For over five years now, I know I can't believe it either, I have been writing "Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations" on a weekly basis. I write this every so often to show of what I call my "unwritten rules" which change some but not much. I will talk about what goes into my thought process of my ten selections. So if you are interested, continue to read but if you're not just wait for the actual blog that gives my recommendations. I will understand.

1. The rule that has always been in place are that none of my selections can have the same actors, director, and writer. Granted I have made mistakes that are not noticed until after the fact but imdb.com helps me in this process. Even if an actor makes some one second cameo or is an extra in a movie, that is the only movie with that actor or actress I will feature. I also do not have movies where that actor or actress directs, writes, or produces in the movie. This also goes for a director. However, I don't really pay attention to studio companies like MGM, United Artists, among others when selecting the movies. One exception to the rule is Disney but for the most part I don't look at production companies.

2. As people have read through the years, one thing that varies with all ten of my movies is with the year of the film. The rule I have for that is that five of my selections are from the 1970s and below. One of the absolute requirements in these five is that one of them must be from the 30s or below. I also limit the 60s/70s selections to two a week and why I do that I have no idea. The next five selections are the 1980s and above and the only requirement I give myself their is that one of the selections must be from at least 2009 or above. When it is year 2012, and no I don't believe in the prophecies everyone is talking about, then the requirement is 2010 or above. People probably notice that every week I have a short film. Part of the reason for that is to save time and quite honestly they are usually the older short films which may be cartoons, education propaganda, and some of the comedy shorts from then. Sometimes I use newer ones and every once in a while I do one older short and one newer short but that does not happen often.

3. One of the things my weekly blog lacks is themes because I'm just not a thematic kind of guy. In fact, I try to have the same theme every week which is diversity. I have already explained how the actors, directors, and the writers differ which plays into it. I have also explained that I try to spread the selections out with year. Another thing I try to keep different is things like plot and sometimes have to make a decision on if two movies are too similar. I never really look at limitation of genre as I don't mind if I have ten comedies, which is very unlikely, as long as they are each diverse. One example here is that if I am using THE GODFATHER, then I will not use GOODFELLAS. Even the Cagney gangster classics from MGM would likely not be used in that particular edition. From Godfather, might come something as different as TOY STORY and that is how I like it.

4. Probably one of the most extreme rules I make for myself are mentions of mostly people. I don't care if someone eats at McDonalds in all ten of my movie selections. However, if in the first movie someone mentions Adolf Hitler, then none of the other nine movies can mention him, feature the character or have a picture of Hitler. Some names I have ruled to let go and I feel are too common which include God, Jesus Christ, and even Santa Claus but the character cannot be used more than once so no PASSION OF THE CHRIST and LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST in the same edition. I have also come to regard the pictures of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington to be common images but I do not want to hear that names in more than one movie. One exception is someone saying the "Lincoln Monument" and I let that go. Also, if they are in the White House, I tend to allow past presidents photos to slide. This also goes for music in the movie so the film score composer cannot be used more than once. Also, if I hear a song sung by Madonna, then no other movies can feature or mention Madonna. One exception is if someone sings a song in the movie but the main singer did not write the song, I may let that slide. I pay close attention to soundtrack on imdb.com and on the end credits. I also pay attention to the people being thanked in the movies at the end credits which also plays into my rules. One exception to song rules comes in December for Christmas Carols so I let go JINGLE BELLS being played in more than one movie.

5. I have a few sources for where my selections come from. Obviously I have my own movie library. I also go to my local library a lot. Netflix is also a great source and one of my best friends. I have a Roku player for my room which I can view instant Netflix as well as an app that shows old public domain movies. I also just found an app that shows free independent films which could really come into play. Also, one thing I did was I put all the movies from the American Film Institute's top 100 movies in a big tin can. Also included in that are movies from the book the 1000 MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE which my dad bought me for Christmas one year. He also got me a book on 501 directors which the directors are put in their and I seek one of their movies. I also went through Facebook friends to see if they have any movies on their profile and put their names in it and if I have a new Facebook friend that is one of the first things I look at in the profile. I draw from there about four at a time every couple weeks or so. I also have something called the Random Myspace Profile selection process where I randomly choose my friends and look to choose a movie on their profiles until I get to ten. I then add to that ten movies that come from my tin can with the AFI, 1001, etc. The next thing is how my choose for Netflix. With that, I pay attention to the award shows that go on and then I'll look for past work of the winner even on something like Best Cinematography. Also, Comcast On-Demand is a great source for me and do more random selections from there and instant Netflix.

6. This is not really a rule but just an FYI and reminder. The title is not called the ten best movies nor is it "Shaun Berk's 10 Favorite Movies". One of the things I want to do it try to accommodate to everybody's movie taste in some ways so I try to give a good enough summary so the reader can make that decision. I want the guys to have their action film, the girls to have their "chick flick", the families to have their film to watch with the kids. Those don't necessarily always happen but I know I am not going to impress everyone. Also, some of the selections may be for some kind of historical purpose like a first movie of someone or just something that is so bad that it is good, however it comes about where I try to explain why it may be good to view the movie.

I can't really think of anymore to say now so I'll just give some closing statements. I enjoy doing this every week and sometimes even surprise myself on the way these turn out with my selections. I want to thank everyone who has supported me through the years. I also want to thank filmarcade.net for allowing me to post on their site. Other sites have offered to post what I do but want me to change my format to make it more thematic and until someone offers me money I will not change the way I do this because this is what I like. I don't want to do the ten best sports movies or the ten best mafia movies, I just want ten different selections. I know any normal human being would be driven to insanity with what I do but I'm not very normal. I have a portable dvd player that I take everywhere and frequent coffee shops, most notably the Blue Bottle to watch my movies. Thanks for reading this and I hope you don't think I'm insane or have no life because I still do a lot, I just like watching movies. Check out what I released last Saturday if you have not yet.

Scorpio Film Releasing recently send us over some new stills and upcoming screening information for "The Disco Exorcist" and "Atomic Brain Invasion".

Press Release:

A duo of matinees are set to highlight Rhode Island’s premiere film production company, Scorpio Film Releasing, with a showing of their latest films ATOMIC BRAIN INVASON and THE DISCO EXORCIST gracing the screen of the historic Cable Car Cinema in Providence Rhode Island.

Critics have praised THE DISCO EXORCIST as “a lovingly created homage to the golden age of porn, bad hair, and grindhouse horror” (Killingboxx) and “an example of what happens when every single member of your cast and crew are synced up on the same page and moving in the same direction” (Twitch Film). THE DISCO EXORCIST will play Saturday April 16th at 2:30 pm. Because of the adult nature of the film, nobody under 18 will be admitted into the showing.

ATOMIC BRAIN INVASION, just off of its run at the Boston Underground Film Festival will play Sunday April 17th at 2:30pm. ATOMIC BRAIN INVASION follows a bunch of misfit high-schoolers as they band together to stop an army of brain creatures from outer space that intend to kidnap Elvis Presley when he performs in their small New England town.

Both showings are fundraisers for Scorpio Film Releasing’s next film, EXHUMED, set to begin shooting in areas around Rhode Island in May. EXHUMED is an edgy horror film, anticipating a move away from current, more supernaturally inclined fear flicks, towards something nastier and moodier. EXHUMED deals with a twisted family that is seemingly unable to leave their own home. Their gnarled existence and mounting animosity finally gives way to violence and visceral panic.

If you are unable to attend the screenings, but would still like to help make the film, visit the EXHUMED kickstarter campaign at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/917322639/exhumed and donate to receive some great items.

The screening information is as follows:

THE DISCO EXORCIST
April 16th at 2:30pm
Cable Car Cinema and Cafe' Cost: $9.00 per person
18 and Over
204 South Main Street, Providence, RI

ATOMIC BRAIN INVASION
April 17th at 2:30pm
Cable Car Cinema and Cafe' Cost: $9.00 per person
Fun for the Whole Family!
204 South Main Street, Providence RI

For more information on the screenings and Scorpio Film Releasing visit http://scorpiofilmreleasing.net.

