Man of Tai Chi

So what is it with entertainers becoming first-time film directors with martial-arts vanity projects? Last year saw RZA’s The Man With the Iron Fists, and now in theaters we have Keanu Reeves’ Man of Tai Chi. But whereas RZA’s effort was a loving tribute to old Shaw Brothers films that incorporated the structure of those films, Reeves’ movie is a disjointed compendium of fight sequences.

Basically the film is an effort to demonstrate the martial-arts skills of relative newcomer Tiger Hu Chen, who did stunt work for the last couple of Matrix films. He plays a talented but headstrong tai chi student who ignores his master’s advice to meditate and learn to control his chi and instead gets caught up in a series of illegal club fights staged by Reeves in order to raise money to save the temple from developers. This in turn serves as a plot justification for showing Chen competing with opponents employing a broad range of martial-arts styles: taekwando, mixed martial arts, Indonesian silat and a variety of Chinese styles. (Although what’s noticeably lacking is much tai chi, which isn’t really surprising, considering that it’s primarily a defensive technique.)

The fights, although well-staged (Reeves may be largely bereft of style as a director, but somebody had the good sense to hire Yuen Woo-ping to do the fight sequences), are so brief – several are strung together in a couple of montages – that they have little dramatic effect, and those that are given greater development, like the one that looks like a Vegas stage show complete with strobe lights, are just bizarre. The action switches back and forth between the Beijing area and Hong Kong, but even before the ineffective establishing shots (Can you immediately recognize the Beijing skyline? Neither can I.) are dropped, I found myself listening to determine whether the actors were speaking Cantonese or Mandarin or which side the steering wheels were on in order to figure out where the hell they were. And there’s this angle to the film that Reeves is turning the corruption of Chen into a made-for-pay-per-view spectacular by somehow surreptitiously recording his every move (in high-def, no less) that makes a lot of it seem like an “Up Close and Personal” segment from the Hell Olympics.

But the film’s biggest problem is probably the presence of Reeves himself as an actor. He tries to play his utterly reprehensible villain over-the-top, but over-the-top for an actor as laid-back as Reeves is merely breaking the surface for other performers. At one point he emits what I imagine was supposed to be a primal scream, but whatever it was, I’m guessing the response that it was intended to elicit wasn’t laughter. And although Reeves has pretty good martial-arts chops for an American without a lifetime of training, he’s still nowhere near Chen’s skill level, so when it comes time for the climactic battle, the slow-mo, wire gags and changes in film speed that weren’t employed for the film’s first 80 minutes are laid on thickly to cover up his lack of talent. And what should be the movie’s best fight sequence is its worst. And that’s not the way something as derivative as Man of Tai Chi should work.
(Review by Scott Bowles)

The Face Reader

In recent years, South Korea has been producing if not the best movies in the world, then at least the most consistently interesting ones. And in the middle of a huge number of them (The Host, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, J.S.A.: Joint Security Area, Secret Sunshine) has been actor Song Kang-ho. So when The Face Reader, a new film starring Song, popped up as one of the AMC Grapevine Mills infrequent Korean film imports, I made a point to see it.

Song, for my money, is the best, most exciting actor in movies today, playing a vast array of characters across genres, from the slow-witted provincial police detective in the drama Memories of Murder, to the nutso gunman in the slam-bang adventure The Good, the Bad, the Weird, to the Confucian-scholar-turned-Korean-Babe-Ruth in the comedy YMCA Baseball Team. Even the occasional misfire, such as Thirst (as a Catholic priest who becomes a vampire) has at least been interesting. He reminds me a lot of Chow Yun-fat from 20 years ago, only with greater dramatic range.

The Face Reader offers a chance to see him in an impressively mounted costume drama set in the mid-15th century. He plays Nae-kyung, the down-on-his-luck son of a disgraced nobleman who has become an expert in the art of face-reading, a talent for determining people’s characters by evaluating their facial features, that, judging from the context of the movie, is about as highly regarded as palm-reading in this society. When a clever and enterprising madame (Kim Hye-su) sees a chance to use him to generate more revenue from her clientele, Nae-kyung and his guileless brother-in-law (Jo Jeong-seok) quickly agree, only to find themselves working long hours for little pay.

But word of Nae-kyung’s abilities spreads, and when he uses his talents to help a provincial official solve a murder case, he comes to the attention of the king himself. And thus he finds himself drawn into court intrigues, as a wily senior aide (Baek Yun-shik) tries to outmaneuver the dying king’s vicious and power-hungry brother (Lee Jung-jae) on the behalf of the king’s young heir.

The Face Reader, after beginning as a broad comedy, shifts inexorably into tragedy as Nae-kyung gets in way over his head in the politics of the day. But first-time screenwriter Kim Dong-hyuk and director Han Jae-rim manage to make the transition seem natural and seamless. And Song, of course, is more than up to the task of playing an emotionally complex character, being silly or pitiable as the situation may require.

In the end, The Face Reader may not be as daring as a lot of the Korean movies that make it over here, but it’s well-mounted, intelligent entertainment, and frankly, that’s more than most Hollywood fare can accomplish these days.
(Review by Scott Bowles)

About Time

Director/writer Richard Curtis who brought the world magic with Notting Hill and Love Actually (the best Christmas movie EVER) is back with another sweet love story. Most of his movies are populated with familiar characters. They are like everyday people with hopes, dreams, and just about like everyone you know in real life. They are funny, quirky and endearing. And while this film is not quite as memorable as those mentioned, it stands on his own as not just being a chick flick. The story of the father and son is one that men will hopefully find life affirming.

When he turns 21, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson who played Bill Weasley in Harry Potter) is corralled by his father (Bill Nighy) who shares with him a family secret. The men in their family have the ability to travel through time. They can go backwards but they can't go forwards. The rule is that you really can't change major events in the past because it will have a butterfly effect. All one needs to do is find a closet and make your hands into fists and think of where you want to go. As expected, being a young man, Tim uses his new powers to make a better impression on his sister's friend who is spending the summer with them. Unfortunately no amount of fine tuning with change the outcome of her affection. Later me moves to London to pursue is law career. He stays with a friend of his father, sour puss attitude playwright Harry (Tom Hollander). He meets Mary (Rachel McAdams) at a restaurant concept where you dine in the dark. They have instant chemistry, and through a series of time adjustments, Tim manages to acheive a successful relationship.

