The 83rd Academy Awards Winners

The 83rd Academy Awards Winners

Best Picture – “The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers

Actor in a Leading Role – Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”

Actor in a Supporting Role – Christian Bale in “The Fighter”

Actress in a Leading Role – Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”

Actress in a Supporting Role – Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”

Animated Feature Film – “Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich

Art Direction – “Alice in Wonderland” Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara

Cinematography – “Inception” Wally Pfister

Costume Design – “Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood

Director – “The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper

Documentary (Feature) – “Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs

Documentary (Short Subject) – “Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon

Film Editing – “The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

Foreign Language Film – “In a Better World” Denmark

Makeup – “The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

Music (Original Score) – “The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Music (Original Song) – “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3″ Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Short Film (Animated) – “The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann

Short Film (Live Action) – “God of Love” Luke Matheny

Sound Editing – “Inception” Richard King

Sound Mixing – “Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick

Visual Effects – “Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb

Adapted Screenplay – “The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin

Original Screenplay – “The King’s Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 2/27 - 3/5

It's Oscar night..the big night for all you movie lovers out there. There are parties being offered at the Angelika, Texas Theater and the Studio Movie Grills and I hope you are taking advantage of them. There will plenty of free stuff at the Angelika and Texas Theater so come out and show your support to those websites that offer us the great opportunities to enjoy advanced screenings of films, DVD's, movie news, interviews, reviews, and other great things. I'll post the winners later tonight here, so please drop by and offer your opinions. Did you agree with the winners? Did your fave get snubbed, did you win anything cool?

If anyone knows where Rango is being screened on Wed, please let us know.

February 27 - March 5, 2011

Sun
2/27

5:00 pm
Second Annual Red Carpet Crash Awards
Angelika Dallas

5:00 pm
GATW Oscar Party
Texas Theater

5:00 pm
Academy Awards Watching Party
SMG - ARLINGTON, PLANO, LEWISVILLE

Mon
2/28

7:00 pm
Beastly
AMC Northpark

7:00 pm
THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
Angelika Dallas

Tue
3/1

7:30 pm
Rango
TBA

7:30 pm
The Adjustment Bureau
AMC Northpark 15

Wed
3/2

7:00 pm
Beastly
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

7:30 pm
Win Win
AMC Northpark

7:30 pm
Paul
Angelika Dallas

Thu
3/3

7:00 pm
Beastly
Denton Movie Taver

7:30 pm
Take Me Home Tonight
Studio Movie Grill Royal

Fri
3/4

Sat
3/5

10:00 am
Mars Needs Moms
AMC Northpark

26th Annual Spirit Awards Winners

BEST FEATURE

"Black Swan"

BEST DIRECTOR

Darren Aronofsky - "Black Swan"

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Natalie Portman - "Black Swan"

BEST MALE LEAD

James Franco - "127 Hours"

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Dale Dickey - "Winter's Bone"

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

John Hawkes - "Winter's Bone"

BEST SCREENPLAY

Stuart Blumberg, Lisa Cholodenko - "The Kids Are All Right"

BEST FIRST FEATURE

"Get Low"

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

"Tiny Furniture" - Lena Dunham

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

"Black Swan" - Matthew Libatique

BEST DOCUMENTARY

"Exit through the Gift Shop"

BEST FOREIGN FILM

"The King's Speech"

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD (best feature made for under

$500,000)

"Daddy Longlegs"

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD

Mike Ott - "Littlerock"

EMERGING PRODUCERS AWARD

Anish Savjani - "Meek's Cutoff"

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD (to an emerging director of non-fiction features)

Jeff Malmberg - "Marwencol"

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD (to one film's director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)

"Please Give"

Kids Playing Oscar

Check out Nathan Ligon's kids acting out the best picture nominee's for the Academy Awards. Nathan is part of our movie group and a movie reviewer. His website will be up and running soon. Also take a look his You Tube Channel for some of his video reviews. http://www.youtube.com/user/Nathan34303a

Hall Pass

With a Farrelly Brother's movie you can pretty much guess your are in for a silly raunchy time. Bobby and Peter Farrelly who have done Dumb and Dumber and There's Something About Mary, continue the trend of portraying immature men chasing women and doing stupid stuff. Rick and Fred are middle aged married men who still think they would have game if they were single. Their wives decide to let the “boys” have a week off from their marriages to get the wild hair out of their systems. They give them a “hall pass” where they can do anything they want.

Rick (Owen Wilson) is married to Maggie (Jenna Fischer) and they have three kids to whom he is devoted dad. His best buddy Fred (Jason Sudeikis) is married to Grace (Christina Applegate) who makes her husband think he's getting away with spying women on the sly. Maggie overhears the boys poker night conversation about how much they would pay to do anyone they wanted without repercussions. Dr. Lucy (Joy Behar) suggests that sometimes couples need to take a break so they can come back refreshed and more appreciative. Maggie and Grace tired of their husbands constantly ogling other women decide to issue them a “hall pass”. Their excited husbands treat the upcoming week like Spring Break by renting a room at the Comfort Inn. No awkward pictures of their kids on the wall if they were to take women to their houses. Their poker buddies decide to live vicariously through them by hanging out to watch them pick up women. Rick and Fred are so everyman normal dressed in plaid shirts and dockers thinking they are going troll for hot chicks at the local Applebee's. They guys are stuck at their 20 year old selves and their clueless mindset is the basis for most of what happens after that.

