of Italian assassins as they get ever closer to finding the elusive star.

Directed by David Wain, the film stars Zoey Deutch, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Ken Marino, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Ben Wang, Joe Lo Truglio, and Sabrina Impacciatore.

GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS opens in theaters July 10.

https://gaildaughtry.com

The St. Louis screening is on Tuesday, July 7 at 7:00pm at B&B Creve Coeur West Olive.

Doors open at 6pm. Seating is NOT reserved.

FOR PASSES, SIGN-UP HERE: https://forms.gle/NzjjbgdWYykP3swcA

Rated R.

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MINIONS & MONSTERS – Review

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So, after seeing the new TOY STORY installment (at least once), you say that ya’ just can’t get enough of CG animated franchises? Well, the multiplex movie gods have answered your prayers. Less than two weeks after the return of Woody, Buzz, and their plastic pals comes the newest flick in a series that’s almost half as old. Technically, this is the seventh one in the series, but it’s really the third of the spin-offs. So, has this gang of jabbering yella’ fellas “worn out their welcome”, or do families need another visit from them? Hold on, looks like they’ve brought some company, since this comic adventure is titled MINIONS & MONSTERS.

After a really nostalgic and clever opening credit sequence, we join an inquisitive tour group at a Hollywood movie history museum. When their guide, Olivia (the voice of Allison Janney), shows them the display honoring the Minions, the kiddies are perplexed. She explains as we begin a flashback to a time long ago when the Minions were in search of a “big boss” (they have to be sidekicks to somebody evil and worthy). When things don’t work out with several potential candidates, they make their way to North America. Naturally, there are rebels in the mix (a trio): the plump, silent Ed, artist James, and the dreamer, the writer of stories, Henry. In a desert out West, the team spies a desperate bandit on horseback as he tries to elude a determined posse. Ah, but it seems that the “M squad” has stumbled onto the set of a silent movie in the 1920s. When the chase ends in bustling LA, the flick’s director, Max (Christoph Waltz), believes his epic is ruined. But when he shows the footage to his bosses, Frank and Elwood, the heads of Bright Brothers Studio, it’s a sensation. The duo proclaims that the lil’ guys will be in all their features from now on. Max finds them and proceeds to make the Minions big, popular movie stars. Still, Henry and James want to tell their own stories. But fame is fickle, and the guys fall out of favor with the arrival of “talkies,” AKA sound films. Henry believes that the sure way to get back “on top’ is to make a monster movie. However, all his yellow buddies, except James and Ed, decide to resume their “big boss” quest. Luckily, Henry still has a book of spells from a wizard, so they conjure up a monster, saving on special effects and makeup. Ah, but the lil’ green guy, Goomi (Trey Parker), has an evil scheme up his sleeve. Can he deceive the trio? And what happens when the other Minions find a new “candidate”, a robot-costumed science-fiction fan named Dort (Jesse Eisenberg)? Will they reunite to stop Goomi and finally meet their dream “mastermind”, Gru?