The love story with Mary is everything that is expected from a Richard Curtis film. Being romantic, touching and what women hope for in their own lives. The charm of this film is Tim and the poignant relationship with is father. Domhnall Gleeson is the new sex symbol. He's a normal looking guy whose sincerity and charisma trumps the he man image of the big screen heroes. Bill Nighy, a regular cast member of Curtis films, is funny and self effacing as the dad who wants to show his true affections for his only son. There are also some great characters like Tim;s free spirited sister Kit Kat (Lydia Wilson), Linsday Duncan as Tim's mom, the doddering uncle Desmond (Richard Cordery) and the beautiful sea side family home.

The ultimate message of the movie is that even though we don't have the powers to change our history, we should instead take our time to stop and appreciate the events around us, no matter how small and trivial. There's one scene where Tim, harried and short tempered, rushes through his day, being curt with the coffee girl, annoyed by the music bleeding from someone's headphones, and going into a panic during a trial. As he goes back to relive those moments, he takes a different track and instead savours those small things and not let them torment him. Because as he finds, one really only gets one chance to live this life. Live it fully while you can.
(Review by reesa)

About Time

As a guy I can fully tell you, I actually kind of liked this. Is it my cup of tea? No, but I can acknowledge that this is a well put together movie. The directing is good as it is helmed by Richard Curtis who has brought us Love Actually, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral. So from that list he has a style. Is it the same Romantic Comedy "Hollywood" feel like his previous? Yes but it is still enjoyable, charming if you will. Curtis brings us another romantic story but this involves time travel. So there is a slight edge to this one than his others but I really enjoyed that aspect. The acting is good. Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams are the main couple throughout the whole movie but Bill Nighy plays the father of Domhnall's character. Nighy was the best part because he added that father-son relationship that you don't see much in romantic comedies, and I can relate to it. The cinematography is nothing to jump up and down about but it's standard stuff . Its edited and paced well and it held my attention.I took a woman with me and she enjoyed it a lot. I said it was charming and I can acknowledge it's a well made movie, it is just not my cup of tea. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Killing Kennedy

This is a well done TV movie. This movie focuses on Lee Harvey Oswald and the years before the assassination and I really appreciate that. The directing was solid and feel of this movie felt big budget but independent at the same time. if that makes any sense? The best way to put it is. It felt like television but on a larger scale than normal television. The acting was fantastic as I could tell each actor really got into their characters. Rob Lowe kills it (No Pun Intended) as JFK. It looked like he committed a lot of time to prepare for this role. But he was not the standout. Will Rothhaar as Lee Harvey Oswald was amazing in role as he completely embodied the character and showed us the humanistic side and got below the surface of the evil that we perceive. Ginnifer Goodwin and Michelle Trachtenberg did great as Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Oswald. The cinematography was great and the costumes and props made an authentic feel and they set the time period in the sixties pretty accurately. The movie is edited perfectly as I loved the way it was paced and I actually wanted more. This overall was a great TV movie and I really enjoyed it as there are not many TV movies I actually like. 8/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Last Vegas

It didn't take long for Hollyweird to take the Hangover formula with a geriatric cast. Fortunately the leading men happen to be some of the most able, talented and award winning group of actors who unbelievably never shared the screen before this venture. Director of the National Treasure films, Jon Turteltaub and writer Dan Fogelman who did Tangled, Bolt and Fred Claus didn't dumb down the characters as much, nor make them too old and crotchety. It revitalizes the image and careers of the former action stars into the mature roles that show they can still get it up.

The four friends have been together since childhood in their Brooklyn neighborhood. Although they live in different parts of the country, they still maintain that tight bond between them. The news that Billy (Michael Douglas) the long time bachelor of the group is getting married to a woman 30 years younger than himself, inspires the friends to have a party in Las Vegas for him. Sam (Kevin Kline) who lives in a retirement community in Florida with his wife and widowed Archie (Morgan Freeman) who lives in New Jersey with son while he's recuperating from a heart attack have to talk their 4th partner in crime Paddy (Robert De Niro) who has had a falling out with Billy. Paddy is still upset with his best friend for not attending the funeral of his beloved wife. Now Paddy stays home in Brooklyn still mourning. They others basically have to trick him in to going and he's ready to head back when he realizes the party if is Billy.

The bickering continues as it does with old friends until they meet lounge singer Diana (Mary Steenburgen) a former attorney who decided to give up law and live her dream. They are all pretty much smitten with her. Especially Billy and Paddy. They both have long seated issues over Paddy's wife. Meanwhile Archie is hiding out from his son's overbearing surveillance. He had climbed out the window to go on this trip. Sam gets a note from his wife saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” with a condom. All four actors are a delight to watch. Billy is the slick and a well to do Hollywood mover and shaker. Paddy is the Archie Bunker type, Sam is more urbane with with a smirk, and Archie is part goofy and wise. Diana gives them all a chance to put on the charm and flirt.

The sitcom type of humor prevails in this, with running jokes about Common (50 Cents), Sam's free pass for sex, Archie's win at the blackjack table that enables the guys to throw a party to end all parties, and eventual reconciliation of two best friends. There's even a bikini party thrown in there for obvious humor points. While you can see the set ups a mile away, you can't but help laugh out loud at some of the scenes. Thanks to the excellent performances and comfortable chemistry of De Niro, Douglas, Freeman and Kline. It begs for sequel.
(Review by reesa)

Free Birds

If your kids refuse to partake in your Thanksgiving turkey feast you can blame the new animated film Free Birds. Directed by Jimmy Hayward who also wrote the screenplay with Scott Mosier from a story by David I. Stern and John J. Strauss, the film tells the story of one particular bird who comes across the secret of why the farmer is fattening up the flock. Yes, young impressionable children will be thinking about those turkey's that were talking about their fate on someone's table.

Owen Wilson is voice of Reggie, a blue headed turkey that's a little different from the rest of the flock. According to Reggie, turkey's are dumb. They don't believe that all the corn the farmer feeds them is to make them ready for the dinner. When people gather at the farm, he gets the turkey's to hide in their shed. He thinks they are finally ready to listen to his warnings, instead they send him outside on this own. Fortune finds him when Reggie turns out to be the bird singled out for the annual presidential pardon. The presidents' daughter takes Reggie with her to Camp David where he's pampered, eating pizza and watching telenovelas. Later he meets turkey Jake (Woody Harrelson), the only member of the Turkeys Liberation Front. He's kidnaps Reggie to take him on a mission directed by the “great turkey” to go back in a time machine to change the first Thanksgiving and take turkey off the menu.