There is plenty of off the wall humor and body parts (NOT for kids). Wilson and Sudeikis are believable and pathetic as immature men going through a middle aged crisis. Fischer and Applegate come off looking better and their week off may have been more for them than their men. Richard Jenkins is a welcome relief as Coakley their rich superstud friend who becomes their Obi Wan in the ways of picking up women. You may wish the movie was about him. If you like the Farrelly Brother's previous films, then you will probably enjoy this one, but you may wonder if any minute Adam Sandler or Ben Stiller will show up.
(Review by reesa)

DriveAngry 3D

Basically the only thing you need to know about this movie is that it stars Nicolas Cage and it involves cars and guns. Milton escapes from hell and chases after the man who killed his daughter and kidnapped his granddaughter. Surprisingly the 3D is actually done well.

As the story begins you don't really know that Milton escaped from hell. He is chasing some guys in a truck and wrecks serious mayhem on them while extracting information as to the whereabouts of a girl. He has flashes of the horrific fate of his daughter who joined this satanic cult run by smooth talking Jonah King (Billy Burke). Sitting at a cafe he notices feisty small town waitress Piper (Austin's Amber Heard) just quit her job and who happens to have a souped up vehicle. Fixing her car when it breaks down she gives him a ride. Milton later saves her from some serious domestic abuse and they hit the road together. Enter this slick guy in a suit, calm, walking, literally smelling out Milton's trail. He calls himself the accountant (William Fitcher). Apparently he's after Milton to take him back. But Milton has other plans. He's after the satin shirt and skull ring wearing King who has plans to sacrifice the missing baby.

There are multiple car chases, fist fights, gun play and a ton of explosions. All the elements usually found in Nic Cage movies as of late. Be warned, for those parents who insist on bringing their kids, there is some nudity besides all inventive violence. Director Patrick Lussier who did My Bloody Valentine also wrote the story with Todd Farmer. What could have been a mindless action flick has infused the premise with some humorous tones by not taking itself so seriously. Some of the special effects were at times very cheesy especially at the end. Amber Heard who was honored at last year's DIFF with a Rising Star Award is perfect eye candy, but no substantial reasons are given as to why she is willing to follow Milton on his mission of revenge. She manages to give Piper a fuller character than just another pretty face. Even though she never seems to show any wear and tear or mussy hair after going through head to head fights. Look for David Morse to show up as Milton's friend Webster. It is William Fichtner who steals the movie with his dry, witty merchant of death. He's the best thing about the whole movie. And that alone is worth the popcorn.
(Review by reesa)

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 2/20 - 2/26

The Super Bowl for movie lovers is next weekend with the Academy Awards show. Some of our favorite movie pass websites and theaters are hosting parties to help celebrate and share the evening. Hope you have made your plans and show your support.

From Devin Pike on Facebook:
Via Matt Mungle Our Oscar party on Sun at the Angelica Dallas is getting so big we have had to open a second theater. That means there are now a few more VIP seats available for purchase. The event is free and you don't have to have a ticket to attend but VIPs get a swag bag, free drinks and more. www.redcarpetcrash.com

We can't go a week without a grouse from the moderator. This week is aimed of course at the newbies. Please bookmark the group page so you can check the archived messages, and the calendar. This way you are informed about what's coming up and how to get your passes. This will help save you time waiting for us to answer your question when it's readily available on the website. Please sign up for the newsletters (use a couple different emails or sign up again if you are not receiving the mailings....also check your spam folders). Personally asking me to send you a pass will not fly. I don't have them piled up somewhere. I have to enter, pickup, trade in points, whatever, just like everyone else. Remember we keep an eye on chronic moochers.


February 20 - 26, 2011

Sun
2/20

Mon
2/21

Tue
2/22

7:30 pm
Hall Pass
Cinemark West Plano

Wed
2/23
7:00 pm
Paul
tba-Plano

7:30 pm
Win Win
Magnolia

10:00 pm
Horror Remix:Death Rock Part 2
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

Thu
2/24

7:30 pm
MARCH ON
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

7:30 pm
happythankyoumoreplease
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

9:00 pm
Drive Angry
Cinemark 17

10:00 pm
Horror Remix:Death Rock Part 2
Studio Movie Grill Arlington
Fri

2/25

Sat
2/26

10:00 am
Rango
tba

11:00 am
Ultramarines
SMG - Lewisville

11:00 am
Rango
Studio Movie Grill Royal

Brotherhood Almost Interview

I had the last interview of the day with Director Will Canon and the cast from Brotherhood this week and I was stuck on the Dart hurtling through the tunnel on the way to Mockingbird Station. Fortunately Raymond Garcia was there snapping some great pictures. As I quickly dug out my digital voice recorder, I should have double checked it's functioning, because after quickly rushing in and trying to get my interview time in, it turns out nothing was recorded. (slaps self on side of the head). My sincere apologies to Mr. Canon and the cast and thank you for time.