As the old TV commercials used to say (maybe still do) “your mileage may vary”. Here, I’m referring to your own feelings and tolerance for the lil’ “banana bros”. I still find them somewhat amusing in small doses, so I had some trepidation about a third feature. However, much of this does work, at least in the first act or so. By delving into their past, we’re given new backdrops for their comic chaos with some nicely designed “masters”. The international settings are great, but the artisans really shine as they recreate La-La-Land from a hundred years ago. The colors are dazzling with the city still shiny and new. Plus, this works in lots of nifty tributes to the classic stars of the time, though the museum settings also do this with a fun filmmaker cameo. We get a nice riff on the oft-told tale of silents going from sound, perhaps best seen in SINGING IN THE RAIN and THE ARTIST (let’s try to forget the wretched BABYLON). Oh, this would be a terrific TV special, a splendid streaming thirty minutes or so. But then, it keeps going. The plot requires the M’s to split up and bounce between the “A and B’ stories. And neither are half as engaging as the opening. Per the title, we’ve got to meet those monsters, led by the Lovecraft-inspired Goomi, with Parker tweaking his Cartman tone. His larger henchmen, Howard and Phil (aha, H P), aren’t that interesting, though Irene, the “mega-monster”, is more compelling with her zillion eyeballs floating in caramel pudding look. In the “B” zone, Dort doesn’t transcend the old “nerd SF geeks” cliches even as he begins a romance with a sweet suffragette, Debbie, voiced by Zoey Deutch. As for the other vocal talents, Bridges seems to be having fun as the twins (one mellow, as the other fumes), and Waltz brings lots of Stroheim-zeal to Max. Once more, all the Minions are played by this film’s director, Pierre Coffin. It’s a shame he has to pad out the plot, since the physical acting is superb and the images compare favorably with the Pixar wizardry. But by the time the extended finale showdown finally concludes (guessing this is a kaiju/Kong satire), the kids may be exhausted beyond the somehow lengthy ninety-minute runtime. It’s an improvement over the previous two flicks, but the separate plots and urban destruction detract from the silent era celebrations at the heart (and opening) of MINIONS & MONSTERS. And, speaking of the latter, why are there none of the classic movie monsters in this release from Universal Studios (at least Lon Chaney, Sr.)?

3 Out of 4 Stars

MINIONS & MONSTERS opens in theatres everywhere on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

Win A Family 4-Pack Of Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of ILLUMINATION’S MINIONS & MONSTERS

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THIS SUMMER, SEE THE RAMBUNCTIOUS, RIDICULOUS, AND TOTALLY TRUE STORY OF HOW THE MINIONS CONQUERED HOLLYWOOD IN ILLUMINATION’S MINIONS & MONSTERS.

ONLY IN THEATERS JULY 1ST.

https://www.minionsmovie.com

The special screening is Monday, June 29th at 7pm at at Marcus Ronnie’s Cinema (5320 S Lindbergh Blvd). Doors open at 6pm. Seating is NOT reserved.

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

Winners will each receive 4 passes to the screening.

GET YOUR PASSES HERE – http://gofobo.com/sBYvF23707

Rated PG

Fresh off the worldwide blockbuster success of summer 2024’s funniest comedy, Despicable Me 4, Illumination expands its joyful animated universe with a riotous new chapter, featuring all-new characters, in the biggest global animated franchise in history: Minions & Monsters. This is the rambunctious, ridiculous and totally true story of how the Minions conquered Hollywood, became movie stars, lost everything, unleashed monsters onto the world and then banded together to try and save the planet from the mayhem they had just created.

The acclaimed voice cast includes Academy Award® winner Allison Janney, two-time Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz, Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges, two-time Academy Award® nominee Jesse Eisenberg, Zoey Deutch (Nouvelle Vague) and Academy Award® nominee and comedy iconoclast Trey Parker, co-creator of South Park. The cast also includes Saturday Night Live alum Bobby Moynihan and Phil LaMarr (Futurama, King of the Hill).

Minions & Monsters is directed by Academy Award® nominee Pierre Coffin, a director of the first three Despicable Me films and the first Minions film. Coffin has also provided the voice for the Minions since their film debut in 2010. The film is written by Brian Lynch (Minions, The Secret Life of Pets films) and Pierre Coffin and is produced by Illumination’s Academy Award® nominated founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Bill Ryan (executive producer, The Super Mario Bros. Movie). The executive producer is Brian Lynch.

More than ten years after their creation, the Minions have become the most iconic animated characters of their generation. Globally recognized and beloved by fans of all ages, they have propelled Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions to a global box office of more than $5.6 billion.