"THE DISCO EXORCIST" Stills






"ATOMIC BRAIN INVASION" Stills

Looking at the poster for “FUBAR: Balls To The Wall,” it instantly reminds us all of “This Is Spinal Tap,” “Anvil,” and lord only knows how many other mockumentaries or legitimate documentaries that people know best. Going into this movie, I knew I would not be seeing anything particularly original. I guess the best I could hope for was a fun time and some laughs. Despite it being hit and miss for the most part, “FUBAR: Balls To The Wall” is fun to watch with friends whether your drunk or not, and it’s a lot more poignant than you might expect.

It turns out that this mockumentary is actually a sequel to the 2002 mockumentary “FUBAR,” and both films were co-written and directed by Michael Dowse. Now I haven’t seen the original (nor was I aware of it when I found out about this one), but if this one is fun, then its predecessor has got to be a cult hit for a very good reason! As this one starts, we are catching up with Canadian friends Terry (David Lawrence) and Dean (Paul Spence) as they are evicted from their shack of an apartment and move forth into an area of life they have rarely if ever explored before: working for a living. We watch as they head out into the unforgivingly snowy landscape of Fort McMurray to jobs that pay far more money than they ever seen before in their lives.

Setting them up with jobs is their pal Troy (Andrew Sparacino) who is commonly referred to by his nickname of Tron (proving that movie’s influence is still widespread). We of course watch as they stumble their way through the job and being responsible for themselves; something they are not particularly successful at. But into the mix comes a waitress at a local strip bar, Trish (Terra Hazelton), who ends up getting into a serious relationship with Terry. This of course threatens the friendship between him and Troy, and you kind of get the idea of where this movie goes from there. Or do you?

From the start, these two guys are not even close to being the role models many countries would love to exploit for the benefit of their citizens. They are a pair of messed up dudes, and the movie’s title perfectly describes them both (Dean even more so). You can’t help but marvel at the fact that either of them has a pulse considering their current condition of being homeless and living out of Terry’s car, whose trunk is loaded with an obscene amount of Canadian beer. But you do find yourself caring about these fools despite their stupid ways, and this leads to some more heartfelt moments that never feel contrived.

You have to give David Lawrence and Paul Spence a lot of credit here as their performances came out from a lot of improvisation. I’m sure there was a script they went off when filming started, but it looks like a lot of it came together from what they came up with on the spot. Both are completely committed to their characters to where you never really catch them acting. There is something to be said for that because what they do takes a lot of balls (ironic when you consider one of the character’s medical conditions), and there’s never any guarantee of success in what they do. They don’t fully enter Sasha Baron Cohen territory, but they come awfully close.

Credit also goes out to Andrew Sparacino who steals a couple of scenes as their man friend Troy, who appears to be headed faster into a downward spiral than either Terry or Dean. Andrew never hesitates in making Troy a less than likable character whose toughness masks a serious self-loathing that is getting the best of him.

But one actor in particular who stands out here is Terra Hazelton who plays the waitress Trish. To say that she’s a force of nature here would not be putting it mildly. She’s more like a vicious tornado that’s out to destroy anything in its path, or at least anything that comes between her and Terry. Terra’s great at giving us one of the most selfishly manipulative girlfriends we would live to avoid, but she somehow kind of grows on you by the film’s end.

Rather than be a douche bag reviewer and give away all of the film’s funniest moments, I’ll instead tell you they involve household appliances and a way you can get paid without working (something we all dream of). Then there is the twisted philosophy of Dean which makes a little sense even though it really should not. You come to like these both these guys even though they are hopelessly naïve about the world around them.

“FUBAR: Balls To The Wall” is nothing new and doesn’t break any new ground in the realm of mockumentaries, but it is fun and engaging and does have its moments. You also have to admire the performances and how the actors all throw caution to the wind. Comedy acting still never gets the same respect as dramatic acting, but this film does act as proof that it’s a lot trickier to pull off. It does want to make me want to check out the first “FUBAR” movie which I understand has become quite the cult hit. I will be adding it to my Netflix rental queue shortly. I also got to get around to watching the one I rented. It’s been sitting on top of my printer gathering dust for far too long…

*** out of ****

Indie Film Night host Bill Page, recently send us information reguarding the film they're showing this week.

THE ALTRUIST screens Wednesday March 30, 2010 8PM EST. Writer/Director Mick McCleery joins Gwen & Bill LIVE to talk about the film. You check the trailer for that film here.



Also, Don't miss your chance to be our next winner. Watch the show for more details.

Season #1 has been a success. We've had Guests like Charlie McDermott (ABC's THE MIDDLE and FROZEN RIVER) and D.B. Sweeney (THE CUTTING EDGE, EIGHT MEN OUT, and TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE)

NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP



Click on the photo of Bill & Gwen below to see our KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
No contribution is too small.

Film District send us information for their sneak preview of "Insidious", which is happening nationwide, tomorrow night.

Press Release:

FilmDistrict is excited to announce that INSIDIOUS sneak previews will be held tomorrow evening, March 29, in 25 cities across the country. Below we've included a list of cities with links for more information. Tickets can be purchased at the theaters and, where noted on the links, on Fandango.


ARIZONA
Phoenix - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198702723494904

CALIFORNIA
Burbank - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155830487809426
Los Angeles - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=189527481088413
Orange - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172901549425094

COLORADO
Westminister - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=1347425099316

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington, DC - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101936596557277

FLORIDA
Altamonte Springs - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201780296512805
Tampa - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109248582491231

GEORGIA
Atlanta - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=112930662121082

ILLINOIS
Chicago - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155181911210226

KANSAS
Olathe - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=160572543999880

MASSACHUSETTS
Boston - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=210329655645393
Danvers - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119220948156043

MARYLAND
Bel Air - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=101892149894638
Silver Spring - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207790752579917

MINNESOTA
Roseville - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=202344286456531

NEW JERSEY
Garden City - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=162615247126379
Parmus - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150438548352893

NEW YORK
New York - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201077506580070

OHIO
Columbus - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172264472825161

PENNSYLVANIA
Homestead - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=138751562860298

TENNESSEE
Memphis - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=203238813027316

TEXAS
Dallas - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198373320196034

WASHINGTON
Lynwood - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198863613470415
Tukwila - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198889906809126

Mali Elfman Production recently send us information for their upcoming movie "Do Not Disturb" which is being distributed by Gravitas Ventures and Warner Bros.

Plot Synopsis:

Five directors tackle five short stories that are all tied together in one dark, twisted, humorous film about what goes on behind the door of room 316. From a lonely man who pushes a hooker too far, to a Twilight-Zone-esq, Sci-Fi tale, to a sweet teenage romance, and then finally a noir thriller about a man, a woman, a maid and the mafia tied into a spooky horror with a hotel maid -- Do Not Disturb has it all.

Each director was given a brief synopsis, eight rules to follow, and one day on set to create their film.

"Do Not Disturb" hits VOD, iTunes, Amazon VOD, Blockbuster, Cinema Now and numerous others on May 1st.

"Do Not Disturb": Official Trailer

Welcome to the 280th Edition of my long running series. I am now only 20 away from the magic number of 300 just like the 300 Spartans. I have had a big week and no time to write during the week so I am writing everything now so forgive what may be lackluster writing. In fact, I tried out for AMERICA'S GOT TALENT for the second time so stay tuned for the show to air probably in May or June to find out how I did. For right now I must remain confidential on it. Either way, it was an experience and I had a good time. I will also be paying tribute to the late Michael Gough in what I intend to be a four-part series and as of now there are two parts. Now I will get back to the movies and hope you'll like my selections for the week.