Will Canon and the cast Jon Foster(Frank), Trevor Morgan (Adam), Lou Taylor Pucci (Kevin) and Arlen Escarpeta (Mike) came to the Angelika to speak with the press promoting their film Brotherhood. The story came from a short film that ten years later became last year's Audience Award winning feature from SXSW and the DIFF.

Although Canon did not have personal fraternity experience (and the cast all claim not to have attended college), he did a lot of research and spent some time witnessing some pledge initiations. The house used in the film was an actual frat house near the University of Arlington during a Texas August with no A/C. Trevor Morgan, who plays Adam was the first role cast and he suggested his friend Lou Taylor Pucci and they were also friends with Jon Foster. With the fast paced storyline, they stuck very closely to the script although Adam and Lou claim they improvised one scene together.

As for future projects, Will is still exploring what will come next. Jon Foster who was in The Door in the Floor, Tenderness and the Informers has Ramparts coming out later this year. Trevor Morgan you may recognize from Mean Creek and Jurassic Park III stars in Vampire which was invited to the Berlin Film Festival. Arlen Escapreta was featured in We Are Marshall and for three seasons of American Dreams can be seen in the upcoming Now Final Destination 3D. And Lou Taylor Pucci can be seen in The Music Never Stopped which had an advanced screening at the Angelika a couple months ago which ended up on my top ten of the year.

Brotherhood hits the ground running. Please see this movie. You will not be disappointed.

Brotherhood

A van with some college pledges are tasked with robbing a convenience store as part of their initiation into the Sigma Zeta Chi fraternity. They are given a mask and a gun and told to get $19.10. Freshman Adam Buckley doesn't really want to this, but his highly pressured into it by the house senior Frank and the other two pledges who had done their “robbery”. Adam reluctantly goes in before Frank discovers that they are parked at the wrong store and Adam may actually be holding up the store.

Moments later what would have been a harmless prank on the pledges turns into a bloody mess when the store clerk shoots Kevin Fahey (Lou Taylor Pucci). Panic and chaos ensues as Frank (John Foster) tries to run damage control by cleaning up the mess. Adam wants to take Kevin to the hospital, but Frank doesn't want the authorities involved by letting the fraternity handle it themselves. There's a house party going on with drinking, girls and more house pranks. Everyone is quickly sent out while they bring in the injured Kevin who is shot in the shoulder and losing lots of blood. Panic is building with everyone trying to keep a lid on the situation while Frank is yelling for everyone to shut up so he can think. But those serious errors in thinking causes a cascade of disastrous consequences that involves kidnapping the store clerk and hiding the injured pledge from a former house mate that is now a cop. Not to mention the various pranks played that evening that were mean and stupid and will come back and bite them. There's issues of a pack mentality involved with frat life as everyone is trying to run spin control on a situation that is becoming increasingly more stressful. Adam must find a way to save his friends even if it means going against his potential brotherhood.

Arlington director Will Canon's debut won audience awards at SXSW and DIFF. This is a satisfying and exciting first feature project that well deserves the accolades. The camera chases around the actors barely letting the audience catch its breath when more stuff piles on straining credibility but still keeping your eyes glued to the screen. The feature started as a short film project when Canon was a junior at NYU about 10 years ago. The script written by Canon and Doug Simon is edgy, frantic and full of surprises. Just when you think these young men can't do anything worse, the other shoe falls. The strong work by the cast makes the story highly believable. If nothing else it just goes to prove that having a college education doesn't necessarily mean that you are smart.
(Review by reesa)

I Am Number Four

Daniel appears to be a self confident and physically adept teenager. His guardian keeps reminding him to keep a lower profile as they are constantly on the move from a deadly enemy that wishes to destroy him. There are nine children that were brought to this world after theirs was destroyed. Their enemies are picking them off one by one in order. Three are gone. Daniel is number four.

Alex Pettyfer who is also set to star in another new release Beastly plays Daniel who becomes John Smith, a name his Cêpan (warrior guardian) Henri (Timothy Olyphant) has given him when they had to leave Florida for a small town of Paradise, Ohio. Henri makes sure that all evidence that might appear on the Internet is erased reminding John that he must stay under the radar. Unfortunately John can't seem to stay out of trouble when he comes to the aid of the school nerd Sam (Callan McAuliffe). Sam's real father went missing after searching evidence of extraterrestrial life and is somehow tied to why Henri wanted to come to this particular town. The school jocks and bullies led by Mark (Jake Abel), is peeved at John's interest in Sarah (Glee's Dianna Agron) who posts Johns pictures on her website Strangers in Paradise. John is also experiencing powerful new abilities. And like most teens, using those powers is it's own high. When the jocks start attacking him because of his attraction to the Mark's ex girlfriend Sarah, John is forced to use his super strength. The incident draws the attention of the local police and the evil Mogadorians (Kevin Durand as the commander). Henri may have found a special rock that will help locate the remaining six children. All of this comes together in an epic battle and leads the door open for more stories to be told.