Illumination’s Minions & Monsters, directed by Pierre Coffin.
© Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Photo credit: Illumination & Universal Pictures

THE OUTFIT – Review

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Zoey Deutch (left) stars as “Mable” and Mark Rylance (right) stars as “Leonard” in director Graham Moore’s THE OUTFIT, a Focus Features release. Courtesy of Nick Wall / Focus Features

The stylish, entertaining, a bit bloody gangster thriller THE OUTFIT is tailor-made for it star, the gifted Mark Rylance, and showcase Rylance does, with a clever script and strong direction from Graham Moore, who won an Oscar for his script of THE IMITATION GAME. With a score by Alexandre Desplat, Graham Moore’s directorial debut is a modest little indie gem but one that delivers big, with a tense, twisty story and fine supporting cast, including London-trained, Nigerian-born Nikki Amuka-Bird as a rival gangster, and a thrilling performance by Mark Rylance.

Set in 1956 Chicago, the whole thing mostly takes place inside a modest shop, owned by Englishman Leonard Burling (Mark Rylance), a soft-spoken Saville Row-trained bespoke tailor, who runs the place with help from his shop assistant Mable (Zoey Deutch).

It quickly becomes clear that Leonard is allowing his shop to be used by a mob, led by boss Roy Boyle (Simon Russell Beale). as a drop spot for the gang. From time to time, Boyle gang members leave envelopes in a box at the back of the shop and once in awhile, they retrieve them. Some of the communications come from a shadowy higher-level organization known as the Outfit.

As the gangsters come and go, Leonard works at his craft, creating his suits for his clients. As he works, the film is narrated by the tailor, who talks about his craft as we watch him at work. Leonard tells us he is not just a tailor but a cutter, a higher level of skill in his profession. When anyone asks why such a skilled craftsman left Saville Row, Leonard quips “blue jeans.”

Rylance’s tailor is a quiet fellow, so reserved and deferential that he almost fades into the background, while the gangsters come and go. But this quiet routine is shattered one evening when a pair of Boyle gang members burst in. One of them has been shot, and the film takes a new turn.

The wounded man turns out to be Richie Boyle (Dylan O’Brien), the hot-headed young son of the mob’s boss Roy Boyle. With him is Francis (Johnny Flynn), a trusted associate that Roy had assigned to keep an eye on his son Richie. Fortunately, Richie isn’t seriously hurt but Francis is upset, not just that Richie got shot during a run-in with the rival LaFontaine gang. Francis is worried about evidence that a “rat” within the Boyle gang is working with the FBI. An audio tape has emerged as evidence, and Francis is frantic to find the traitor.

Usually Leonard steers clear of the gang’s business but Francis demands that the tailor stitch up young Richie’s wound, threatening him if he refuses. Leonard has no choice, but as the tailor recognizes the danger he is now in, Rylance’s character emerge from the shadows, and the actor takes the spotlight with bold energy.

Despite its closed-in setting, there is plenty of crime thriller tension, plot twists and a surprising amount of violence in THE OUTFIT. The story all takes place during one night, where various gangsters come and go, secrets are revealed and twists are everywhere. At first, Rylance’s Leonard is so timid that he nearly fades into the background, but once Francis threatens him, Rylance takes center stage, looking for a way to get out of his precarious situation.

Eventually the big boss turns up, along with his menacing bodyguard Monk (Alan Mehdizadeh). The rival gang’s leader Violet LaFontaine shows up in the third act, and Nikki Amuka-Bird briefly steals the show in that role. But Rylance quickly regains center stage and then holds it firmly as the story races to its conclusion.

There are twists and surprises enough to satisfy any crime tale fan, and a ticking clock urgency in this Hitchcockian thriller. There is an unexpected amount of violence and blood for a tale that plays out in a few rooms. That those rooms are small and cramped, gives the film an extra claustrophobic pressure-cooker vibe that works well for this potboiler. Although THE OUTFIT is set in Chicago, this British production was actually shot at a London theater, but stylish noir photography by Dick Pope creates the perfect framing.