Breathless (1960): This is my french film for the week that was directed by Jean-Luc Godard and written by Francois Truffaut. Jean-Paul Belmondo plays Michel, a sociopath and small-time thief who murders a police officer that pursues him. He then looks to rekindle a relationship he had with a girl named Patricia who is an American studying journalism. He then plans a getaway with her to Italy. There are lots of good references to Bogart in this film. This was a very well done foreign film and a must for foreign film buffs.

Barton Fink (1991): This is my 20th link on the chain which continues with Steve Buscemi who has a small but fun part as the hotel employee. This is my Coen Brothers film for the week which stars John Turturro as the title character who is an intellectual playwright in New York who wants to write something significant and is not all about the money. He is then brought to Hollywood to write a wrestling picture on Wallace Beery and stays at the Hotel Earle. John Goodman is quite funny as insurance salesman Charlie Meadows who befriends Barton at the hotel. Barton then begins to suffer from writer's block because of the people around him and the bizarre events that take place. Turturro is great in this film and a good dark comedy with the Coen touch.

Amazing Journey: The Story of the Who (2007): This is my rock documentary for the week which I'm sure you guessed is on the band the Who from their rise until now. They are able to pack in a lot of material like on their band member John Entwistle who you don't really hear much about. Also, it talks about the death of their drummer Keith Moon and how he has been nearly impossible to replace. It also has some great footage of the band with interviews from survivors Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. I also enjoyed them discussing the making of THE WHO'S TOMMY.

Duck and Cover (1952): This is my short film for the week which was on TCM On-Demand and was a great short talking about what to do in the event of a nuclear disaster. There was one great animation sequence with a turtle who knew what to do if a nuclear bomb hits. It is entertaining now but I'm sure it was a little more scary in that era. This here is a classic short so check it out if you can find it so you can learn to duck and cover.

Riffraff (1936): Spencer Tracy stars in this one with Jean Harlow. Tracy plays a dedicated fisherman named Dutch and a union worker who does not like his treatment for him and others and becomes quite an activist. Jean Harlow plays Hattie who is his love interest and makes a big sacrifice for Dutch ending up in jail. This is a pretty good love story and even has some comedy with some rare scenes of women's prison. Mickey Rooney has a pretty amusing part. This was was also on TCM On-Demand and a good early part for Tracy.

Unthinkable (2010): This is a Co-Op selection that Travis showed at Ball State which is a very powerful psychological thriller that is not for everyone. Michael Sheen stars as Steven Younger who is a convert to Islam and sent the U.S. government a tape indicating three nuclear bombs. He is then picked up but very unwilling to talk. Carrie-Anne Moss plays Agent Helen Brody who is an FBI agent with the task of finding the bombs. Samuel L. Jackson stars as H, who is a "consultant" for the CIA who is also brought in and ends up using some very questionable methods of interrogation which really qualify as torture which is much to the dismay of Brody. This has some pretty disturbing things but rather realistic and really forces you to question what you believe. This is available on Instant Netflix.

Crucible of Horror (1971): This is part one of what may be a 4 part Michael Gough series. This is my British Horror film of the week where Gough stars as Walter Eastwood who is very domineering and controlling. His wife and daughter then hatch a plot to kill Walter but things don't go quite as planned after they believe he dies. This is mostly of worth to see Gough in a pretty good performance. This is also available on Instant Netflix.

Shopgirl (2005): The Facebook friend I chose for this one was Steve who I co-starred with recently in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. This is also part two of a Jason Schwartzman series whose movie RUSHMORE I used last week so in that case I go from Bill Murray to Steve Martin. This is actually based on Martin's novella of the same title. Claire Danes stars as the title character named Mirabelle who works at a retail store and has an unusual love triangle with two men. Schwartzman plays one of them named Jeremy who is a struggling musician who really wants to make it big but is a bit of a slacker. Martin plays the wealthy businessman Ray who is a divorcee and while treating her well, has a problem with relationships. Both men fulfill her in different ways but must figure out what she wants in life. This is a very nice character study and Martin shows his talent in writing as well as one of his better films of his later career with Danes and Schwartzman turning in good performances.

Du Barry was a Lady (1943): I guess I have another little love triangle going on and this one being between Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, and Gene Kelly. Red plays Louis who is a hat check man and really loves nightclub star May, played by Lucille Ball. Now May really likes Alec, played by Gene Kelly, but he is a good but poor dancer and May wants money and Louis wins some money. However, an accident knocks one of them out and then they have a royalty dream sequence of a similar nature of the love triangle. This was a pretty fun film and Lucille Ball was different from what I have seen of her in the past. I believe I also found this on TCM On-Demand.

Dancer in the Dark (2000): I end this week with some Bjork in a starring role. She plays a 60s immigrant from Europe who is a factory worker but is going blind. She is also really into musicals and fantasizes her life as a musical while playing Maria in a local community production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC so yes Bjork is singing songs made famous by Julie Andrews. Part of the storyline is her trying to get together enough money to save her son from going blind himself as he has inherited his mother's disease but tragedy does strike. There is not much to explain but Bjork was great in this movie and this was a very compelling film. David Morse, Catherine Deneuve, Peter Stormare, and even a very amusing cameo from Joel Grey. Stormare was also good in his part and was a lot nicer than usual. This is definitely worth a look and was a very unusual musical.

Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you like and what you hate. Stay tuned for next week which so far includes more Steve Buscemi, Bruno Ganz, Tony Jaa, Laurence Olivier, Bela Legosi, more Michael Gough, not that is a great list right there.

Bereavement
Year: 2011
Director: Steven Mena
Stars: Alexandra Daddario, Michael Biehn, Brett Rickaby
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Crimson Films
Running Time: 103 Mins












Going into this film, I had not seen “Malevolence”. I was interested in seeing this film as this film was getting good review online from some of more known horror sites and the fact that independent horror films of this caliber never makes its way to my area.

“Bereavement“ is the prequel to Steven Mena’s first film “Malevolence”, which was released in 2005. The film starts off in 1989, where Martin Bristoll, a six year old kid is kidnapped by a psychotic person. He then takes him to his farmhouse, where he is forced to witness his unspeakable murders. Five years later, his whereabouts are unknown until a young woman (Alexandra Daddario) moves in with her uncle (Michael Biehn) and his family. There, she finds that there’s something strange going on at that place where Martin lives. Her curiosity unleashes a nest of unspeakable evil that can’t be stopped, as now she and everyone she knows is in danger of a psychotic man that wants to keep the whereabouts of Martin unknown and will stop at nothing to keep it that way.

Maybe it was a good thing that I didn't catch "Malevolence”, when it first came out. I probably would not have been as shocked with the ending to Bereavement, if I'd saw the original before this film. It's a good thing to have a prequel that is accessible for those who haven‘t seen the original film in a particular series. It makes the viewer interested in renting or finding a copy of the original, if they like the prequel.

Steven Mena is proving to be a talented director. He does a very good job keeping the intensity up through out the film. One of the things that he does right, he gives the film an eerie tone. By doing that, it makes the film have an eerie feel and intensity of horror movies of the seventy and blending it in with all the violence of today. I usually don't see that in a lot of films, as the violence feels rushed without building any tension and having an shocking tone. By doing that, it makes the viewer come into the film's dark and eerie tone.

Even though this has an eerie tone, there is a lot of bloody violence. The violence scenes were effective, because of the setup that this film has. I liked, how most of the bloody violence was held back until the final act. It allow the story and the characters to develop and it makes you interested in the story. That helps make the film’s action more horrifying, as you care about the characters.

The other thing that also makes the direction work, Mena directs the performances very well. I'm starting to notice between this film and his last film that he does a very good job handling the performances of his actors and actresses. The performance were good here, as this is probably one of the better acted horror film, in a while. The performances helps make the characters interesting and it gets you into the tone of the film. It's one of the things that you need, in order to make a serious horror film work.