Based on the teen scifi novel of the same name written by Jobie Hughes and James Frey it was adapted to the screen by Al Gough, Miles Millare and Marti Noxon. Director of Disturbia and Eagle Eye DJ Caruso helms this teen-centric story which plays like an extended version of Smallville. There's the super powers, the girl in jeopardy, the smart nerd buddy, the high school bullies, and alien bad guys. What saves it is the charming Mr. Pettyfer who destined to be the next big thing, Timothy Olyphant who seems to be the go to actor of the moment, and the excellent special effects. The theme of John coming to terms with his new found abilities and responsible for his destiny by standing up and fighting for good is a nice lesson for kids of all ages.
(Review by reesa)

Unknown

Dr. Martin Harris and his lovely wife Elizabeth are flying into Berlin where Martin is set to give a speech at a symposium. The cab driver forgets to include his briefcase so Martin has to rush back to the airport. An unexpected accident causes the cab to crash flying over a bridge into the winter river. The female cab driver manages to save him, but it leaves Martin is in a coma for four days. When he is awakened he has no ID on him and his memory is still foggy. He seeks out his wife but she doesn't know who he is, and there's someone else claiming he's her husband, Dr. Martin Harris and he has the ID to prove it.

Unknown is being called a combination of Taken and the Bourne Identity as Harris he takes over another European city causing all sorts of trouble. The snow covered landscape of gray Berlin tagged with graffiti is nicely photographed as Martin roams the streets after being kicked out by the hotel security trying to piece together his hazy recollections. He searches for the cab driver/cafe waitress Gina (Diane Kurger) but she doesn't want to talk to him because she's illegally in the country from Bosnia. With no where left to go, he returns to the doctor who wants to run some tests when someone comes in and tries to kill him. On the run again he enlists the help of a cold war survivor, a retired Stasi officer Jurgen (Bruno Ganz) to help him discover his identity. Meanwhile Martin and Gina run around the city eluding a pair of mysterious assassins who for some reason always seem to know where they are in such a big city. The best scene in the film is when Frank Langella shows up as Martin's long time friend and you know by that oily smile means something is fishy.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra tries to set the film with a Hitchcockian mood. Adapted by Olivier Butcher and Stephen Cornwell from a novel by Gallic author Didier Van Cauwelaert the story has lots of loose ends and plot holes while it presents several red herrings and misdirections. Neeson looking older but still macho and formidable plays Martin with the right amount of pathos and perplexity. Even Aidan Quinn as the other Dr. Martin Harris is looking long in the tooth for this role. January Jones as Elizabeth the wife with a hidden agenda as well Diane Kurger as streetwise Gina serve as pretty blond wallpaper. Why do movie makers continue to cast young women and pair them with older actors then expect us to believe it? Despite what's innately wrong with the film, the action packed adventure is still a diverting way to spend a date night in February.
(Review by reesa)

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 2/13 - 2/19

My favorite weeks are the ones filled with screenings. Lots of choices this week which means lots of crowded movie lines. Thanks to everyone for making the advanced screening experience enjoyable and manageable.

To all the newbies joining, please read over your welcome letter and the front page of the group on how to post messages. If you have questions, please write to the moderators first. When mooching for a pass, please make sure you follow up with your pass pickup. If someone says they are holding a pass for you and you don't retrieve it then you are keeping someone who really wanted to see the screening from attending. Also, you must make every attempt on your own to get passes by entering the contest, registering for the newsletters, radio stations and GOFOBO. Remember the people that have those passes when through the effort themselves.

Please note that some movie passes say Non Transferable. Please respect the rules on the passes. Like GOFOBO's don't duplicate and share with others.

February 13 - 19, 2011

Sun
2/13

Mon
2/14

7:30 pm
Jumping the Broom
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

Tue
2/15

7:30 pm
Unknown
Cinemark West Plano

7:30 pm
happythankyoumoreplease
Angelika Dallas

8:00 pm
Dirty Dancing
Magnolia

Wed
2/16

7:30 pm
Cedar Rapids
Angelika Dallas

7:30 pm
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
tba-Arlington

7:30 pm
I Am Number Four
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

7:30 pm
I Am Number Four
Eastchase-Fort Worth

Thu
2/17

7:00 pm
Adjustment Bureau
Cinemark Legacy Plano

7:30 pm
Beastly
Cinemark West Plano

Fri
2/18

10:15 pm
Slant 45 The Movie
Dallas Museum of Art

Sat
2/19

The Eagle

In 140 AD Roman centurion Marcus Aquila arrives at a military outpost in Britain. It's his first command which he requested. Twenty years ago his father and 5000 soldiers carrying the golden eagle of the Roman army had disappeared while invading the north. The Roman Emperor Hadrian was so angry he ordered a wall built to seal off what is now Scotland. It is Marcus' goal to recover the Legions golden Eagle standard to restore his family's tarnished reputation.

