Sunday, August 29, 2010

2010 EMMY AWARDS - WINNERS

Outstanding Comedy Series
"Modern Family"

Outstanding Drama Series
"Mad Men"

Outstanding Made for Television Movie
Temple Grandin

Outstanding Miniseries
"The Pacific"

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
Al Pacino for You Don't Know Jack

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Temple Grandin - Mick Jackson

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Claire Danes for Temple Grandin

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
You Don't Know Jack - Adam Mazer

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie
David Strathairn for Temple Grandin

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
"Glee" - Ryan Murphy

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie
Julia Ormond for Temple Grandin

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Bryan Cranston for "Breaking Bad"

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Kyra Sedgwick for "The Closer"

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
"Dexter" -Steve Shill

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Archie Panjabi for "The Good Wife"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Aaron Paul for "Breaking Bad"

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Mad Men" - Matthew Weiner, Erin Levy

Outstanding Reality Competition Program
"Top Chef"

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Edie Falco for "Nurse Jackie"

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons for "The Big Bang Theory"

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Jane Lynch for "Glee"

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
"Modern Family" - Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd

Outstanding Reality Program
"Food Revolution"

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Eric Stonestreet for "Modern Family"

Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality - Competition Program
Jeff Probst for "Survivor"

Friday, August 20, 2010

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "DON'T SHOOT THE PHARMACIST"


We've seen our share of doctor, nurse, lawyer and cop shows and movies, yet we don't have anything to turn to when it comes to one of our most trusted professionals, the Pharmacist. Turns out, I came across a growing cult phenomenon.

Don't Shoot The Pharmacist! is the newest feature comedy by writer/director Dave Broitman, starring 2-time Emmy Winner Ben Bailey (Cash Cab) and fellow comics Godfrey (Phat Girlz, Soul Plane), Steve Byrne (Comedy Central) and Ardie Fuqua (VH1).

Brooklyn Pharmacist Zack Wright must do everything in his power to simply survive the zany night!

The gifted Ben Bailey stars as Pharmacist Zack Wright, who braves a memorably zany night as he muses about life as a Vegas roulette dealer. Encountering a range of customers, from rude to idiotic, from beautiful to dangerous, Zack and his wise-cracking Pharmacy Tech, Ty (the uniquely sarcastic Edwin Matos Jr.), attempt to make sense of the world they spend half of their life in, at Brooklyn's Goodyear Pharmacy.

Before the shift finally comes to a close, Zack's newfound "self" gets tested to the extreme, as the lives of Zack, Ty and a frequent customer Phil, a slighly manic OCD patient (the sublime Jayson Simba), are put in danger by an armed and desperate man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Godfrey offers up a hilarious performance as the resident pot-head and Ardie Fuqua holds his own as the wittiest robber I've ever come across. Special mention goes out to Myles MacVane for portraying a very entertaining semi-senile two-timer.

This hidden gem of a movie has received numerous good reviews, ranging from Rogue Cinema's quote "This is flat out the single best indie comedy I've seen in a really long time...if not ever" to Third Rail Magazine's quote "Dave Broitman brings comedy to a new level and beyond."

Broitman just may be that next writing/directing comedy genius that we've been awaiting. He's got "Sexcut" and "Moneymaker" in the pipeline and directed several episodes of the new upcoming series "Something About Ryan."

After a brief run in several theaters, this cult hit movie is now available on DVD on Indieflix.com and DontShootThePharmacist.com

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Celebrities - "CAUGHT IN THE ACT"

THE EXPENDABLES cast ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange…Jennifer Aniston arriving at “Good Morning America” in NYC…Jessica Szohr, Elisabeth Shue, and Riley Steele at Bardot in LA at the after party for Piranha 3D…Paris Hilton Unveiling her Shoe Collection At MAGIC in Las Vegas…La Toya Jackson strolling out of Mr. Chow’s in LA…Anthony Anderson celebrating his 40th at Promenade m NYC

Sunday, August 15, 2010

“Expendables” Takes the Weekend Box Office

Sylvester Stallone has done it again with a man’s movie, taking this weekend’s box office. With the testosterone filled “Expendables” pitted against the emotional “Eat Pray Love” it’s not a big surprise that Sly won, grossing more than $10 million more opening weekend. It seems that Stallone’s comebacks will never end. This one, however, takes the cake. With a cast featuring the who’s who of big name action heroes, including a cameo by the Governator (leaving this reporter wondering why he was ‘acting’ and not governing), the audience will leave the theater feeling totally fulfilled; men loving the pyrotechnics and gore and women loving the exposed bulging muscles, having refilled their repertoire for fantasies.