But what I liked about this film more than the direction, the fact that it has a very good screenplay. One of the things that Mena does very well, he lets everything develop. I liked how, he holds back most of the main action to the final third of the film. It gives time to develop the story of the back-story of the main character from Mena’s first film. It does a good job of going into the state of mind of the character and how he became so violent. He also develops the subplot with the family before they’re being terrorized. I liked how that was handled very well. Mena does that, by spending time to develop the characters. That makes them important in the story and it helps set up the final act, as your interested in those characters and they don‘t feel like throwaway character that you see in some low budget horror films. If the whole plot and subplot was uninteresting and boring, then maybe this film wouldn’t be as accessible for those who are coming into the “Malevolence” universe, for the first time. Thankfully, the subplots works well and my interest was kept during the course of the character development.

“Bereavement“ is very shocking film that successfully blends horror elements from seventies with the shocking torture elements of today.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film’s website at: http://www.bereavementmovie.com/

Review Rating: Five Stars

Anchor Bay Films recently send us over the trailer and the official trailer and poster for "Meeting Monica Velour, starring Kim Cattrall (Sex in the City).

Plot Synopsis

In this irreverent comedy, awkward teenager Tobe (Dustin Ingram) sets off on a road trip to meet Monica Velour (Kim Cattrall), his favorite '80s porn star, at a rare live appearance hundreds of miles away. Instead of the glamorous sexpot portrayed on film, he finds a 49-year-old single mom living in a trailer in rural Indiana, performing at seedy strip clubs to make ends meet. A starry-eyed Tobe, still captivated by his crush, befriends Monica, further complicating her difficult life. Kim Cattrall gives a career-defining performance in this offbeat love story that appeals to the dreamer -- and the nerd -- in all of us.

"Meet Monica Velour" hits theaters on April 8th.

"Meet Monica Velour": Official Trailer

The people behind ActionFest2 recently announced it's full lineup and special guests for the upcoming festival that takes place on April 7th - 10th in Asheville, NC.

ActionFest 2 announced its full lineup and competition jury for its returns to the beautiful Carolina Cinema in Asheville this April 7th - 10th, as well as some action film luminaries making special appearances. The only international film festival devoted exclusively to action cinema and its unsung heroes, the festival promises to be four days of adrenaline-fueled pleasure with an exciting combination of the best in contemporary action cinema and classics of the genre, as well as a world class stunt show, exciting panels and tributes to action cinema legends.



As previously announced. ActionFest 2 opens with the World Premiere of Jonathan English’s Ironclad. The closing night film will be Takeshi Miike’s epic samurai masterpiece, 13 Assassins on Sunday April 10th. Additionally, the following films were announced today:



Bail Enforcers — A bounty hunting babe tackles the tough guys in this World Premiere starring seven-time WWE Women's Champion Trish Stratus, who will be in attendance!



Never Back Down 2 – World Premiere of this anticipated MMA fight flick, directed by and starring Michael Jai White, who will be in attendance!

Battle Royale – The official US theatrical debut of the popular and controversial Japanese cult classic.

Fightville – Fresh from SXSW, a hard hitting doc about the art and sport of mixed martial arts fighting.

Bellflower – From Sundance and SXSW, this indie gets under the skin of the action genre with a story about two apocalypse-obsessed friends.

Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie – World Premiere Kung Fu documentary based on the book by martial arts cinema expert Ric Meyers

The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch– Regional Premiere of this adaptation of the popular French action-adventure comic book hero

Lonely Place to Die – World Premiere about a group of five mountaineers who find danger while hiking and climbing in the Scottish Highlands.

Tomorrow, When the War Began – North American Premiere of the Australian box office hit flick based on best-selling novel series that pits teenagers against an army invasion.

Previously announced films include: Jackie Chan’s Little Big Soldier, Hobo With A Shotgun starring Rutger Hauer, James Gunn’s vigilante thriller Super, Bangkok Knockout from the stunt team and filmmakers of Ong Bak, Takeshi Kitano’s Outrage, the surreal fist-and-sword epic Bunraku, and the jungle exploitation doc Machete Maidens Unleashed!

The jury for ActionFest 2 is comprised of:

Jay Deacon – Asheville Radio Personality from 105.9 The Mountain

Katrina Hill – action film blogger (www.actionflickchick.com) and G4TV’s first Next Woman of the Web champion

Tim League – CEO & Founder of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas and Founder, Fantastic Fest

Scott Weinberg – Film critic & editor at Cinematical, FearNet, Horror Squad, Twitch, among other publications.

Russell Towery – Veteran stuntman with over 130 credits to his name (was the man in the Robocop suit in all three films)

This year, ActionFest is pleased to introduce the Action Producer of the Year Award. The inaugural award will go to Sahamongkolfilm, founded by Somsak Techaratanaprasert (also the company’s Chief Executive) over 3 decades ago, for its work producing the incredibly successful Ong Bak trilogy starring Tony Jaa, as well as the upcoming Bangkok Knockout from famed Action Choreographer and Director, Panna Rittikrai. Other notable productions include Born to Fight, Dynamite Warrior and Chocolate.

On Saturday April 9th and Sunday April 10th, there will be two panels: great stories from the legendary careers of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Buddy Joe Hooker and representatives of Stunts Unlimited, and a discussion of the role of the Modern Fight Director, featuring Larnell Stovall (Undisputed III), Michael Jai White (Black Dynamite, Never Back Down 2) and martial arts film expert Ric Meyers (Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie).

Check out www.actionfest.com for more information and be sure to visit the official ActionFest Blog (http://actionfestblog.com/) for details on the “30 Seconds of Action Film Challenge,” a competition where aspiring filmmakers compete to write, direct and produce the best thirty-second action movie.

Wolfe Video recently send us over information that they have acquired the critically-acclaimed international hit "Undertow" and slated for release on DVD and Blu-Ray on June 1st,

Press Release:

Undertow (Contracorriente), the critically-acclaimed international hit and Peru’s submission to the Academy Awards® for best Foreign Film, debuts on Blu-ray™ and DVD June 1st from Wolfe Video. Written and directed by first time filmmaker Javier Fuentes-León, Undertow is an unusual ghost story about a married fisherman’s struggles to reconcile his devotion to his male lover within his town’s rigid traditions. Strikingly photographed to accentuate the majestic Peruvian coastline, the film features a sizzling international cast headed by Manolo Cardona (Beverly Hills Chihuahua), Tatiana Astengo (Seven Minutes, My Prison Yard) and Cristian Mercado (Che: Part Two). Bonus features include deleted scenes and the featurettes: “Undertow: A Look Inside,” “Behind-the-Scenes of Undertow,” “Interview with Christian Mercado,” and “Interview with Tatiana Astengo.” In addition, there is a Spanish-language PSA for GLAAD featuring Sofia Vergara (TV’s “Modern Family”).

Undertow was a hit on the festival circuit, playing over 100 film festivals and garnering 39 awards, including Sundance’s World Cinema Audience Award, and opened theatrically in 21 markets. Undertow will be available on Blu-ray for $29.95 SRP and DVD for $24.95 SRP.

Consumers looking to rent or download Undertow will find the movie available on multiple platforms, including Comcast, Time Warner, Amazon.com, ITunes, Netflix, Vudu and many more.

Synopsis
In a tiny traditional Peruvian seaside village, Miguel (Christian Mercado), a young fisherman, and his beautiful bride, Mariela (Tatiana Astengo), are about to welcome their first child. But Miguel has a secret: he’s in love with Santiago (Manolo Cardona), a painter who is ostracized by the town because he’s gay. As this strikingly original romantic drama unfolds, Miguel must find the courage to be true to himself. His bittersweet, and ultimately uplifting personal journey exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a man.

MTI Home Video recently announced that they have acquired Sean Tretta's new film, "The Frankenstein Syndrome" starring scream queen Tiffany Shepis and slated it for release in July.

Press Release

MTI Home Video, the premier studio for independent filmmakers, has just acquired THE FRANKENSTEIN SYNDROME from American World Pictures for a July 5th DVD release.