Marcus (Channing Tatum) predecessor had left the fort quickly when he found he was being replaced. Marcus has his new command fix the deteriorating walls and protective spikes. His first order is to send out a squad to check on a grain shipment that had not yet arrived despite the reluctance of a few officers. Later that night he senses trouble when the local band of rebels attack the fort. He leads his troops during a siege before suffering a serious wound while bravely rescuing the captured squad. He recuperates at the villa of his Uncle Aquila (Donald Sutherland). Rome commends him for saving the men and the fort but discharges him from the army due to his wounds. Demoralized Marcus impulsively saves the life of a Briton slave at a gladiator contest by getting the crowd to “thumbs up” the verdict. Aquila buys the young Briton to be Marcus' slave. Esca (Jamie Bell) hates all things Roman, but vows to serve him because he saved his life.

Marcus having heard that the Eagle has been seen beyond the Hadrian wall sets off on the quest with Esca as his guide through the highlands, mountains and savage wilderness. The people of the north are mistrustful of the Romans, and Marcus must rely on Esca to translate and navigate. They meet up with an ex-Roman soldier Guern (Mark Strong) who escaped the massacre of his father's army and now hides among the Britons. Viewing the battleground Marcus comes close the truth of what happened that fateful day that be linked with the identity of his slave. Esca's loyalty is tested when they are captured by the blue skinned Seal people of the northern coast.

Jeremy Brock's script was adapted from the 1954 adventure The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. Director Kevin Macdonald who also did the Last King of Scotland aims the story on the friendship and antagonism of the two young men. They briefly touch on the whole slave vs master concept, conquerors and conquered, and father/son/friend redemption. Not exactly historically authentic because little is known about the northern wild tribes, the Seal people look more like native Americans with blue painted skin. There are some chase scenes that remind one of the Last of the Mochicans. The country side is beautifully filmed, the costumes and sets seem accurately appointed. It's disconcerting at first hearing Tatum speaking with an American accent with an almost too contemporary dialogue. But after awhile you forget about it, especially when the action picks up with some good battle scenes. Not a bad way to spend at an afternoon movie. Check the brain at the door, worth the popcorn.
(Review by reesa)

Gnomeo and Juliet

Did you ever wonder what your garden gnomes do when you are not looking? According to folklore gnomes awaken at night and magically transform your garden. Disney has recreated Shakespeare's classic tragic love story Romeo and Juliet using red and blue gnomes of battling neighbors Lord Capulet and Miss Montague and of course they live on Verona Drive.

The warring humans live in a duplex, their yards divided by a fence. When they leave their houses the weather vanes alert the statuary when it's safe to transform. Besides tending their respective gardens, the on going challenge between them is fought in the alley with souped up lawn mowers. Gnomeo (James McAvoy) is the young adventurous male of the blues. He races Tybalt (Jason Statham) a red bully with a flower on his belly. Tybalt cheats and causes the blue lawnmower to be ruined by a passing car. Tempers are raised and the blues want revenge. Meanwhile Juliet (Emily Blunt) the sheltered daughter of Lord Redbrick (Michael Caine) leader of the reds sees a beautiful orchid growing from a rundown greenhouse in the next yard. She sees this is her opportunity to contribute something of worth. Wearing a sock like a ninja costume she sneaks across the fence. Gnomeo dressed like a guerrilla to cause some damage to the reds sees her and is immediately smitten. In playful competition they fight over the flower. When they crash and their disguises reveal their colors, they are aghast and confused.

Director Kelly Asbury and a boat load of screenwriters loosely adapted the Bard's tragic romance into an Elton John musical comedy with plaster gnomes for kids. The animation is quick remarkable which in 3D looking and sound fairly photo realistic. It's fun to watch the characters have to transform to inanimate objects no matter what they are doing when faced with humans. Smaller kids may recoil at the “tragedy” of some characters getting shattered and a monster lawn mower Terrafirminator (Hulk Hogan) that wrecks havoc, but no worries, it all comes together at the end. The mood is highlighted by the supporting characters like a pink plastic flamingo (Jim Cummings), a Bambi deer (Ozzy Osbourne), Rosanne the frog (Ashely Jensen), Dolly Gnome (Dolly Parton) and Maggie Smith as Lady Bluebury, Gnomeo's mother. Shakespeare even has a bit part voiced by Patrick Stewart. The movie works as a nice introduction to the classics for young kids, and Elton John's 70's hits are for the parents that will have to accompany them.
(Review by reesa)

Twelve Titles for the DALLAS International Film Festival

The DALLAS Film Society Announces

Twelve Titles for the DALLAS International Film Festival in Official Selections

FOUR World Premieres & ONE U.S Premiere

Lineup marks return to DALLAS Intl Film Fest by indie filmmakers Calvin Reeder and Dave Boyle

CADILLAC takes the wheel as presenting sponsor for 2011

Dallas, TX, February 10, 2011—The DALLAS International Film Festival announced today the first twelve films that will screen at this year’s fifth festival (March 31 – April 10) including four world premieres and one U.S. premiere. The festival announced three films set for its Texas Competition, two films in its Family Friendly section and the first film selected for a brand new India Spotlight series. Films entered into the narrative feature and narrative documentary competition will once again have the chance to win an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000 per category courtesy of Target.