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” a Waste of Cinema Dollars

I’m sorry but Michael Cera’s time is up. He was cute and quirky in the begging. Juno was a perfect casting choice, but it is this reporter’s opinion that the cute has worn off and there are no acting chops to hold him in the spotlight. Lets all agree to let go and say goodbye.

“Toy Story 3” Grosses $920 Million

“Toy Story 3” is now the highest grossing animated feature of all time, grossing $920 million in the Worldwide box office. And the movie is still out, so that number will continue to grow! Up until now “Shrek 2” was holding that place at a whopping $919 million.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

GROUNDBREAKING GAY MARRIAGE COURTROOM DRAMA HITS THEATERS NATIONALLY THIS FALL



Kenneth Del Vecchio’s An Affirmative Act is Academy Award Bound

This year, the New Jersey state legislature voted “no” to legalizing gay marriage, followed by its State Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn their decision. Earlier this month, a California court ruled in favor of same sex marriage, shooting down a voter referendum that had outlawed the practice; now, that case will be heard by a higher court. In every state in the union, hotly contested gay marriage battles are being waged in the courtrooms and state houses, with no clear resolution in sight. That is, unless you catch a screening of Kenneth Del Vecchio’s An Affirmative Act, a thought – and controversy – provoking film that has Academy Award written all over it. The cleverly scripted courtroom drama features outstanding performances throughout the cast, some from recognizable names, some unknowns, which attracted bids from numerous mid and high line film distributors. Palisades Tartan Films, a prestigious boutique distributor based in Manhattan and London won, and will release the fiery movie in theaters across the United States this fall.

Poised to join the ranks of To Kill a Mockingbird, And Justice For All, and Philadelphia as one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever, An Affirmative Act offers the viewer a novel-like page turner mystery that is appealing to both mainstream and LGBT crowds. Terry, a bearded, protective husband and Samantha, a pretty working mom, are dealing with the daily, normal life of raising their son Mario and succeeding in their respective professions as an architect and law professor. Ten minutes into the movie, though, the audience is shocked when the couple are arrested, and charged with several counts of fraud. Terry is not a man, but really an attractive woman, played so convincingly masculine by newcomer Candice Holdorf that both characters and audiences are equally jarred by the revelation.

Under false pretenses of being a heterosexual couple, Terry and Samantha married, obtained their benefits and adopted Mario. Why? Because gay marriage is illegal in their home state of New Jersey. Breaking the law, though, has consequences, and the Garden State’s conservative governor (6-time Emmy winner Justin Deas) wants a conviction. A trial, however, would cause a country-wide media sensation, and he can’t have that because the attention could cause his politically necessary anti-gay marriage bill to fail. So he enlists power-hungry county prosecutor Lori Belmont (Blanche Baker; Emmy winner, Sixteen Candles) to offer a quick slap-on-the-wrist plea that seemingly would be a win for all. The ladies, though, decide to fight, and bring in heterosexual lawyer, John DeMine (Eric Etebari; TNT’s “Witchblade”), a move that has its benefits, but also dangers. DeMine, recognized as the state’s leading criminal defense attorney, has built a reputation by successfully defending murderers and drug dealers, most notably the subordinates of the mythical white supremacist “Man in the White Suit” (2-time Academy Award/4-time Golden Globe/9-time Emmy winner and nominee, Charles Durning). The pot starts boiling with the lawyers’ opening statements – and gay marriage is put on trial in America.

There is nothing ordinary in An Affirmative Act, a natural result of its creator Del Vecchio who, by all accounts, fulfills the rare role of a modern-day Renaissance Man: writer/director/producer of 15 star-filled movies; author of bestselling novels and mammoth legal books; founder and chairman of a top film festival; weight-lifting champion; and a former judge, who recently left the bench in a free speech stand. The genius of Del Vecchio’s writing is that he constantly tricks the audience with brilliant twists and turns that, although no one sees them coming, they are nonetheless realistic. In An Affirmative Act, DeMine’s multi-layered character, played perfectly by the charming Etebari, unravels the high stakes conspiracy in and out of the courtroom, teasing his jury and moviegoers with each uncovered element. But it’s the women who throw the hardest and last punch, a twist one is as unlikely to guess as the early-on surprise of Terry’s femininity.