The film was written, directed and produced by Sean Tretta (The Great American Snuff Film, Death of a Ghost Hunter, and The Death Factory Bloodletting) and was produced by and stars Tiffany Shepis (Nightmare Man, Night of the Demons). Also starring are Louis Mandylor (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Patti Tindall (The Graves), Scott Anthony Leet (Freeway Killer), and film veteran Ed Lauter (The Longest Yard, Seabiscuit).

The film is a modern re-imagining of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein, wherein a beautiful young stem-cell researcher, Elizabeth Barnes (Shepis) joins a secret research group attempting to develop a stem-cell based universal healing serum. Despite opposition from the project leaders Marcus Grone (Mandylor) and Dr. Victoria Travelle (Tindall), she quickly develops a serum that can bring the dead back to life - but with horrific results. Distraught, Elizabeth tries to leave the project, but the project's financier (Lauter) orders Marcus to hold the research team captive until their research is complete. When one of the project's security guards (Leet) is murdered and then re-animated, the team must contend with a man who at first is like a child, but quickly becomes something much, much more...

· Winner - Best Actress, Best Actor (Dark Carnival Film Festival)
· Winner - Best Feature, Director, Screenplay, Actor, and Supporting Actress - (Oklahoma Horror Film Festival)
· Official Selection - (Dark Woods)· Official Selection - (Motor City Nightmares)
· Official Selection - (Phoenix Film Festival)
· Official Selection - (Frightnight Film Festival)
· Official Selection - (Gorezone Int. Film Festival)
· Official Selection - (Weekend of Fear Film Festival)
· Official Selection - (HorrorHound Convention 2011)

Shepis and Tretta will be in Indianapolis this weekend to promote the film at the Midwest's largest horror event, Horrorhound Weekend (March 25-27, 2011). A screening will be held on Saturday, March 26th.

In the meantime, here are some stills from the film courtesy of MTI Home Video

Sony Picture Classics recently released the official trailer for Morgan Spurlock's new film "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold", which hits theaters on April 22nd.

Plot Synopsis:

Boundary-pushing Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock explores the world of product placement, marketing and advertising in POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, a film that was fully financed through product placement from various brands, all of which are integrated transparently into the film.

While using brands in film promotion is not new for Hollywood, it certainly is new territory for the documentary format. Spurlock exploits the phenomenon to new heights, with everything from branded pizza boxes and in-flight film promotions to branded-everything in-film.

With humor and insight, POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold unmasks the marketing process to bring audiences behind closed doors directly into the pitch meetings and marketing presentations which ultimately inform our everyday entertainment decisions. Sponsors were provided with brand category exclusivity. The brands that agreed to sponsor the film placed Spurlock front and center in their brand campaigns and advertisements, both on and off-line. Partners have the unique right to promote themselves in association with Spurlock and the film as "The Greatest." The agreements also stipulate that Spurlock maintains creative control of the film's content and final edit.

"The Greatest Movie Ever Sold": Official Trailer

Screenvision recently send us information regarding a special one night event that's going to place on March 31st in theaters.

Press Release:

On March 31, theaters across the country will host a special media event, introducing American audiences to the potential for microfinance in the United States, and the magic of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s Grameen Bank. Gayle Ferraro’s film “To Catch a Dollar: Muhammad Yunus Banks on America” will play in theaters nationwide across America on Thursday, March 31st, at 7:30 pm, and will be accompanied by a taped discussion with Dr. Yunus, moderated by financial expert and CNBC anchor Maria Bartiromo and featuring special guests including financial powerhouse Suze Orman, President of Kiva.org, Premal Shah, and Robert DeNiro. The evening will also include video appearances by Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon, Russell Simmons, and many others. Go to www.tocatchadollar.com or www.screenvision.com for ticketing information.

The film chronicles the inspiring, logic-defying, yet true story of Yunus’ idea to bring his model of micro-lending to the United States and depicts the millions of lives it has changed in the process. The panel discussion was taped in front of a live audience on March 9th in New York. Panelists explore the themes discussed in the film and some of the innovative solutions to today’s most pressing financial challenges.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, known as the “father of modern microfinance,” is a Bangladeshi economist and founder of the Grameen Bank, an institution that provides microcredit to help its clients establish creditworthiness and financial self-sufficiency. Dr. Yunus is also a 2006 recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace.

Yunus’ groundbreaking Grameen Bank in Bangladesh was built on the radical notion that if you loan poor women money within the context of peer support, not only will they repay, but they’ll sustain the bank and elevate their communities in the process. With millions of microloans to rural entrepreneurs in developing countries, Grameen audaciously imported its methods to the bastion of first-world capitalism: the U.S.A. First stop: Queens, New York. With an intimate camera capturing both buoyant and despairing moments, TO CATCH A DOLLAR: MUHAMMAD YUNUS BANKS ON AMERICA chronicles the evolution of the first tiny new branch beginning with its inception in 2008 and the impact it has on both the loan recipients and supporters through 2009.

To learn more about the film, the event and the innovative social action campaign, visit www.tocatchadollar.com

"To Catch a Dollar": Official Trailer

Synapse Films recently send us over information regarding a couple of free screenings for their upcoming release, "Embodiment of Evil", which hit Blu-Ray and DVD on March 29th.

Press Release:

Synapse Films is proud to present Jose Mojica Marins as Coffin Joe in EMBODIMENT OF EVIL with two special one-night-only screenings at the reRun Gastropub Theater in Brooklyn and at the Englewood Cinema in Ohio. Embodiment of Evil, the final installment of the Coffin Joe trilogy begun over 40 years ago, delivers more of what Coffin Joe fans are used to: body torture, flesh-eating, and blood-soaked sex, though here he is also tormented by his crimes and victims. As the remnants of his questionable sanity unravel, we even follow Coffin Joe through a larger-than-life birth canal and out into his own personal version of hell. Synapse Films is proud to present Embodiment of Evil in a beautiful high-definition transfer created from the original camera negative with amazing 5.1 surround sound.

Screenings:
Monday, March 21, 10 pm*
reRun Gastropub Theater
147 Front Street
Brooklyn, NY
reRun Theater

*Co-screenwriter Dennison Ramalho and Producer Paolo Sacramento in attendance!

Friday, March 25, 10 pm
Englewood Cinema
320 West National Rd.
Englewood, OH
Englewood Cinema
Director: José Mojica Marins
Starring: José Mojica Marins, Jece Valadão, Raymond Castile
Screenwriters: José Mojica Marins, Dennison Ramalho
Run Time: 94 minutes

Yes, Conan is coming back to the big screen and in 3D this time around.

Lionsgate recently send us the teaser trailer and poster for the upcoming film "Conan the Barbarian 3D", which will be hitting theaters on August 19th.

Plot Synopsis:

I live. I love. I slay…I am content.” - Conan The Barbarian

The most legendary Barbarian of all time is back this Summer. Having thrived and evolved for eight consecutive decades in the public imagination- in prose and graphics, on the big screen and small, in games and properties of all kinds- Conan’s exploits in the Hyborian Age now come alive like never before in a colossal 3D action-adventure film.

A quest that begins as a personal vendetta for the fierce Cimmerian warrior soon turns into an epic battle against hulking rivals, horrific monsters, and impossible odds, as Conan realizes he is the only hope of saving the great nations of Hyboria from an encroaching reign of supernatural evil.

Deftly adapted from the original works of Robert E. Howard and faithful to the mythology and psychology of his iconic character, CONAN THE BARBARIAN stars Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols, Stephen Lang, Ron Perlman and Rose McGowan, and is directed by Marcus Nispel.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:http://www.ConanTheBarbarianIn3D.com

Also, join the Barbarian Army! on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConanTheBarbarian

"Conan The Barbarian 3D": Teaser Trailer

Lleju Productions recently send us over the official trailer and poster for "Cat Run" starring Paz Vega (Spanglish), Janet McTeer (Tideland, Tumbleweeds), Christopher McDonald (Happy Gilmore), Tony Curran (Gladiator, Underworld: Evolution) Scott Mechlowicz (EuroTrip), and DL Hughley.