DALLAS IFF also announced that CADILLAC will be the film festival’s presenting sponsor for the 2011 edition.

Gil Cates Jr.’s comedy LUCKY stars Colin Hanks as a wannabe serial killer who wins the lottery and decides to pursue his lifelong crush. Hanks will return to Dallas where he filmed the FOX television series “The Good Guys” last year. The film also stars Jeffrey Tambor, Mimi Rogers and Ann-Margret.

Three selections for DALLAS IFF’s coveted Texas Competition category were announced. Sponsored by MPS Studios, the first films lined up for the Texas Competition are: Patrick Tourville’s documentary OK BUCKAROOS, which profiles Country Western music troubadour and legend, Jerry Jeff Walker; Eric Hueber’s RAINBOWS END, a comedy that follows a band of native East Texas misfits West as they make a run at California gold; and Rachel Shepard’s TRAVELING, which connects three “lost” strangers on a road trip to Austin.

A festival highlight, Family Day, will be returning on Saturday, April 2, with the world premiere of Sam Ditore’s COOPER & THE CASTLE HILLS GANG, a children’s action adventure filmed on location in the north Dallas community featuring the title character’s attempts to help his neighborhood’s beloved grandpa find something he lost. Sponsored by Bright Realty and supported by the Junior League of Dallas, adults and children of all ages will be invited to walk the Family Day red carpet, participate in arts and crafts, watch live performances, and experience the fun buzz of families and film. Also announced for the Family Friendly Section is William Dear’s THE PERFECT GAME, which is based on the true story about the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.

The initial international entries on the DALLAS IFF slate include the first official selection for the debut of a new India Spotlight section. Kiran Rao’s MUMBAI DIARIES (Dhobi Ghat) is a drama involving the lives of four different people living in Mumbai. The movie brings into focus, among other things, the problems and situations of non-resident Indians, in particular those raised in the U.S. The second international selection revealed today also has strong Dallas ties. Dallas residents, Rob and Conor Allyn, produced (Rob Allyn) and co-directed (Conor Allyn, with Yadi Sugandi) BLOOD OF EAGLES (Darah garuda – Merah putih II), an Indonesian take on a classic Hollywood premise: an elite army unit is put together to halt work on the enemy’s strategically situated airfield. BLOOD OF EAGLES was the highest grossing film in Indonesia last year.

Two selections vying for the $25,000 Target cash prize in the Documentary Feature competition were announced. Alex Dawson and Greg Gricus’s poignant WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE and Anne Buford’s ELEVATE, a story documenting the journey of four teenagers from Senegal as they embark on life in American Prep schools in the hope of reaching the NBA.

Having just premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Calvin Lee Reeder brings his signature surreal and horrific filmmaking style back to Dallas with a screening of his debut feature THE OREGONIAN. The film follows an Oregon woman’s experiences after she survives a brutal car accident. Reeder’s work is familiar to DALLAS IFF audiences following screenings of his short films LITTLE FARM, which was the 2007 Festival’s Short Grand Jury Prize winner, THE RAMBLER and SNAKE MOUNTAIN COLADA. Another indie filmmaker returning to DALLAS IFF will be Dave Boyle. Boyle’s SURROGATE VALENTINE about a San Francisco indie musician on the road will mark his second appearance at the festival following BIG DREAMS LITTLE TOKYO in 2007.

“These first dozen selections really highlight how international cinema and our own Dallas and Texas filmmakers intersect at DALLAS IFF. We are proud to present the inspired work of our local filmmakers and returning DALLAS IFF alumni side-by-side with other auteurs from around the world. Just as much as the city of Dallas is truly an international center connecting the world with our local businesses and culture, DALLAS IFF has become a southwestern hub for international and local filmmaking,” said James Faust, DALLAS International Film Festival Artistic Director.

For the first time since the inception of the DALLAS International Film Festival, automotive giant CADILLAC has signed on as presenting sponsor. Metroplex Cadillac Dealers will be providing the festival with a Cadillac fleet to transport filmmakers and festival guests around Dallas for the entire 11-day duration. “We are proud to be able to support the DALLAS International Film Festival in this capacity,” said Tom D’Angelo, Regional Marketing Manager for Cadillac, South Central Region. “Metroplex Cadillac Dealers are dedicated to celebrating the arts within the community and what a better way to do this than supporting an internationally respected festival of this caliber.” To entice festival audiences even further, the DALLAS Film Society will be launching a raffle for one lucky winner to walk away with a 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe. On February 10, a CTS Coupe will be unveiled at an ultra chic festival kick-off party at Stanley Korshak in Dallas - only 1,000 raffle tickets will go on sale for $100 each or 6 for $500 (for information on how to buy a ticket visit dallasfilm.org). The winner will be notified following the DALLAS Film Society Honors on April 8, 2011.

The 2011 DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac will be dedicated to founder and Chairman Emeritus, Liener Temerlin. “The creative influence of Liener Temerlin has left a mark on the city of Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert. “As Mayor, I have always been proud to be a part of the DALLAS International Film Festival, even more so in 2011 when the festival is being dedicated to Liener, a true trailblazer.”