The time machine (voiced by George Takei) takes them back to the fort governed by Bradford (Dan Fogler). The settlers are hungry, and the Governor is trying to broker a deal with the Indians. Myles Standish (Colm Meaney) has been trying to hunt down the native turkeys in the area, but the flock lead by Chief Broadbeak (Keith David) are wise to them and keeps them away from their hide out. Reggie and Jake have to make their case to the flock who are not dumb birds as they become in the future. They are productive and prosperous not having been beaten down by a future of being someone's meal. Jenny (Amy Poehler) attracts Reggie. She's smart, snarky, and doesn't quite believe their story. Ranger (Jimmy Hayward), the chief's son, engages in machismo competition with Jake. Somehow they have to convince the colonial flock to attack the fort and stop dinner before Standish finds them.

This is another of those 3D films that could easily benefit without having to spend extra cash for those glasses. Truly if you do see this 2D it you will be saving yourself some money. The animation is well done enough, the colors reflect the perfect autumn movie. There's a little bit of violence and sacrifice that may effect the smaller ones. But overall, there's plenty of humor and girl power for everyone. Then of course, your kids may request pizza at Thanksgiving.
(Review by reesa)

LONE STAR FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MAVERICK AWARD RECIPIENT, OPENING NIGHT SCREENING AND MORE FILMS

LONE STAR FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES MAVERICK AWARD RECIPIENT, OPENING NIGHT SCREENING AND MORE FILMS

The Fort Worth Festival Will Open with Previously Announced TIM’S VERMEER
Tim Jenison and Producer Farley Ziegler in Attendance


Fort Worth, Texas—Oct. 29, 2013—The Seventh Annual Lone Star Film Festival (LSFF) in Sundance Square announced that Louis Black, co-founder of the Austin Chronicle and the SXSW Film Festival, will receive the LSFF Maverick Award at this year’s LSFF Ball on Friday, November 8 at the Fort Worth Club.

According to Lone Star Film Society Director Alec Jhangiani, “Louis Black is a major inspiration for all of us here at the LSFF. He is an example of how important cultural events can be to the identity of a city. We’re thrilled that he has accepted this very fitting award.”
The Maverick Award is given to industry leaders who demonstrate exceptional integrity and courage in their career choices. The Maverick Award has previously been awarded to Robert Rodriguez and John Hawkes.

The festival also announced that the previously announced documentary TIM’S VERMEER will open the festival. Tim Jenison, the subject of the highly anticipated documentary, and its producer Farley Ziegler will attend the screening.

Films that have previously occupied the prestigious opening night slot at the LSFF include THE DESCENDANTS, SUNSHINE CLEANING and JAYNE MANSFIELD’S CAR.



Additional titles announced as part of the Showcase and ReScreen sections of the festival include:
BE HERE TO LOVE ME, presented by Louis Black and Margaret Brown
12 O’CLOCK BOYZ
BLOOD BROTHER
WINTER IN THE BLOOD
and a collection of short films by up and coming Texas directors.

Other Showcase films previously announced include:
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY
ONE CHANCE
MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

The festival will also screen newly re-mastered versions of the all time classic films CONTEMPT by Jean-Luc Godard and TOKYO STORY by Yasujiro Ozu. These films will screen as part of the ReScreen section, which features rediscovered, remastered and rereleased films.

In addition to Louis Black, the 2013 Lone Star Film Festival will honor Lyle Lovett with the Stephen Bruton Award for his longtime contribution to film as an actor and musician, and Stephen Murrin, Jr. with the inaugural Visionary Award for his commitment to Fort Worth and the Lone Star Film Society.

Passes for the 2013 LSFF are available for purchase.
Passes are available at two levels, $50 and $250.
Members of the Lone Star Film Society receive a 25 percent discount on festival passes.
Individual screening tickets are $8 and will be available for purchase soon.
To purchase a festival passes and tickets to the Lone Star Film Festival, please visit lonestarfilmfestival.com.

Stay up to date with the 2013 Lone Star Film Festival by “liking” Lone Star on Facebook and following Lone Star on Twitter at @LoneStarFilmSoc.

###


ABOUT THE LONE STAR FILM FESTIVAL:

The Lone Star Film Festival (LSFF) in Sundance Square is the signature event of the Lone Star
Film Society and a vibrant addition to the Fort Worth, Texas cultural landscape. The festival
seeks to discover and platform emerging films, talent, trends and distribution models that will
shape the future of film while providing North Texas audiences with their first, and sometimes
only, opportunity to see the most celebrated films of the year and interact with the artists that
made them.

In 2013, MovieMaker Magazine ranked the LSFF in the top 25 of its coveted annual list “TOP 50
FESTIVALS WORTH THE ENTRY FEE.” In only it’s seventh year, the Fort Worth, Texas based
Lone Star Film Festival now proudly ranks among veteran festivals such as the 35-year-old
Denver Starz Film Festival, the 23-year-old Cinequest Film Festival (located in San Jose, CA)
and the 30-year-old Hawaii International Film Festival, as well as much larger festivals like
Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, renowned as the largest genre festival in the U.S.

For more information, visit www.lonestarfilmfestival.com.



MAVERICK AWARD
LOUIS BLACK

Louis Black received an MFA from the University of Texas in Austin with a concentration in
Film in 1980. The next year he was a co-founder of The Austin Chronicle, which he edits
(www.austinchronicle.com), and in 1987 helped launch South by Southwest Music, Interactive
and Film Festivals and Conferences (www.sxsw.com) of which he is still a Director. A founding
board member of the Austin Film Society (founded by and current artistic director: Richard
Linklater), he was also the board’s first President. Along with Texas Monthly Editor Evan Smith
he helped create the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2000. Along with Ryan Long, Black co-founded
the Texas Independent Film Network, now administered by the Austin Film Society. Black was
an executive producer of SXSW Presents, a local PBS show highlighting Film Festival films and
he executive produced the documentary BE HERE TO LOVE ME: A FILM ABOUT TOWNES
VAN ZANDT by filmmaker Margaret Brown. Brown's THE ORDER OF MYTHS, on which he
is an associate producer, played the 2008 Sundance film festival and won a Peabody Award.
Black wrote the liner notes for Dualtone’s CD re-release of Daniel Johnston’s first two tapes,
Songs of Pain and More Songs of Pain and for the CD Welcome to my World, a Best of
Johnston’s anthology. He executive produced the first ever DVD release of Eagle Pennell's 1978
indie classic THE WHOLE SHOOTIN’ MATCH, the film that Robert Redford always cites as
the one that made him decide to start the Sundance Institute.