Anthony always dreamed of being a famous chef. Julian only thought about women. With neither really working out, the childhood best friends decide to start a detective agency. Unfortunately for them, on their first case they must help protect a sexy, high class escort who holds the key evidence to a scandalous cover up. The two bumbling detectives soon find themselves running from the mob, a corrupt US Senator, and a ruthless Mary Poppins-like assassin - all of whom would stop at nothing to hide the truth. It's just an average day for two bumbling losers.

CAT RUN will open in select theaters on Friday, April 1.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:http://catrunmovie.com/

"Cat Run": Official Trailer

Freestyle Releasing recently send us over the official poster and trailer for "Skateland". The film stars Shiloh Fernandez, Ashley Greene, Heath Freeman and Taylor Handley.

Plot Synopsis:

Skateland is set against the landscape of upstart malls, Jordache jeans and iconic hang outs,is as much a story about embracing who you are as it is about moving on. The personal drama marks the poignant transition of a group of high school friends into adulthood. Set in the early 1980s, in small town Texas, it is genuine, touching and candid snapshot of the lives of a close-knit group of friends who are confronted with the realities of the precarious world around them. The film revolves around a charismatic young skating rink manager named Ritchie Wheeler (Shiloh Fernandez), brother and sister Brent and Michelle Burkham (Heath Freeman, Ashley Greene) and the legendary, wise-cracking, Kenny Crawford (Taylor Handley) as their dreams and carefree lives start to fade into an uncertain future.

"Skateland" hits theaters on May 13th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:http://www.freemanfilm.com/skateland/

"Skateland": Official Trailer

The Tribeca Film Festival recently send us over the list of short films that will be competing at their upcoming festival starting April 20th. The winning film will qualify for Oscar consideration.

Press Release:

The 2011 Tribeca Film Festival (TFF), presented by American Express, the founding sponsor of the Festival, recently announced its lineup of 60 short films, 22 of which are world premieres.

Also new this year, the recipient of the TFF Best Narrative Short award will qualify for consideration in the Short Films category of the annual Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy rules.

The short film program will be presented in eight thematic programs and a wide range of cultural perspectives. Drawn from 2,862 submissions, the program represents 21 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Haiti, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the United States.

This year’s Festival shorts exemplify a broad spectrum of styles and storytelling, including an animated program and the always-popular New York shorts program. From zombies taking over Manhattan to the humanitarian effort in Haiti, these short films represent a range of genres and subjects. The program features performances by Campbell Scott, Anthony LaPaglia, Jean Reno, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Brendan Gleeson, Colin Quinn, Carmine Famiglietti and Eddie Marsan, and animated shorts featuring the voices of David Duchovny, Joseph Fiennes and Ian McKellan.

Returning TFF directors include Thomas Hefferon, Rider and Shiloh Strong, Barney Elliot, Rick Rodgers, Jay Rosenblatt, Brian Doyle, Scott Nyerges and Ken Jacobs.

“Each of our short film programs promises an entertaining journey, exposing an audience to filmmaking they may not have the opportunity to see otherwise,” said Sharon Badal, TFF head short film programmer. “Whether narrative, documentary, experimental or animation, these short films exhibit extraordinary talent. We’re thrilled to bring films from around the globe to our Festival, and with a large number of world premieres, to share many of them with an audience for the first time.”

The works in the 2011 TFF short film lineup are eligible to compete for combined cash and value-in-kind prizes totaling more than $15,000 for Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short and Student Visionary Award.

Following is a listing of the selected short films in the eight programs in which they will be presented:

2011 Tribeca Film Festival Short Film Program, sponsored by Bing

Off the Grid (Documentary)

Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll are a few of the topics explored in these thought-provoking short documentaries. Two-man rock duo Crash&Burn is turned upside down when Burn decides to have transgender surgery. It’s San Francisco, sex, and the First Amendment in Smut Capital of America. A broken building trembles in a battle for space and souls in Caretaker for the Lord. In Guru a charismatic motivational speaker privately battles bipolar disorder. Incident in New Baghdad recounts a U.S. Army veteran’s personal experience in and out of the war zone.

Crash&Burn, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Rick Rodgers

Smut Capital of America, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Michael Stabile

Caretaker for the Lord, (Scotland), New York Premiere, directed by Jane McAllister

Guru, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Jonathan VanBallenberghe

Incident in New Baghdad, (USA), World Premiere, directed by James Spione


One For All (Documentary)

Positive thinking prevails in this group of inspiring short documentaries. In Summer Snapshot a group of friends reflects on a special sun-kissed day. It’s mind over matter, literally, for spiritual leader and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy in Challenging Impossibility. In the Spirit of Laxmi a hotel manager commits to raising and re-wilding an injured leopard cub. A community in Haiti rallies to build a movie theater in Sun City Picture House.

Summer Snapshot, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Ian McCluskey

Challenging Impossibility, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Sanjay Rawal and Natabara Rollosson

In the Spirit of Laxmi, (Singapore, India, USA), New York Premiere, directed by Meghan Shea and Michael Rogers

Sun City Picture House, (Haiti), World Premiere, directed by David Darg

All You Can Eat (Narrative) Recommended for ages 14 and up

This tasty assortment of animated shorts will leave you hungry for more. A polar bear in Hollywood has trouble going with the “floe” in The Beaufort Diaries. Love isn’t what it’s cracked up to be in Not Over Easy. In Year Zero a sole survivor battles the zombie apocalypse in New York City. A lonely and bitter Easter Bunny hatches a plan to steal the spotlight from Santa in Preferably Blue. Follow the lives of seemingly random characters in Just That Sort of a Day. A man’s journey through grief is revealed in A Lost and Found Box of Human Sensation. It’s a ravishing ride through an imaginary animated landscape in Harmonium Mountain.

The Beaufort Diaries, (USA) New York Premiere, directed by Alex Petrowsky, written by T Cooper

Not Over Easy, (Canada), New York Premiere, directed by Jordan Canning, written by Jody Richardson and Jordan Canning

Year Zero, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Richard Cunningham III

Preferably Blue, (New Zealand), New York Premiere, directed by Alan Dickson, written by Wayne Ching

Just That Sort of a Day, (India), New York Premiere, directed and written by Abhay Kumar

A Lost and Found Box of Human Sensation, (Germany), New York Premiere, directed by Martin Wallner and Stefan Leuchtenberg, written by Martin Wallner

Harmonium Mountain, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Clifford Ross

Open 24 Hours (Narrative)

From the city that never sleeps, these New York shorts show there’s no place like home. Twelve-year-old Rodney tries to regain the love of his wayward dad in Down This Road. Two Manhattan teenagers make an unexpected connection in Nightlife. Brothers Caleb and Aaron are at odds over their religious beliefs in Storm Up The Sky. It’s all about the gravity of the situation in Brink. Luck finally comes his way for the man in The Ignorant Bliss of Sun and Moon. A 1924 high school autograph book bridges the generation gap in Grandpa Looked Like William Powell. It’s a Brooklyn tale about Jimmy, his senile landlord, and the ice cream that brings them together in Loose Change. Three friends are on a mission to pull off the perfect score in Cheat.

Down This Road, (USA, Switzerland), New York Premiere, directed by Vinz Feller, written by Paul Leo

Nightlife, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Shandor Garrison
Storm Up The Sky, (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by Jon Kauffman

Brink, (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by Shawn Christensen

The Ignorant Bliss of Sun and Moon, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by John Hyams, written by Bill Gullo

Grandpa Looked Like William Powell, (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by David B. Levy

Loose Change, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Philip Botti

Cheat, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Joe DeRosa, written by Joe DeRosa, Robert Kelly and Bill Burr

Take As Directed (Narrative)

You’ll receive just the right dose of drama and comedy in this short narrative program. A nine-year-old boy enlists the help of his best friend to get his Bunny back. A successful man abandons his worldly possessions for a purpose in The Philosopher. Marissa and Jeremy finally share their feelings as Christian summer camp comes to an end in All In All. An ironic twist of fate foils Cesar’s desperate plan in Last Resort. An exhausted mother brings her terrified child to the hospital in Cold Blood. In Man and Boy a father takes justice into his own hands when he thinks his son has been sexually assaulted. Ting misses her mom, Jie misses his wife, and a kitten becomes a catalyst in Braid. Two years after a traumatic car accident that leaves a girl in a vegetative state, the man responsible attempts to atone in Switch.