Rylance did in-depth research for the role, which has the tailor using his particular skills in the course of staying alive. Rylance even wears a suit he made himself in the film.

THE OUTFIT is great fun, and a made-to-order showcase for the formidable talents of Mark Rylance. Not everything that happens makes complete sense but it is such great crime story fun that it doesn’t matter or detract from the thrills. THE OUTFIT fits the bill for crime tale entertainment, like one of British tailor’s suits.

THE OUTFIT opens Friday, March 18, at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Cinema.

RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars

Johnny Depp in THE PROFESSOR Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital July 9th

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Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp (2007, Best Actor, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) stars in the hilarious and heartwarming dark comedy The Professor, arriving on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital July 9 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available On Demand. Depp plays a college professor who decides to live his last chapter with reckless abandon after being diagnosed with a terminal illness alongside A-list costars Rosemarie DeWitt, Zoey Deutch, and Golden Globe® nominee Ron Livingston (2002, Best Supporting Actor, TV’s Band of Brothers). Produced by Oscar®-winner Greg Shapiro (2008, Best Picture, The Hurt Locker;  with producers Kathryn Bigelow, Mark  Boal, and Nicolas Chartier), Braden Aftergood (Hell or High Water), and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones (Midnight Special), and written and directed by Wayne Roberts, this rogueishly humorous and touching film is not to be missed!. The Professor Blu-ray and DVD will include a making-of featurette and will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

Johnny Depp delivers a wickedly funny performance as Richard, a buttoned-down college lecturer who, after learning he has six months to live, transforms into a rebellious party animal. To the shock of his wife (Roasmarie DeWitt) and school chancellor (Ron Livingston) — and the delight of his students — Richard leads a hilarious crusade against authority and hypocrisy in this dark comedy costarring Zoey Deutch.

BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

·         “Death and How to Live It: Making The Professor” Featurette 

CAST

Johnny Depp               Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of 

Fleet Street, Rango

Rosemarie DeWitt      Black Mirror, La La Land, The United States of Tara

Zoey Deutch               The Disaster Artist, Vampire Academy, Flower

Ron Livingston            The Conjuring, Swingers, Office Space, Boardwalk Empire

FLOWER – Review

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(l-r) Dylan Gelula as Kala, Zoey Deutch as Erica, and Maya Eshet as Claudine, in Max Winkler’s FLOWER. Photo courtesy of The Orchard.

Director Max Winkler takes the “troubled teen” concept of REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and refreshes it by casting a 17-year-old girl as the teen. FLOWER is a film that at first looks like a trashy “bad girl” tale takes an unexpected detour into fresh territory, becoming an unexpected and affecting mix of dark humor and human drama leading to self-discovery and a satisfying end.

Director Max Winkler (CEREMONY) took any unusual approach with what had been considered an un-producible script by young adult author Alex McAuley. The director re-worked the script with co-writer Matt Spicer (INGRID GOES WEST) then hired as many women as he could for his film crew, including director of photography Carolina Costa, and actually actively listened to them, along with his lead actress Zoey Deutch (BEFORE I FALL), about the character and the story. The goal was to inject as much authenticity into the characters and story as possible.

By trusting that women would know more about the inner life of a 17-year-old girl than a man would, Winkler was able to transform the script and character, so that what could have been a sleazy “bad girl” film is transformed into a much more interesting, entertaining film with a complex lead character and richer, more human coming-of-age tale.

Upbeat, outgoing California teen Erica Vandross (Zoey Deutch) looks like a fresh-faced innocent with her long blonde hair, jeans and Timberlands but she is a kind of female version of a juvenile delinquent. We first meet her as she and her two buddies Kala (Dylan Gelula) and Claudine (Maya Eshet) secretly video a local cop in a compromising position with Erica. After taunting the cop as a sexual predator and threatening to release the video, they tell him they will accept money for their silence.