Downtown Dallas will become a vibrant epicenter of the festival as the stylish Joule Hotel will host out-of-town filmmakers and visiting celebrities. With the Festival Lounge only steps away from the Joule, filmmakers and film fans can mingle and experience the energy of downtown, whilst within striking distance of the Dallas Arts District, which will offer thought-provoking panels, museum-oriented events and red carpet Galas. With theaters in the fashionable West Village, hip Mockingbird Station and family friendly Plano, filmmakers and attendees will receive a 360 degree cultural Dallas experience.

The DALLAS International Film Festival will run March 31 – April 10, 2011. Passes are currently on sale, tickets go on sale March 14. Passes and tickets will be made available via online (www.dallasfilm.org), and phone (214.720.0555).

The twelve official selections include:

BLOOD OF EAGLES (Darah garuda – Merah putih II)(Indonesia) – US PREMIERE
Director: Yadi Sugandi, Conor Allyn
The action film BLOOD OF EAGLES follows the exploits of an elite army unit recruited to halt the construction of an enemy’s key airfield. The cast includes Doni Alamsyah, Ario Bayu and Atiqah Hasiholan.

COOPER & THE CASTLE HILLS GANG(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Sam Ditore
COOPER & THE CASTLE HILLS GANG is an action-packed, family-friendly story that takes lead character “Cooper” on a quest to help Castle Hills’ favorite grandpa, “Mr. Wilson,” find something he has lost. The film’s cast includes rising child star Kyle Kirk as Cooper and JB Edwards as Mr. Wilson.

ELEVATE (USA)
Director: Anne Buford
From rural Senegal to American Prep schools, ELEVATE documents the basketball journey of four particularly tall African teenagers with NBA dreams.

LUCKY(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Gil Cates Jr.
Darkly comic LUCKY follows the journey of $36 million Iowan lottery winner Ben Keller as he follows his life-long crush, Lucy St Martin. But can all the money in the world compensate for the fact that Ben is a fledgling serial killer? Starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, Jeffrey Tambor and Ann-Margret.

MUMBAI DIARIES (Dhobi Ghat)(India)
Director: Kiran Rao
MUMBAI DIARIES is a drama following the intersecting lives of a collage of people, emotions and situations in the diverse city of Mumbai. The film stars Aamir Khan, Prateik Babbar and Monica Dogra.

OK BUCKAROOS(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Directed by: Patrick Tourville
Patrick Tourville’s documentary OK BUCKAROOS is the story of Jerry Jeff Walker, whose music has led him from the nation's biggest arenas to hundred-year old honky-tonks. Walker is an artist who has been a cog in the wheel of the recording industry's star-making machinery and an involuntary pioneer on the frontier of artistic independence. Among those appearing in the documentary are Jerry Jeff Walker and Willie Nelson.

THE OREGONIAN(USA)
Director: Calvin Lee Reeder
THE OREGONIAN follows the experiences of an Oregon woman who enters a nightmarish unknown after suffering a brutal car accident.The film stars Lindsay Pulsipher, Robert Longstreet, Matt Olen and Lynne Compton.

THE PERFECT GAME(2009) (USA)
Director: William Dear
THE PERFECT GAME is based on a true story about a group of boys from Monterrey, Mexico who become the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.The film stars Clifton Collins, Jr., Cheech Marin and Moises Arias.

RAINBOWS END(USA)
Director: Eric Hueber
RAINBOWS END is a comedy that follows a band of native East Texas misfits West as they make a run at California gold. The cast includes William Neal Edwards III, Brian Birdwell and Legendary Stardust Cowboy.

SURROGATE VALENTINE(USA)
Director: Dave Boyle
Directed by Dave Boyle, SURROGATE VALENTINE is about a San Francisco indie musician who lives a life on the road, navigating friendships and relationships. The film stars Goh Nakamura, Chadd Stoops and Lynn Chen.

TRAVELING(USA) – WORLD PREMIERE
Director: Rachel Shepherd
Traveling is a drama which follows the story of three people who have never really had a family that find that connection on a road trip to Austin. With one passenger just looking for a ride, another greatly needing a distraction, and the third looking for any kind of connection, they may or may not find what they need along the way. The cast includes Reece Rios, Melissa Odom and McKaley Miller.

WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE(USA)
Director: Alex Dawson, Greg Gricus
WILD HORSE, WILD RIDE follows a handful of unforgettable characters who set out on a 100-day quest to tame a totally wild mustang for a Texas competition. This stunning documentary highlights the profound bond between people and animals.

ABOUT THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY
The DALLAS Film Society celebrates films and their impact on society. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the DALLAS Film Society recognizes and honors filmmakers for their achievements in enhancing the creative community, provides educational programs to students to develop better understanding of the role of film in today's world, and promotes the City of Dallas and its commitment to the art of filmmaking. The annual DALLAS International Film Festival, scheduled for March 31-April 10, 2011, is a presentation of the DALLAS Film Society. In addition to producing one of the largest festivals in the Southwest, the Society produces numerous year round events, screening series and partnership programs with arts organizations around the city. For more information, call (214) 720-0555, orvisit www.dallasfilm.org. The offices of the DALLAS Film Society are located at 3625 North Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX 75219.