Bunny, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Robert Snow, written by Robert Snow and Ryan Demler

The Philosopher, (France), New York Premiere, directed and written by Abdulla Alkaabi

All In All, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Charlie Reff and Jacki Sextro

Last Resort, (Peru), New York Premiere, directed by Barney Elliott, written by Barney Elliott and Silvana Aguirre

Cold Blood, (Canada), International Premiere, directed and written by Martin Thibaudeau

Man and Boy, (UK), New York Premiere, directed by David Leon and Marcus McSweeney, written by Rashid Razaq and David Leon

Braid, (Taiwan ROC), World Premiere, directed and written by Chun-Yi Hsieh

Switch, (Ireland), World Premiere, directed by Thomas Hefferon, written by TJ Hundtofte and Thomas Hefferon

Mix Tape (Narrative)

Sit back, relax, and take a rhythmic ride around the world with these narrative shorts. Fueled by alcohol and hormones, Aimee and Steph take a swim on a hot summer night in The Kiss. A student accepts a lift from a stranger but The Ride leads to unexpected consequences. Joel has finally made up his mind, or so he thinks, in Coming Out. A hotel housekeeper dreams of home in Rooms. The little girl in Hauraki gives the grown-ups a lesson in compassion. Experience the awesome adventures of a man and his mustache in Mr. Stache. Shane and his friends thought it would be fun to recapture their geeky youth until The Dungeon Master arrived. Two cops discover a dead body in a cottage and get more than they bargained for in Noreen.

The Kiss, (Australia), North American Premiere, directed and written by Ashlee Page

The Ride, (UK), World Premiere, directed and written by Marion Pilowsky

Coming Out, (Sweden), World Premiere, directed and written by Jerry Carlsson

Rooms, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Joanna Jurewicz, written by Joanna Jurewicz and Adam Walsh

Hauraki, (New Zealand), World Premiere, directed by Kirsten Green, written by Dianne Taylor

Mr. Stache, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Jac Schaeffer

The Dungeon Master, (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by Rider Strong and Shiloh Strong

Noreen, (Ireland), New York Premiere, directed and written by Domhnall Gleeson

Exit Strategies (Narrative)

Sticky situations and surprises create the perfect escape in this program of narrative shorts. When altar boy Damian receives a priestly pep talk he has a decision to make in Pentecost. Roger hit a cat but it’s not quite dead, so he and his friends have to finish the job in Dead Cat. Gravity is about friendship, love, space aliens, cocaine, and handicaps, not necessarily in that order. In Each Moment Is the Universe a boy is reborn with memories of his previous lives and tries to fix the mistakes of the past. A father and son face off in The Terms. It’s the story of a woman, a man, and a mysterious box in Love, Lots of It. An aspiring actress has trouble after the shooting stops in Eva – Working Title. A restful day turns tense for the family in Picnic.

Pentecost, (Ireland), International Premiere, directed by Peter Macdonald

Dead Cat, (USA), World Premiere, directed by Jay Reiss, written by Daniel Milder

Gravity, (Iceland), International Premiere, directed and written by Logi Hilmarsson

Each Moment Is the Universe, (Thailand), North American Premiere, directed by Bruce Thierry Cheung, written by Jeremy Cheung

The Terms, (UK), New York Premiere, directed and written by Jason LaMotte

Love, Lots of It, (USA), World Premiere, directed and written by Rob Feld

Eva - Working Title, (Israel), International Premiere, directed and written by Dor Fadlon

Picnic, (Spain), US Premiere, directed and written by Gerardo Herrero

Impressions of Memory (Narrative/Documentary)

These talented artists address, in both thematically and stylistically distinct ways, the manner in which images evoke memory. This is achieved through the use of text, the presence of previously filmed “found” footage, a scenic train ride bleeding into digital pixels, single frame printing devices, evocations of 9/11, a tribute to a deceased filmmaker, peripheral vision, recall of sleep via animation, seascape imagery folding back on itself in time, and bittersweet remembrances of now-extinct Kodachrome film stock.

One Over Wanderlust, (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by Brendon Kingsbury

The D Train, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Jay Rosenblatt

After the Fire, (France), North American Premiere, directed by Jacques Perconte

Garden Roll Bounce Parking Lot, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Melissa Friedling

Current (Reprise), (USA), New York Premiere, directed and written by Brian Doyle

One Day I Forgot and Used My Hands, (Singapore), US Premiere, directed by Charles Lim

Sleep, (Switzerland), US Premiere, directed by Claudius Gentinetta and Frank Braun, written by Claudius Gentinetta

Strips, (Canada), New York Premiere, directed by Félix Dufour-Laperrière

Paper, (UK), World Premiere, directed and written by Egill Kristbjornsson

Filmpiece for Bartlett, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Scott Nyerges

The Green Wave, (USA), New York Premiere, directed by Ken Jacobs

Bye Bye Super 8, (Netherlands), US Premiere, directed by Johan Kramer

The film guide is now live on www.tribecafilm.com. The screening schedule will be live on Monday March 21, 2011.

To keep up with all Tribeca initiatives, visit the Tribeca Film Festival website at www.tribecafilm.com, and join the My Tribeca community at http://www.tribecafilm.com/register/, where you can also subscribe to the Tribeca Newsletter.

Like the Tribeca Film Festival Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TribecaFilm. To join the conversation on Twitter, follow @TribecaFilmFest and use the hashtag #tribecafest.

Welcome to the 279th edition of my blog. Open your Netflix and Blockbuster queues and keep reading.

The Messenger (2009): This is the 19th link on this chain and it continues through Steve Buscemi who has a small but significant part as the father of a fallen soldier in this military drama. Ben Foster stars as a decorated Iraq soldier named Will Montgomery who has a new assignment of informing families that their kids have died in war. He must learn from the very experienced Captain Tony Stone who does his job by the book which is difficult for Will who is more idealistic. Harrelson was great in this film as the soldier who has a very difficult job and has clearly effected his own life where his last name seems to say it all. Foster is also good as the more idealistic soldier who struggles with his ethics when falling in love with the widow of a soldier.

North By Northwest (1959): I now bring "The Master of Suspense" Alfred Hitchcock in his use of the "mistaken identity" theme that he liked. Cary Grant stars as advertising executive Roger Thornhill who is then mistaken for a spy. He is then on the run from the government and other spies with the help of the beautiful blonde Eve, played by Eva Marie Saint. This ranks as one of Hitchcock's best. James Mason co-stars as someone who accuses Roger of being the spy. There are also some pretty iconic scenes like where he must run from a plane that is being flown by someone trying to kill him and the great action climax on top of Mount Rushmore. Also look for a young Martin Landau. This is action at its finest.

The Corvair in Action (1960): This is my short film for the week that was on TCM On-Demand. This is really kind of an advertising video which has some footage on what this car could do. Great for classic car fans. Looks like it is findable on Youtube. It is a good seven seconds of entertainment.