SHOWCASE FILMS

12 O’CLOCK BOYZ
Directed by Lotfy Nathan
The 12 O’CLOCK BOYS are a notorious urban dirt bike pack in Baltimore — popping wheelies
and weaving at excessive speeds through traffic, the group impressively evades the hamstrung
police. In Lotfy Nathan’s wild, dynamic documentary (three years in the making), their stunning
antics are envisioned through the eyes of young adolescent Pug – a bright kid from the Westside
obsessed with the riders and willing to do anything to join their ranks. Premiering to critical
acclaim at the SXSW and Hot Docs Film Festivals (where Nathan won the HBO Emerging Artist
Award), 12 O’CLOCK BOYS provides a compelling and intimate personal story of a young boy
and his dangerous, thrilling dream.


WINTER IN THE BLOOD
Directed by Alex & Andrew Smith
Virgil First Raise wakes in a ditch on the hardscrabble plains of Montana, hungover and badly
beaten. He sees a shocking vision: his father, ten years dead, lying frozen at his feet. Shaken,
Virgil returns home to his ranch on the Reservation, only to find that his wife, Agnes, has left
him. Worse, she’s taken his beloved rifle. Virgil sets out to town find her— or perhaps just the
gun— beginning a hi-line odyssey of inebriated and improbable intrigues with the
mysterious Airplane Man, his beautiful accomplice, Malvina, and two dangerous Men in Suits.
Virgil’s quest also brings him face-to-face with childhood memories, traumas and visions of his
long lost brother Mose. Virgil, bloodied and broken by his quest, realizes that he must look
inward for the strength he needs to survive. In the mountains, he seeks out Yellow Calf— an old
blind man, who helps him grasp the truth of his origins. By embracing— and no longer fleeing—
his memories, Virgil is finally able to thaw the ice in his veins.


BLOOD BROTHER
Directed by Steve Hoover
Rocky went to India as a disillusioned tourist. When he met a group of children with HIV, he
decided to stay and devote his life to them. This unmistakable power of love is celebrated in this
story of one man’s decision to move to India and restart his life among the dispossessed. Unlike
others who simply passed through their lives, Rocky stayed, dedicating himself to their health and
well-being. Despite formidable challenges, his playful spirit and determination in the face of
despair proves to be an invaluable resource. BLOOD BROTHER – a documentary feature
directed by Rocky’s longtime friend Steve Hoover traces Rocky’s story of working in the village
of Tamil Nadu, India since five years to present. BLOOD BROTHER will be presented in
partnership with TUGG, a web platform that enables audiences to select the films that screen at
their local theaters. All filmmaker profits from the film will be donated to the orphanage and
other HIV/AIDS organizations.



RESCREEN FILMS


BE HERE TO LOVE ME
Directed by Margaret Brown
Executive Producer Louis Black
As a musician, Townes Van Zandt was legendary -- perhaps one of the greatest who ever lived,
inspiring a range of artists from Bob Dylan to Norah Jones to Steve Earle. As a man, a husband,
and a father his life was as tragic as the songs he wrote. Van Zandt was an enigma to his family,
torn between a deep longing for home and the nomadic lifestyle that was necessary for his
livelihood. Director Margaret Brown's BE HERE TO LOVE ME is an artful, expertly directed
portrait of both sides of Van Zandt, and displays an insightful look at the sacrifices, challenges,
and consequences faced in pursuit of a dream. Haunting and lyrical, BE HERE TO LOVE
ME combines in-depth interviews with friends, artists and family with never-before-seen of Van
Zandt; from rare performance and interview footage to intimate portraits of Van Zandt’s private
moments. Margaret Brown and Louis Black in attendance.


TEXAS NEW WAVE SHORTS
In a year when ten films at the Sundance Film Festival were from Texas filmmakers, a film from
a Texas filmmaker (MUD) led the specialty box office for most of the year, a New York Times
piece surveyed the Austin filmmaking scene, three out of five Gotham Award Best Picture
nominees are from Texas and two of these three nominees are considered relatively new talents
taking their place alongside stalwarts like Richard Linklater and Steve McQueen, it’s difficult to
deny that something is brewing in Texas. Call it a comeback, a movement or a wave, it’s certainly
something to pay attention to. In this block of shorts from filmmakers such as David Lowery,
Hannah Fidell, Kat Candler, the Zellner brothers and more, the origins of this new wave of Texas
filmmakers are explored.

Alamo Richardson Special Programming: Tough Ladies and T.Hanksgiving

Alamo Richardson Special Programming:
Tough Ladies and T.Hanksgiving
November 2013

Dallas – October 29, 2013—Sit up and take notice; the ladies are in charge this November—the ladies and the all-around good guy and everyman of our generation, Tom Hanks. At Alamo (100 S. Central Expressway #14, Richardson, TX 75080) this month, we celebrate Tough Ladies and T.Hanksgiving. http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson.



"We are thankful for a lot here at Alamo Drafthouse. In November, numero uno on that list is tough ladies, with programming including some of the best films featuring the most bad ass women in film from every genre and era,” said James Wallace, programmer.

November’s Tough Ladies series includes these films:
Amy Poehler's Smart Girls presents:
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD with special video intro by Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler's Smart Girls Teaser Video:
http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001eaQFI4BaxZZAxyPC-JW_6RvIjt02SHEd1pgQKHamBRTBSgCqdk7YiuSjm7rDwcm1YHaV4UwI5qurjy82-iiRMc6fkHEQ6Wi9Ik69lQLQiNOfuAk34rbalpki2f3g-D2f
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER
ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING
THELMA & LOUISE Beer Dinner
GILDA
FOXY BROWN
BONNIE AND CLYDE Beer Dinner
ALIENS
KILL BILL
KILL BILL, PART II
THE LADY EVE
Girlie Night: NINE TO FIVE
FARGO
COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER



“We're also thankful for Tom Hanks (let's be honest... who isn't?), and there's no better time than Thanksgiving to celebrate the aptly named T. Hanks with our T.HANKSGIVING series, featuring some of the everyman's all-time greatest films!” Wallace concludes. “You won't just have turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie to fill up on this month; you'll have a cornucopia of awesome programming at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson!"

T.Hanksgiving films include:
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE
LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (special Veteran's Day screening with proceeds going to HeroesProject.org)
TURNER & HOOCH
BIG
FORREST GUMP



Free Kids Camp films continue in November with:
THE LAST STARFIGHTER (in celebration of ENDER'S GAME)
EXPLORERS (in celebration of ENDER'S GAME)
LAND BEFORE TIME
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON



Very special screenings also playing in November include:
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (to honor the 100th anniversary of Vivien Leigh's birthday)
FREE SHARKNADO showing with Sharknad-O-Vision!
MOONRAKER with Richard Kriel in attendance
SERENITY with the North Texas Browncoats


About the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema:
The Alamo Drafthouse is a lifestyle entertainment brand with an acclaimed cinema-eatery, the largest genre film festival in the United Sates and an online collectible art store. Named “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has built a reputation as a movie lover’s oasis not only by combining food and drink service with the movie-going experience but also introducing unique programming and high profile, star studded special events.