A movie with no apparent flaws, Del Vecchio succeeds best by making a clearly pro-gay marriage movie non-preachy. He does this by examining both sides of the issue, but staying away from self-serving rhetoric and propaganda. A heterosexual lawyer/filmmaker himself, Del Vecchio smartly hired an out lesbian, Jana Mattioli, to direct An Affirmative Act, who undoubtedly brought additional passion into the shooting of this explosive work. Del Vecchio’s casting was equally impressive. Pairing Holdorf with the sensual, intelligent Elissa Goldstein (as Samantha), the writer/producer founded a strong, but likeable couple, that even the toughest conservative would have difficulty rooting against. The cast is rounded out with fine performances by Del Vecchio regulars Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling (“The Howard Stern Show”), Rachael Robbins and Keith Collins, who add comedic moments to the drama; LGBT standouts Randy Jones (Cowboy – “The Village People”), Rob Moretti (Crutch), Jeffrey H. Johns and Greg Jackson; and veteran Hollywood actors Costas Mandylor (Saw movies, The Pledge), Thomas G. Waites (And Justice For All, The Thing), and Robert Clohessy (“Oz”, “Boardwalk Empire”, “Hill Street Blues”), joining the legendary Charles Durning, who always seems to be part of great films.
For more information, please visit www.ANAFFIRMATIVEACT.com and www.JUSTICEFORALLPRODUCTIONS.com.
(photo credit-Matt Petrie)

Patricia Arquette and Thomas Jane Split

The Hung star and the Medium star have decided to get a divorce, we wish them all the best in thier future.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

HILARIOUS "BABY AUSTIN" FILMS

Look out there's a new comedy that’s going to be hitting the big screen by storm this summer titled “Baby Austin” after a series of successful sketches “Baby Austin” is being turned into a feature film and will be coming to a theater near you. Currently filming in New York City we got a chance to speak with “Baby Austin” star & producer Theresa Galeani who took some time to sit with us and letting us snap some quick pictures while being mobbed by onlookers. One would say it was a sight to see with this comedic atmosphere just being there behind the scenes was hard to keep our composure watching the actors filming scenes with their hysterical dialog. With lots of spectators and film crews running around surrounded by many lights and cameras, eagerly waiting to find out more about "Baby Austin" and what better way than being there right in the middle of all the action. Pleased to say we were able to find out so much more about this new hilarious film which is a comedy about a Mom and Dad were so happy when their baby boy was born. However, at three years old his unique needs continue to make every day an adventure for the family. The littlest thing, his first bite of mom’s fudge, his first words, facing his nightmares, taking his first shadoobie like a big boy make Mom and Dad so proud of their baby boy. It’s true, sometimes things get a little strange and you never know what’s around the next corner with this family. The one thing that will never change is how much Mom and Dad love their little BIG boy, Baby Austin. Produced by MM Mayhem Films & Beach Point Productions the talented cast stars Theresa Galeani, Keith Collins, Austen Hadenfield and Madelaine Kemp with many other special apperances. Directed by Nicholas Boise & written by Collins, Galeani & Boise. We look forward to seeing "Baby Austin" this summer. Sounds like one comedy rollercoaster ride not to be missed!!

Mark Wahlberg is Funny

Who would’ve guessed it? But its true, Mr. Marky Mark Wahlberg, former rapper and underwear model has quite the sense of humor and shows it off in the this weeks “The Other Guys” alongside favorite funnyman Will Ferrell. “The Other Guys” topped this weekends box office, knocking “Inception” out of its number one location. The movie follows the story of a fumbling bumbling cop, Ferrell, and his well-to-do partner Wahlberg, comedy ensues.

“Step Up 3D” is a Step Down

“Step Up 3D” follows New York City street dancers on adventures that focus solely on their need to dance, only dance, all the time. In what world do these characters exist? These two dimensional characters are boring and hold very little personalities. The dancing is good, its true, and this movie is just as entertaining as watching reality tv series “So You Think You Can Dance”.