The Expendables (2010): The Facebook friend I chose for this week was Tony who works at Blockbuster and has interviewed many celebrities including the director and star of this film Sylvester Stallone. This is also part two of a two-part Sylvester Stallone series as I included DEMOLITION MAN last week. This could be considered "The Ultimate Guy Film" and was a very fun throwback to action films of the 80s and 90s. This is not for everyone. It is quite violent and if great plot is what you want, this may not be it. However, if you want a fun action film and even some nostalgia, this may be for you. This is something I went to see in theaters with a very reluctant Lisa who agreed to come see it with me. This really is not her type of movie and maybe she just had in mind that I have seen a lot of the 3D movies with her so she came into my world. Before the movie started, they always have highlights of movies and such and then there was the advertisement for a UFC ppv which featured Randy Couture so I let her know that he was in the movie which did not seem to excite her any more. In the end, I believe she liked it for what it was and was tolerant of the movie. Stallone stars as Barney Ross who leads a group of mercenaries who are hired to kill a dictator on a South American island. I do not usually go through actors that thoroughly but I will here. One of the members of his team includes Jason Statham who plays the knife throwing Lee Christmas. One thing to note is that Stallone was in the 1975 film DEATH RACE 2000 and Statham was in the 2008 remake DEATH RACE. Jet Li is also a part of this team and plays the martial arts expert Yin Yang who is also even pretty funny in the film. Dolph Lundgren plays Gunner Jensen but is a very loose cannon and is quite unpredictable. This marks the reunion of Stallone and Lundgren who were in ROCKY IV. Next we have UFC legend Randy Couture who plays Toll Road and has a pretty comical monologue on how he came to have the "cauliflower ears". Terry Crews rounds out this group going to South America as Hale Caesar and makes himself known by a very loud gun. Crews is the only person in this group that I was not familiar with but found that he is a former NFL player from the 90s and has been fairly successful in film. Also of note is Mickey Rourke who plays Tool which is a person who was with this group but apparently got burned out and now runs a tattoo parlor where the group hangs out a lot reflecting on the old days. Some may call him the "boring" part of the film but I feel he is more of the "acting" part and has a great monologue. Granted, I am saying this and people who know me enough know that he is my idol but I felt he gave a pretty good performance in his small role. This movie also contains a scene of film history. For the first time in film we get to witness Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger for the first time. Willis plays the mysterious person who hires the Expendables and Arnold is someone who apparently used to work with Stallone but never got along well. This is no action in the scene but pretty amusing dialogue plus Sly had a very hard time working around the schedules of the other two. The main villain of this film is played by Eric Roberts who apparently used to work for CIA but went Rogue. Roberts is the older and less successful brother of Julia Roberts and friend of Mickey Rourke and possibly got the part on account of Rourke. Roberts did play the villain pretty well and WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin plays his henchman who did all the dirty work. Now if Austin is who you are watching the movie for then there might be some disappointment as he does have a pretty small part with limited dialogue. However, there is a pretty good fight scene between him and Couture near the end. Even in the climax of the movie Stone Cold and Stallone have a pretty brutal fight scene which actually injured Stallone in real life. I guess what I am trying to say is that these are the people that keep me tuned into the movie. We have the man who created Rocky Balboa, a Hong Kong martial arts legend, an American action star, a former WWE wrestler, a UFC fighter, and a former NFL player. Now that is what I call diversity. Many of the Brazilian soldiers are Brazilian MMA fighters. Many other actors either turned down parts or could not do them like Jean-Claude Van Damme, DEMOLITION MAN co-star Wesley Snipes, and Steven Seagal. I have heard that Chuck Norris turned down a part. If only we could have seen maybe The Rock and he could have had another rematch with Stone Cold. I would have also liked to have seen Mr. T. Maybe we can also get Hulk Hogan, Carl Weathers, and if you have any other suggestions feel free to post on my comments. There are many that could have made this movie fun to watch. There is a sequel in the works which as far as I'm concerned won't be any better or worse, just another fun action film with maybe new faces.

The Big Sleep (1946): Now I go to this film noir classic which is based on a novel by Raymond Chandler and directed by Howard Hawks. Humphrey Bogart stars as private investigator Philip Marlowe who is hired by the dying General Sternwood to investigate some troubling matters among his family and finds that a lot centers around Sternwood's favored employee's disappearance. This leads Marlowe into a very complicated investigation for him and the viewers watching the film but we let go of how convoluted this film was due to the performances and the excitement of each scene. Lauren Bacall stars as one of the members of the family who he begins to find love with in the movie and in real-life as Bogey and Bacall were married months later and Bogey's marriage at the time ended. Charles Waldron played General Sternwood in his last film making him go out with quite a bang. This is classic Film Noir here and should not be missed.

Ponyo (2008): This is my anime selection for the week though produced by Disney. This is a family oriented Anime film but one for everyone to enjoy. This movie centers around a 5 year old boy named Sosuke who is quite smart for his age and discovers a little goldfish that he gives the title name who then wants to become human but Sosuke would have to pass a few tests for that to happen. This is a very beautiful anime film with a great story. Frankie Jonas, yes the youngest of the Jonas Brothers, and Noah Lindsey Cyrus, yes the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and younger sister of Miley Cyrus, provide the lead voices. This will probably be the only movie where they play the leads and the movie is good. Other people providing the American voices include Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, Betty White, among others. This is available through Instant Netflix.

Rushmore (1998): Wes Anderson wrote and directed this independent film. Jason Schwartzman stars as the 15 year old Max who attends the title school. He is struggling in all his classes but excels at all extra-curricular activities. He then forms a crush on an elementary teacher named Miss Cross, played by Olivia Williams. Bill Murray co-stars as Herman, a wealthy industrialist who forms a friendship with Max but also has a crush on Miss Cross. This sets off Max to do some rather underhanded things forming an interesting love triangle. I really enjoyed this independent film which was a rather dark comedy. This may have been the start of Bill Murray in the type of characters he plays now. The leads were good as well as the story so hopefully this can be put back on the radar.

Shopworn (1932): I believe I found this on TCM On-Demand which stars Barbara Stanwyck. Stanwyck stars as Kitty Lane who is a hard-working waitress who then meets a college student named David, played by Regis Toomey, from the upper-class who begin to like each other. However, David's mother does not like the idea of a poor girl marrying into the family and does everything possible to sabotage their relationship. This is a very interesting love story about the unofficial class system where in so many words, Kitty is deemed to be a peasant. Stanwyck was very good in her role. The movie had a lot of trouble getting approved with the rigorous Production Code standards.

Animals are Beautiful People (1974): This is my documentary from the week which really came upon chance. I was looking for something via Instant Netflix on my Roku player and found a category from 70s movies which I was looking for and thought this would be a good one to use. Jamie Uys wrote and directed this documentary which was narrated by Paddy O'Byrne. This is a very comedic look at the wildlife in the Namid Desert I believe in Africa. Their is a lot of very good animal footage here and narrates what many different animals like lions, laughing hyenas, monkeys, elephants, among others do for survival. There is some rather disturbing footage at times but the narration and camerawork is great. This is something the whole family can enjoy. It is available on Instant Netflix so if looking for something to watch with your kids, here you go.

Snow Angels (2007): I now end this week with this independent film directed by David Gordon Green. This is one of those that I really did not know what to expect and was quite surprised. This movie has a couple stories that interweave together. Michael Angarano plays high school student Arthur who also works at a restaurant. He is dealing with his parents' separation and a crush on another student. His co-worker Annie, played by Kate Beckinsale, is separated from her husband trying to raise a 4 year old on her own and having an affair. Sam Rockwell plays her estranged husband Glenn who is trying to prove that he is still fit to be around his daughter, has a new job but tends to screw things up a lot. This was a very beautiful, if sad, film that centers around the characters that are given very humanistic treatment. I know Kate Beckinsale has been known to make bad choices but pulls this one off pretty well. This is not very upbeat but quite realistic. Besides, any movie where the high school marching band learns Peter Gabriel is okay in my book, granted it's SLEDGEHAMMER which is not one of my favorites by him, they are still focusing on Mr. Gabriel.

Well, that is it for this week. Stay tuned for next week which so far includes Jean-Luc Godard, more Steve Buscemi, Jean Harlow, Samuel L. Jackson, the late Michael Gough, Claire Danes, and many others.