It looks like a well-practiced routine. The girls see themselves as sort of crusaders against sexual predators but really it is just extortion. While the other girls quickly revert to typical teens, giggling and talking spending their money at the mall, Erica never spends her hers, because she is saving it for a special project. Instead she goes home, records her “earnings” on her laptop, and then listens to music in her room and plays with her pet rat.

Erica lives with her single mom Laurie (Kathryn Hahn), who raised her after her dad left. Nonetheless, Erica adores her dad, a small-time criminal who is in prison awaiting trial. Erica barely tolerates her mom’s new boyfriend Bob (Tim Heidecker) and is unhappy to learn Bob’s mentally unstable teen-aged son Luke (Joey Morgan), who is being released from rehab, is coming to live with them. Hoping that at least her new “stepbrother” will be hot, Erica is disappointed to find Luke is painfully shy and overweight. Still, Erica hatches a plan to get revenge on a teacher (Adam Scott) who reportedly molested Luke.

Mother and daughter are close but it is a dysfunctional relationship in which strong-willed Erica has the real power. Yet despite the confident, rebellious facade Erica presents to the world, she is still a child underneath, with all the insecurities of adolescence. Erica is smart, charismatic and self-confident but she is headed down the same criminal path as the father she loves. There is nothing in the modest way she dresses that suggests this but Erica prides herself on being an expert at oral sex, although she does not see it as sex. She has no problem using it to shake down men is public positions like the cop, or at any other time, since it has no meaning for her.

A lot of credit has to go to the talented Zoey Deutch, who manages to make Erica someone we care about, even like, despite her troubled exterior. Deutch skillfully conveys the insecurities and inner conflicts of this girl beneath her self-confident surface, and manages to touch the hearts of viewers.

As the film unfolds, Erica’s dysfunctional approach to life is transformed and she gains insights on herself and others. When Erica first meets Luke, she is rude to him. Likewise, the audience’s first impression of Luke is off-putting. But as Morgan, who also delivers a surprisingly strong performance, and Deutch develop their characters and their relationship evolves, an unexpected flowering happens, taking the film is unexpected but satisfying directions.

Despite Zoey Deutch’s affecting performance, audience members may be put off by Erica’s unsavory behavior, at least initially, even though we have seen equally troubled young male characters at the center countless films. Erica is no role model and parents might keep that in mind. FLOWER is more a film about teens for adults than teen movie.

FLOWER is a film that rewards audiences who do not take its lead character at face value but give in to Zoey Deutch’s charm and let her character grow up throughout the film. Zoey Deutch creates a compelling, ultimately touching lead character and the film is a strong portrait of the perils of coming-of-age for young women. Director Max Winkler’s decision to hire women and then listen to their input on this character is what transforms this tale into the refreshing and surprising film it is, a welcome break from ordinary.

FLOWER opens in St. Louis on Friday, March 30, at Landmark’s Tivoli Theater.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of REBEL IN THE RYE In St. Louis

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Opening in theaters September 15th is REBEL IN THE RYE.

The world of legendary writer J. D. Salinger is brought vividly to life in this revealing look at the experiences that shaped one of the most renowned, controversial, and enigmatic authors of our time.

Set amidst the colorful backdrop of mid-20th century New York City, Rebel in the Rye follows a young Salinger (Nicholas Hoult) as he struggles to find his voice, pursues a love affair with famed socialite Oona O’Neill (Zoey Deutch), and fights on the frontlines of World War II. It’s these experiences that will inform the creation of his masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, bringing him overnight fame (and notoriety) and leading him to withdraw from the public eye for the rest of his life.