2011 DALLAS International Film Festival presented by Cadillac - Festival Sponsors: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Barefoot Wine, Baylor Heart and Vascular Hospital, Bright Realty, Cerón, CBS Radio, Colibri Promotions, D Magazine, Design Expediting Services International, Inc., El Creative, Faulkner Design Group, Forté Public Relations, Fun Flicks Outdoor Movies, GrandLuxe Magazine, Joule, A Luxury Collection Hotel, MetroPCS, Metroplex Cadillac Dealers, Mockingbird Station, Modern Luxury Dallas, Movie Magic, MPS Studios Dallas, Neiman Marcus, Post Asylum, Pure Evil Music & Sound Design, REEL FX ENTERTAINMENT, Screen International, smartwater, Stella Artois, Target, The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Time Warner Cable, TM Advertising, TXU Energy, West Village, WFAA-TV, Whole Foods Market, WRR Classical 101.1 FM

ABOUT CADILLAC
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and global expansion. The Metroplex Cadillac Dealers are comprised of eight dealerships throughout North Texas, committed to supporting the artistic talent and achievements in performance and visual arts within the community. More information on Cadillac and their affiliation with the Arts can be found at metroplexcadillacdealers.com

AMC THEATRES® HOSTS 5th ANNUAL BEST PICTURE SHOWCASE

Ten Movies. Two Days. One Oscar®.

Tickets on Sale Now for Special Event on Feb. 19 & 26

Kansas City, Mo. – AMC Theatres (AMC), a leading theatrical exhibition and entertainment company, is proud to announce the 5th annual AMC Best Picture ShowcaseSM, the highly anticipated event by movie lovers nationwide. Since 2007, AMC has offered guests the rare opportunity to experience the movies nominated for the Best Picture Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The 10 movies nominated for Best Picture will be shown on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 26 at more than 113 theatres in 43 markets. Plus, a select 15 of those theatres in 13 markets will host a 24-hour movie marathon where guests can watch all 10 movies in one sitting!

“AMC has a deep history of innovation and we brought the idea to our studio partners, who were happy to collaborate with us on the AMC Best Picture Showcase,” said Stephen Colanero, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at AMC. “These are some of the most celebrated movies of the year, and we recognize that not everyone has seen all 10. Or many movie fans would perhaps like to see them again to analyze scenes, pick up on nuances or just to share the experience with someone new. There is no better way to view these films than on the big screen, and we’re pleased to offer our guests this exclusive opportunity.”

The nominees are: BLACK SWAN, THE FIGHTER, INCEPTION, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT,
THE KING'S SPEECH, 127 HOURS, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, TOY STORY 3, TRUE GRIT and WINTER'S BONE.

AMC Best Picture Showcase Pricing:

Two-Day Pass: $60 (includes all 10 movies on Feb. 19 and Feb. 26)
24-Hour Marathon Pass: $50 (includes all 10 movies at 15 select theatres on Feb. 26)
One-Day Pass: $35 (includes five movies on Feb. 19 or Feb. 26)

Guests will receive a $10 gift card for each one-day pass purchased. Two-day event pass holders will receive a $10 gift card when they check-in on each Saturday. Guests purchasing the 24-hour marathon pass will receive a $20 gift card for Feb. 27. Gift cards can be used for concessions throughout that day.

All guests will also receive a free, special theatre-sized AMC Best Picture Showcase poster that features artwork from all 10 nominees (while supplies last). This poster was specially designed for this event and will not be available at any other time. Additionally, guests will receive a keepsake lanyard, which serves as the pass for the AMC Best Picture Showcase. Please note there will not be a discount for MovieWatcher® members.

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 2/6 - 2/12

Hope everyone survived last week's winter wonderland and stayed warm and cozy at home. If not, more power to you. Mid week we may have more of the same but it's starting out nice so maybe we'll be seeing y'all at some screenings. Did you start to have movie withdrawals and cabin fever. At least the Super Bowl is over (go Packers) and we now have the movie lovers Super Bowl...the Oscars coming up. There is a selection of parties being held by our favorite websites and pass sources, so please join them and show your support.

Don't know where the Gnomeo and Juliet is playing. Believe or not, us moderators don't always get passes. We have to fight, enter, and win just like everyone else. So if anyone got a pass, please drop me a line and let me know where it's playing.

February 6 - 12, 2011

Sun
2/6

Mon
2/7

7:00 pm
Gnomeo and Juliet
tba

Tue
2/8

7:30 pm
Brotherhood
Angelika Dallas

Wed
2/9

7:30 pm
Romeo & Juliet
Studio Movie Grill Dallas

Thu
2/10

7:30 pm
Taxi Driver
Magnolia

7:30 pm
Just Go With It
AMC Northpark

Fri
2/11

Sat
2/12