*Please note: Some dates subject to change. Always check http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson for up-to-date showtimes and tickets.

Movies scheduled 10/27-11/2

Ok so here I go on my soapbox for a bit. When I go to the movie and have to stand in line for 3 or so hours that kind of means I want to see and hear the movie. Not you yelling at the movie to punch him or do something else. We are not in your living room so don’t yell at the screen. The actor playing the roll can’t hear you! Can’t we all have a enjoyable experience? Ok I am done now.

Lots of movies this week. Tuesday is a super busy day I hope everyone got tickets to the movie they want to see.





As always you can email me any questions you have damitdaina@hotmail.com.

See you at the movies


October 27th
Sunday



October 28th
Monday

About Time 7:30 pm Cinemark 17
Last Vegas 7:30 pm tba



October 29th
Tuesday

Blue is the Warmest Color 7:30 pm Magnolia
Ender’s Game 7:00 pm AMC Northpark in IMAX
Philomena 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
About Time 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
Best Man Holiday 7:30 pm SMG Spring Valley
Diana 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
Almost Human 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas





October 30th

Wednesday

Ender’s Game 7:30 pm Cinemark 17





October 31st
Thursday

Psycho 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas




November 1st
Friday



November 2nd
Saturday

12 Years a Slave

Movies about the atrocities that humans inflict upon each other seems to be a popular and well used vehicles for drama. The 1853 autobiography by Solomon Northrup about his experience of being a free black man living in New York and was kidnapped then sold into slavery in Louisiana was considered a best seller when it was published. It stirred the public debate over slavery leading up to the civil war. Directed by Steve McQueen (Shame) and written by John Ridley (Red Tails) the journey is brutally detailed and emotionally draining.

Chiwetel Ejiofor will probably be on the shortlist for Oscars this year for his portrayal of Solomon Northrup. Solomon was a free black man living in Saratoga, NY with his wife and two young children. He made a living playing is violin. He is offered a job in Washington DC playing for a circus. But instead the men drug him and sell him off to slave traders. His will to maintain his true identity is beat out of him and he finds the best way to survive is to keep low and not let people know that he is educated. He's shipped further south and sold off to William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) who somewhat appreciates his intelligence. But the sadistic overseer John Tibeats (Paul Dana) doesn't like the uppity N-word. Trouble ensues and Platt, his new slave name, is sold to Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) who is known as a N-breaker. Epps uses Bible passages to turn into justification for beating disobedience from his slaves. He's like the stereo typical southern slave owner that's ever been created. Drunk, capricious, mean, and depraved. His wife Mary (Sarah Paulson) is equally as cruel, especially towards Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o in an award worthy first performance) who is favored by her husband.

It's through Solomon's eyes that we bear witness to the dehumanized treatment and extreme violence that was fostered upon a group of people. Ejiofor soulful eyes reflect the horror, agony, fear, cunning and fierce will to retain his human dignity. The film does not flinch in it's depiction of the human subjugation that is demeaning and soul sucking, creating zombies who flinch at just a look or sound. Yes, despite the sweat, and harshness of working the fields of cotton and sugar cane, the workers used their music to soothe and unite each other in their collective sorrow.

It's apropos that the current issue of human trafficking and slavery is at the forefront of today's news as well as the current racist undercurrents of political arena. This film will certainly open up the dialogue that needs to be addressed. As a movie, this is extremely well done and will move one to tears. However this is not for the faint of heart as the violence is graphic and disturbing. But those that are willing to endure it will fill your heart and consciousness.
(Review by reesa)

The Counselor

I hate to say this but this is a boring and pointless movie. With Ridley Scott as the director and Cormac McCarthy, author of No Country for Old Men and The Road, wrote the screenplay. This also has a stacked cast. So how come this isn't Oscar bait? Because this will be forgotten in a month and be swept away while other films stomp all over it. Let's get into the review. Ridley Scott does direct a very fine film with a tone that does match this script. Scott does with what he can with the script and does churn out good acting and great cinematography. The acting in this is good with Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz stealing scenes that they are in and Cameron Diaz is fine but it seemed like she was miscast. The cinematography reminded me a lot of McCarthy's No Country for Old Men and it was great. I did enjoy that. The editing seemed sloppy as we were, what seemed like, transported across many different scenes and it just felt jumbled. But the main thing is that it felt super long and boring and at the end it just felt like there was no point. The music was very cool but overall I have to just give a score in the middle as it felt like a luke warm movie when I walked out. Acting, Cinematography and Music are the only reason I am giving this a bump in the score. 5/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Movies scheduled 10/20-10/26

Ok I know I have said this several times. But if we send a email telling you about a contest for some passes. Enter the contest. Don’t reply to the post saying you would love 2 passes. Heck we have to work for the passes ourselves.



I know a lot of people are not getting the passes they are asking for, want to know how I know? You keep replying to the post! I just delete those and then someone else gets that pass you oh so wanted. I know there are times I want to bang my head into a brick wall but I have hope one day I won’t have to keep saying the same thing over and over. In fact tonight at work I have rejected seven different people for the movie 12 Years a Slave.



As always you can email me any questions you have damitdaina@hotmail.com I will be happy to answer anything in my personal email. It is just easier!

See you at the movies

October 20th
Sunday



October 21st

Monday

Last Vegas 7:30 pm Studio Movie Grill Spring Valley
Last Vegas 7:30 pm Studio Movie Grill Lewisville



October 22nd

Tuesday

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
12 Years A Slave 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
Last Vegas 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
EXHIBITION: Great Art on Screen Johannes Vermeer 7:30 pm Cinemark Vista Ridge





October 23rd

Wednesday

About Time 7:30 pm AMC Grapevine
About Time 7:30 pm AMC Frisco
About Time 7:30 pm AMC Arlington
About Time 7:30 pm Magnolia





October 24th

Thursday

North by Northwest 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
Carmen 7:30 pm Klyde Warren Park



October 25th

Friday



October 26th

Saturday

Free Birds 10:30 am AMC Northpark
Free Birds 11 am tba

The Fifth Estate

 
THE FIFTH ESTATE is one of those movies that most of the audience assumes that they know what they are going to see because of what they have heard or read about Julian Assange founder of WikiLeaks which is partially true.  Julian Assange is brilliantly played by Benedict Cumberbatch.  He is known for his amazing work as Sherlock Holmes in SHERLOCK (TV Series) 2010-2014.   Daniel Domscheit-Berg is Julian Assange colleague played by Daniel Bruhl.  Daniel Bruhl was one of the fabulous actors in RUSH.  He played Niki Lauda a very famous car racer in the 1970s.  All the performances in The Fifth Estate were betrayed magnificently. 
 