Avatar #2

Could be…Rumor has it James Cameron is currently brainstorming a sequal to the 2010 Best Picture Nominee

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "FAMILY AFFAIR"



FAMILY AFFAIR
A film by Chico Colvard

Friday, August 13 - Thursday, August 19

IFC Center
323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street
NR, 82 Minutes
Official Website: http://www.c-linefilms.com/c_linefilms.html
To purchase tickets: http://www.ifccenter.com/films/family-affair-2/

FAMILY AFFAIR directed by Chico Colvard is a feature length documentary that premiered in competition at Sundance in 2010 and was the first film acquired by Oprah Winfrey for her new cable channel, OWN. The film has screened at premiere festivals around the world, winning Audience and Best Documentary Feature awards.

At 10 years old, filmmaker, Chico Colvard, accidentally shot his sister in the leg. This random act detonated a chain reaction that exposed unspeakable realities that shattered his family. Thirty years later, Colvard ruptures veils of secrecy and silence again. As he bravely visits his relatives, what unfolds is a personal film that’s as uncompromising, raw, and cathartic as any in the history of the medium. A story that yields piercing insights about the legacy of abuse and attempts to understand one’s capacity to accommodate a parent’s past crimes in order to satisfy an eternal longing for family.
(photo courtsey of C-Line Films)

MOVIE SPOTLIGHT - "QUEST FOR HONOR"


QUEST FOR HONOR
A Film by Mary Ann Smothers Bruni


Friday, August 6th – August 12th
IFC Center
323 Sixth Avenue at West Third Street
NR, 67 Minutes
In English and Kurdish with English subtitles
Official Website: http://questforhonor.com/home/
To purchase tickets: http://www.ifccenter.com/films/quest-for-honor/

QUEST FOR HONOR had its world premiere at the Sundance 2009 Film Festival and has played numerous festivals and screenings across the globe including Kurdistan and Iraq. This compelling film is an in-depth look at the "honor killings" of women in Kurdistan and those who are fighting to stop the killings.

The alarming rise in “honor killing,” the heinous act of men killing daughters, sisters, and wives who threaten “family honor,” endangers tens of thousands of women in Iraq, Turkey, Jordan and adjoining countries. Global communication through satellite television, Internet, and cell phones has raised the expectations of young Middle Eastern women, who now are not content to marry a much older relative their father might chooses and live a life of servitude.

While young women respond to new ideas from cyber pals in Los Angeles or episodes of popular Western sit-coms, their fathers and brothers demand strict tribal justice for their acts. Particularly in rural areas women have been killed simply for having unfamiliar phone numbers on their cell phones or speaking to men who are not relatives. The Women’s Media Center of Suleymaniyah, Iraq, has joined forces with Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) to end the heinous practice of “honor killing” of women.

First time filmmaker Mary Ann Smothers Bruni – who is an author and photographer – documents these horrible acts and the people who are fighting to end these senseless killings that take place in Kurdistan in her first feature film QUEST FOR HONOR.

A call to the Women’s Media Center reveals that a woman’s body has been found in a field near Ranya, a border town in the “Wild East” where Iraq, Iran, and Turkey meet. RUNAK Faraj, the center’s leader, and her colleague Kalthum Murad Ibrahim are requested to join local Ranya Police Chief Abudullah at the crime scene. Abdullah’s cell phone shows a most devastating image of a young woman clad in blue jeans and grabbing her hair in the agony of death. The woman is named Nesrin, a young widow dispossessed of her children who has no apparent family close by. Her mother is dead and her father living abroad. No one cares for her, and no one knows who murdered her.

QUEST FOR HONOR follows the tireless media center activists Runak Rauf, Runak Faranj, and Kalthum Murad, as they work with journalists, lawmen and members of the KRG to solve the murder of this widowed young mother, protect the victim of a safe-house shooting, redefine honor, and stop the killing!!
(photo credit SB Productions)

Monday, August 2, 2010

Celebrities - "CAUGHT IN THE ACT"

Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler at Studio 54 in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas…Zach Braff coming out of the Second Stage Theater in NYC…Mark Wahlberg receiving his star on the Hollywood walk of fame…Kellan Lutz showing off his golf swing At Pelican Hill Resort in CA…Jay-Z and Kanye West grabbing a bite at Nello’s in NYC…Flo Rida at Amnesia nightclub NYC…Lindsay lohan getting a breath of fresh air after being released from Lynwood Correctional Facility, CA…

MITCH MILLER DIES AT 99

Musician Mitch Miller has passed away He was 99. A Columbia Records executive,
He also hosted a successful TV show; Sing Along with Mitch. In 2000 Miller was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.