Costarring Kevin Spacey and Sarah Paulson, Rebel in the Rye offers a tantalizing window into the life and times of a little-understood genius who broke the rules and redefined American literature.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of REBEL IN THE RYE on September 13th at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

Answer the following:

Name the novel’s protagonist.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. No purchase necessary. 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

Rated PG 13

http://www.ifcfilms.com/films/rebel-in-the-rye

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BEFORE I FALL – Review

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The premise of GROUNDHOG DAY, as well as some of its plot points and lessons are recycled for the chick-lit tear-jerker BEFORE I FALL. Zoey Deutch plays Sam, a high schooler forced to relive the same day again and again but the new film has a more somber tone than the beloved Harold Ramis/Bill Murray classic, since what sets in motion Sam’s string of “daily do-overs” is her own death.

Sam is a 17-year-old girl who has it all: beauty, popularity, jock boyfriend Rob (Kian Lawley), a loving and wealthy family, and a trio of mean beauties as best friends (Halston Sage, Cynthy Wu, and Medalion Rahimi). Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be another perfect day in Sam’s perfect life. She plans to lose her virginity to Rob that night and has many roses get delivered to her in class, including one from Kent (Logan Miller), a nerdy kid with a crush on her. Sam and her posse bully poor Juliet (Elena Kampouris) the school misfit (we know she’s the resident oddball because she wears an Army jacket, her hair is in her eyes, and she creates charcoal drawings of creepy dark hallways). That night there’s a party at Kent’s house. Rob gets sloppy drunk and Juliet shows up to confront Sam and her friends. Going home, there’s a crash and Sam is killed, but when she wakes up the next morning, it’s February 14th all over. Sam is cursed to relive her last day on Earth again and again until she gets it right.

The premise of living the same day in a loop, as derivative as it is, works surprisingly well transferred to teen angst drama. It may be predictable and formulaic, but director Ry Russo-Young keeps things moving at a brisk pace and provides some picturesque scenery (lovingly photographed by Michael Fimognari). I like that Maria Maggenti’s lean script (from Lauren Oliver’s YA novel) stuck to the story without too many distractions. Zoey Deutch has an appealing screen presence and carries the film in a tough role that requires Sam to approach each repeated day as a new challenge. Her performance is one of the main reasons to see the film. Logan Miller makes a likable leading man as Kent and there’s strong chemistry between him and Deutch, which goes a long way. Jennifer Beals has a couple of nice scenes as Sam’s mom and Elena Kampouris  shines in a sympathetic role.

Sappy and tear-stained, BEFORE I FALL is not just a well-made tear jerker that makes no apologies. It’s also a look at the unintended consequences of even the smallest actions or remarks, and a persuasive testimony to people’s ability to make meaningful changes in their own behavior and outlook. Not bad.

3 1/2 of 5 Stars

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Win Free Tickets To The Advance Screening Of BEFORE I FALL In St. Louis

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What if you had only one day to change absolutely everything? Samantha Kingston has everything: the perfect friends, the perfect guy, and a seemingly perfect future. Then, everything changes. After one fateful night, Sam wakes up with no future at all. Trapped reliving the same day over and over, she begins to question just how perfect her life really was.

As she begins to untangle the mystery of a life suddenly derailed, she must also unwind the secrets of the people closest to her, and discover the power of a single day to make a difference, not just in her own life, but in the lives of those around her–before she runs out of time for good.

Directed by Ry Russo-Young, BEFORE I FALL stars Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Kian Lawley, Logan Miller, Cynthy Wu, Elena Kampouris, Medalion Rahimi, and Jennifer Beals. Screenplay is by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Producers are Brian Robbins, Matt Kaplan, and Jon Shestack.

Based on the 2010 Lauren Oliver bestselling novel.

BEFORE I FALL opens on March 3rd.

WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win two seats to the advance screening of BEFORE I FALL on SATURDAY, February 25TH at 11AM in the St. Louis area.

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. No purchase necessary. 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.

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Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content involving drinking, sexuality, bullying, some violent images, and language-all involving teens.

Photo credit: Awesonemess Films / Distributor: Open Road Films

Photo credit: Awesonemess Films / Distributor: Open Road Films