The movie was 128 minutes long.  It was a long movie but I am not sure it could have been made shorter. It had so much to cover, it takes place in almost every prestigious city or country around the world.  Julian Assange and Daniel Demscheit-Berg traveled all over the world discovered links that most of the time destroys corporations and/or families lives.  It covers most of the links discovered by Julian Assange using the website he created called WikiLeaks. From the very beginning you feel that you were watching history being replayed.  Julian Assange and Daniel Domscheit-Berg with an army volunteers create a platform that allows whistle-blowers to anonymously leak covert data, shining a light on the dark recesses of government secrets and corporate crimes.  Watching The Fifth Estate is edge of your seat shocking, wanting to see what was going to happen next.  It kept my attention from the very beginning to the end.  It is not for everyone, I therefore recommend you see THE FIFTH ESTATE and judge for yourself.    
(Review by Lila Katz)

The Escape Plan

There has to be some point where old action stars ease into more varied character roles that are suitable for their ages in a dignified graceful fashion. The bigger than life persona of Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger offers a certain amount of audience anticipation. But now it's more like a a curiosity to see how these men who are in their mid 60's can endure the physical abuse and the stunts for this type of movie. Both still look good, although they move a bit more slowly than before. Sly still talks like he has marbles in his mouth, and his hands look like sausages. Arnold fares better looking tanned and well cared like a successful businessman or a used car salesman.

Sly plays a security expert Breslin who has been breaking out of prisons for the past 7 years. He used to be a prosecutor, but changed his career due to some tragedy in his life. He fakes his way into the prisons, then breaks out revealing to the wardens after the fact of the various weaknesses in their systems. He accepts a job offer by a CIA agent who want him to test a private prison that was based on the definitive book that he wrote on prison security. Although his team Hush (50 Cent) and Abigail (Amy Ryan) see red flags and advise not to take the job, his business partner Lester (Vincent D'Onofrio) thinks the 5 million dollar fee is more encouraging.

Breslin is given the name of Portos and a fake background as a bomber. The plans go awry when his tracking chip is removed and they drug him on the way to the prison. The new prison is set up like glass boxes, 4 to a level, with no windows. The prison guards all wear masks and they brutally beat the inmates. Breslin's confidence falters when he discovers that his exit code do not work on Warden Hobbs (Jim Caviezel), a soft spoken, impeccably dressed sadist. His major henchman (Vinnie Jones) is particularly cruel. The only one with a conscious may be the doctor (Sam Neill). Breslin/Portos makes “friends” with Rottmayer (Arnold) who helps him with the escape plan. Hobbs is trying to get information about the location of Mannheim whose importance is a big foggy, but apparently important having to do with banks and money to be made.

Director Mikael Håfström (The Rite, 1408) paces the adventure with the usual standards for it's action formula. The screenplay by Miles Chapman and Jason Keller makes it easy and expected. The good guys get the crap beat out of them, the bad guys get their comeuppances. It pretty simple, totally unbelievable and more fun than it's got a right to be. If you can understand Sly configuring a mathematical equation and believe this character is capable of such, then your a half way there into your movie ticket investment.
(Review by reesa)

VideoFest 26

Dallas Movie Screenings videographer David Bacon covered the opening night festivities at VideoFest26.



WARNING: Some images may not be appropriate for some.
(Click on pictures for expanded view)

Movies Scheduled 10/13-10/19

Ok, a few people have sent messages about wanting to be removed from the group. First of all we will miss you and second you have to go in and unsubscribe, kind of like when you joined.

Make sure to reply to the person and not the group. I had to deny a lot of requests last week and I really feel bad and want people to get the tickets.

I hope you all are enjoying the weather like I am! Have a great week!


Sunday
Oct. 13th


Monday
Oct. 154h


Tuesday
Oct. 15th

Escape Plan 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
The Fifth Estate 7:30 Cinemark West Plano
About Time 8 pm LOOK Cinema

Wednesday
Oct. 16th

Surge 7:30 pm SMG Spring Valley
Escape Plan 7:30 pm Cinemark West Plano
Escape Plan 7:30 AMC Northpark
Last Vegas 7:30 pm tba Arlington


Thursday
Oct. 17th

Wild Strawberry 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
The Snitch Cartel 7:30 pm UA 10 Grand Prairie
Shadow of a Doubt 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
About Time 7:39 pm SMG Arlington


Friday
Oct. 18th

Killing Kennedy 5:30 pm Texas Theater


Saturday
Oct. 19th

Romeo and Juliet

In 1996 a movie was made of Romeo and Juliet staring Leonardo DiCapiro as Romeo & Claire Danes as Juliet. Seventeen years later we have another Romeo and Juliet film updated in 2013.  Romeo is played by Douglas Booth and Juliet is played by Hailee Steinfeld, friar Laurence played by Paul Giamatti and Prince Escalus played by Stellan Skarsgard who all did their characters proud.  To be really honest with you I can’t remember the 1996 version of Romeo & Juliet.  I am quite sure that it was delivered in grand form to the movie world.  I happen to love William Shakespeare in any form as a play, musical or in a movie theater.  Seeing Romeo & Juliet 2013 movie was absolutely marvelous.  The performances by the actors were exceptional, the costumes worn by the actors were elegant, scenery was so picturesque.  They say if you have seen one Romeo & Juliet performance you seen them all.  In my opinion that is not true in the case. Julian Fellowes (Downton  Abbey) and director Carlo Carlei (The Flight of the Innocent) did a masterful job of bring this epic and searing tale of tragic love story directing the actors in make the most of a classic Shakespeare play into a 21st century style.

From the very beginning of the movie you were anticipating on what was going to happen with each scene.  Romeo & Juliet meet for the very first time at a costume ball given by Juliet parents to introduce a new prospective groom for Juliet.  When their eyes meet it was so romantic but in a very innocent way. Yes it was love at first glance of course.  That is the way I felt through the whole movie. Each moment carried the characters from one important scene to another.  Yes there was fighting, even killing between two rival families which were Romeo’s family members and Juliet’s family members.  They had been feuding for a very long time then when Romeo meet Juliet the fighting became more violent. 

Friar Laurence played by Paul Giamatti was amazing in his role.  It put a new twist on how Romeo and Juliet came to the bitter end of their undying love for each other.

Even though we all knew how it was going to end.  The suspense on what was going to happen next and how it kept you guessing.  I cried at the end of the movie like I had never see Romeo and Juliet played on the big screen before.  Everyone clapped at the end of the movie.  During the movie there was laughter and then sorrow at the end.  Every generation deserves to discover this lasting love.
(Review by Lila Katz)

A.C.O.D.

This is a fun movie. It has charm, heart and some big laughs. The directing was very well done considering that the cast was all comedic actors and actresses. To direct all that talent with class and appeal is hard to do. The acting is great with a cast stacked with great people such as: Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Clark Duke and Richard Jenkins just to name a few. The actors brought the laughs and the heart to tug on those heart strings. The cinematography is good but there is nothing special there. The editing is paced to make this hour and a half movie fly by from the interest of these characters. This also has one of the most open ended endings I have ever seen but I liked it as well as the whole movie. It was charming, funny and I have a soft spot for it. I wouldn't rush out to go see it but a strong matinee will do. 8/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Captain Phillips

In April 2009 Richard Phillips was taken hostage by Somali pirates when he was captain of the MB Maersk Alabama. Phillips with Stephan Talty wrote a book of the adventures in A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea which was adapted by Billy Ray (The Hunger Games, State of Play, Breach) and brought to the screen by director Paul Greengrass (Bourne Supremacy, Bourne Ultimatum, United 93). Greengrass approached the movie like a documentary, giving it a straight play by play account of the events as they happened letting the actors create the scenes from beginning to end without interruption. The locations were shot in open seas using real SEALS and the Navy let the production have free access to a couple of ships that were used in the rescue.

Phillips (Tom Hanks) had been a mariner for 30 years. Leaving his Vermont home he boards his ship in the Middle East. The large freight ship full of containers must navigate through Somali seas which is known for it's pirates who make their living from attacking ships for their cargo. The chances of being attack is a real threat and the Captain is diligent in preparing the crew of 20 for it's possibility by running drills and reinforcing the pirate gates. The pirates played by Somali-Americans Faysal Ahmed, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman and Mahat M were selected from 800 hopefuls in Minneapolis, the largest Somali community in the US. Greengrass kept the young men away from the rest of the cast so their first meeting with Hanks is the scene where they burst into the control room. The tension and chaos of the moment is evident in their faces.

Phillips is later taken by the pirates as they try to get away on a life boat which they hopefully will exchange him for ransom. As in all movies where you pretty much know the ending with the Navy coming to the rescue, it's nice to note that the personnel on the ships and the SEAL teams were authentic. Even the medic that examines Phillips after the rescue ran through the actual emergency medial protocol while calming the dazed and stunned captain. Her reassurance that he's OK calms the audience at the same time after we've been sitting at the edges of the seats for most of the movie. Tom Hanks gives an Oscar level performance as Captain Phillips. Quite possibly the best thing he's ever done.

On an interesting note, the real life crew of the Alabama are currently suing the shipping company charging that Maersk and by rights Captain Phillips knew about the dangers of those waters. That Captain Phillips was sailing too close to the coast putting them at risk. The fact the Phillips kept the crew safe (by hiding from the pirates) and used himself as the hostage to get the pirates off the ship is what was more important to the captain.
(Review by reesa)

Machete Kills

Born from a trailer that played between the Grindhouse movies, director Robert Rodriquez expanded the tale of Machete Cortez an ex-Federate with deadly skills and a badass attitude. This time it's written by Kyle Ward which takes the character into more over the top over kill that will either annoy you or make you laugh out loud. As usual they have some big name actors showing up including Charlie Sheen who is billed under his real name of Carlos Estévez. The whole movie is filled with dismemberment and other gruesome demises under Machete signature moves. As one friend remarked...”it actually had a story”.

Machete (Danny Trejo, whose vertically challenged height is played for laughs at times in this movie) is working with girlfriend Santana trying to stop an illegal shipment between the Mexican army and the cartels. Just when it looks like they are done for, another group of masked men drop from the sky and shoots everyone. Unfortunately, Jessica Alba as Santana has a very brief role in this sequel. Machete manages to escape, but lands in the hands of a local American sheriff (William Sadler) who tries to deliver some southern justice to the “taco” but is interrupted by a call from President Rathcock (Carlos Estévez) who wants Machete to go back to Mexico and find Mendez a freedom fighter turned terrorist. He's got a weapon that will destroy Washington. Miss San Antonio (Amber Heard) had been assigned as his handler who is able to run her intelligence operations through the access afforded her by the beauty pageant circuit. Demián Bichir is extremely funny as the personality shifting Mendez, who is either stone cold crazy or sane and patriotic. The crazy Mendez attached the timer of the bomb to his heart. If he's killed the bomb will explode. Machete must track down the only other person that knows how to disarm the device while a bounty is put on the death of Mendez and everyone wants to collect.

Some recognizable faces show up as bounty killer El Cameleón such as Walton Goggins, Cuba Gooding Jr., Lady Gaga and Antonio Banderas. Sofia Vergara is wild and crazy as the brothel madame with a machine gun bra and a strap on pistol as Madame Dedemona with a virginal daughter Cereza (Vanessa Hudgens). On top of all this is Mel Gibson as the weapons manufacturer Luther Voz who has a plan that will be featured in the next episode of Machete in Space. This is not a movie for everyone, but it's great campy fun. The mood is also set nicely by the Alama Drafthouse with their preshow features on machete clips from really horrible movies. As Machete says...”Machete happens”.
(Review by reesa)

Dallas VideoFest26 Fest Winners

Dallas VideoFest 26:
Video Association of Dallas Proud to Announce
Fest Winners Prior to Screenings



DALLAS, October 9, 2013 – Ever one to break with the tradition, Video Association of Dallas is proud to announce its Dallas VideoFest 26 winners prior to the screenings of the films. Tickets and passes still available for all at VideoFest.org.


DALLAS VIDEOFEST 26 Juried Award Winning Films:

Documentary Feature Winners
Winner: NATAN by Paul Duane and David Cairn
Special Jury Prize:
THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC by

“NATAN breaks new cinematic ground on many levels and is innovative both in subject matter and its eclectic stylistic approach. The film twists and turns its way through a complex story filled with powerful revelations.”
- Jurist, Ben Levin, professor of radio, television and film, UNT.



Narrative Feature Winners
Winner: SOFT IN THE HEAD by Nathan Silver
Special Jury Prize:
DESTINATION: PLANET NEGRO by Kevin Willmott

“The ambitiousness of making a short feature that manages to wrap in race, Uncle Tom-ism, gender, religion, class, immigration, The Tea Party, worm holes AND Wes Studi on horseback… is close to my heart. Especially so since it references Rocketship X-M and ABBOTT & COSTELLOW GO TO MARS, too. "
-Jurist, Charles Horak, Artistic Director, Plaza Classic Film Festival; Host, On Film, KTEP 88.5 FM NPR; Director, The Film Salon



Animation Winner
BUTTERFLIES by Warwick Burton

"I watched it as a judge, and then I watched it again because I liked it so much."
-Keith Alcorn, Animator and creator of JIMMY NEUTRON: BOY GENIUS


Shorts Winners
Winner: PEARL WAS HERE by Kate Marks
Honorable mention:
EVERY TUESDAY: A PORTRAIT OF THE NEW YORKER CARTOONIST by Rachel Loube

"I feel like PEARL really represents VideoFest. It's edgy, it's a great story, and it's experimental. It also fits some of the themes of the programming this year."
—Adam Donaghy, filmmaker, Aviation Cinemas



Experimental Winners
Winner: DUSTY STACKS OF MOM by Jodie Mack
Honorable mention:
LIE BACK AND ENJOY IT by Jessica Bardsley

“DUSTY STACKS OF MOM is not only a beautifully constructed portrait of the artist's mother, but also a haunting and politically charged dirge to the phenomenon of small, family-run businesses that were—at a particular moment in time—less about ‘the bottom line’ and more about the blood, sweat and passion that it took to operate such heart-felt enterprises.”
— Jurist, Bryan Konefsky, director, Experiments in Cinema; president, Basement Films; lecturer, Dept of Cinematic Arts, UNM; visiting lecturer, UCSC; board of advisors, Ann Arbor Film Festival


Winners of the Dallas VideoFest 26 Best Videos will all receive free software courtesy of Jungle Software.



About Dallas VideoFest 26:
VideoFest officially opens at Gilley’s in Dallas on Wednesday, Oct. 9. It moves to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Richardson Thursday, Oct. 10 and more than 140 screenings take place in Richardson until Sunday, Oct. 13.

VideoFest (VideoFest.org) is now the oldest and largest video festival in the United States and continues to garner critical and popular acclaim. VideoFest prides itself on bringing films to the theater that are rarely available to be seen anywhere else. Films like Experimental/Art Films, Animation, Narrative and Documentary Shorts as well as Documentary and Narrative Features and some hard-to-find Classic TV episodes and Classic Films are often in the mix.
D Magazine voted Dallas VideoFest Best Annual Festival. DVF’s Expanded Cinema program was voted 2012 Best Visual Art and 2013 Best Light Show by Dallas Observer. Video Association of Dallas (VAD) brings our community quality video programming such as the independent alternatives of VideoFest 26.


History of VideoFest: Cutting-Edge Art
Merging art and technology since 1987, VideoFest has specialized in independent, alternative, and non-commercial media, presenting hard-to-find works rarely seen on television, in movie theaters, or elsewhere, despite their artistic excellence and cultural and social relevance. Even in a Web 4.0 environment where everything is seemingly available on the Internet, the VideoFest provides curatorial guidance, a critical voice in the wilderness navigating the vast and diverse landscape of media, helping to interpret its cultural and artistic significance. The event provides a communal environment for real-time, face-to-face dialogue between makers and audiences.


Dallas VideoFest 26 Sponsors
Addis Ababa; Alamo Drafthouse Cinema–Richardson; Alford Media Services, Inc.; AMS Pictures; CharlieUniformTango; City of Richardson through the Richardson Arts Commission; Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dallas Film Commission; Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; Dallas Producers Association; Double Tree Hotel–Richardson; Haystack; Jungle Software; KD College; KERA/KXT; KellyKitchensPR.com; la Madeleine; Mark Ridlen; Masami Sushi; Matthews Southwest; The McKinney Avenue Contemporary; Richardson Heights Shopping Center; Reid Robinson; Selig Polyscope Company; Sell.com; SRS Properties; SullivanPerkins; Texas Commission on the Arts; Texas Film Commission.


ABOUT VIDEO ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS
The mission of the Video Association is to promote an understanding of video as a creative medium and cultural force in our society, and to support and advance the work of Texas artists working in video and the electronic arts. The Video Association of Dallas (VAD) is a 501(c)(3) organization incorporated on April 25, 1989. It began in 1986 as a weekend event, “Video As A Creative Medium,” presented at the Dallas Museum of Art by independent curators Barton Weiss and John Held. That first event, which included two nights of video by selected local and national video artists, was a great popular success, which led to the founding of the Dallas Video Festival (DVF) in 1987. Video Association of Dallas also presents the 24 Hour Video Race, the Texas Show Tour, North Texas College Film Festival, Texas Independent Film Network screenings, Texas Fllmmakers Production Fund workshops, Three Star Cinema, and other programs throughout the year.

VIDEO ASSOCIATION OF DALLAS—1405 Woodlawn Dallas, TX 75208

True Tales Interview with Tammi True

Katie Dunn’s documentary True Tales is a side show glimpse of the JFK assassination through the world of Jack Ruby and his nightclub strippers. The result is both funny and sad. Nancy Myers, aka Tammi True, radiates a bawdy charm as she tells “her side of the story.” True Tales will be featured at Dallas VideoFest’s DVF26 Opening Night party at Gilley’s on October 9th, 2013.
(by David Bacon)

Movies scheduled 10/6-10/12

Please remember if you want a pass that someone is kind enough to offer respond to the person and not the group. Otherwise you will not get the pass. Trust me I want everyone to be able to see the movies they want to see.

Sorry I haven't been on top the game this week. I had a death in the family. So I apologize for not being on top of everything.

I hope everyone has a great week.

October 6th
Sunday

October 7th
Monday

A.O.C.D. 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas

October 8th
Tuesday

Monkey's Paw 7:30 pm SMG Spring Valley
Romeo & Juliet 7:30 pm AMC Northpark

October 9th
Wednesday

Captain Phillips 7:30 pm AMC Valley View
Captain Phillips 7:30 pm Webb Chapel
Machete Kills 9 pm Alamo Draft House
Surge 7:30 pm SMG Spring Valley
About Time 7:30 Cinemark West Plano

October 10th
Thursday

The Lady Vanishes 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas

October 11th
Friday

October 12th
Saturday