Movies Scheduled 3/30-4/5

First of all I want to say a big thank you to Reesa for covering for me last week.


I realize some ok most of y’all don’t read these so it will come as a shock when you get your chairs taken up. I know I have said something about, nicely of course. Raymond has asked nicely and even Reesa. But yet I get a facebook msg. telling me someone has left 6 chairs in line. Come on now. I don’t know if it is my mood right now or what but I think I would like to see you come back and not have your chair in line and have to wait until the whole line goes in. I may not laugh on the outside but can’t promise it won’t happen on the inside. Yes I know I am mean and frankly I don’t give a darn!


You know the saying you can lead a horse to water but can’t make them drink? Some times that applies to this group. I know we will be getting some saying “Oh man I really want to see Captain America” we have told you all about each and every contest we can find. We don’t just sit on them. So enter the contests, I know the summer movie time is coming before you know it and your kiddos will be out of school so keep a eye out for our emails on the contests. If by chance you have not been getting our emails check your spam folder and make sure they are not there. Also you can check the calendar by going to the group page and under the tab more it will drop down and click events. You can find each and every contest under the movie title and can pick from what theater you want to see it from.


Please contact me if you have any questions at damitdaina@hotmail.com

Sunday - March 30th

Monday - March 31st

Draft Day 7:30pm AMC NorthPark
Psycho Pass 7:30 pm Alamo Drafthouse

Tuesday - April 1st

Captain America: The Winter Soldier 7:30pm AMC NorthPark
Draft Day 7:30pm Angelika Plano

Wednesday - April 2nd

Games of Thrones 6:00pm reception 7:00pm screening Angelika Dallas
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 7:30pm Rave Ridgmar Ft Worth
Cuban Fury 7:45 Alamo Drafthouse

Thursday - April 3rd

Friday - April 4th

Saturday - April 5th

Rio 2 10:00am AMC NorthPark
Rio 2 10:00am Ft. Worth

The DSA ScriptsLIVE! Presents KISS KISS BANG BANG

The DSA ScriptsLIVE! Presents KISS KISS BANG BANG
at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Richardson

After a sold out performance of the inaugural ScriptsLIVE!, The Dallas Screenwriters Association (DSA) is returning to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Richardson Wednesday, April 9 at 7 pm to showcase the classic Shane Black screenplay, KISS KISS BANG BANG.

ScriptsLIVE! is a dramatic reading of a classic screenplay in front of a live audience. The actors, seated in director’s chairs, will present the material with a fresh read providing the audience with a new take of a popular film. Behind the cast of local actors will be projected establishing shots to set the scene.

KISS KISS BANG BANG was written by Shane Black (who was one of the most highly paid screenwriters in the 1980s). The script for KISS KISS BANG BANG is partially based on the Brett Halliday novel “Bodies Are Where You Find Them,” and interprets the classic hard-boiled literary genre in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. The film starred Robert Downey Jr, Val Kilmer and Michelle Mongahan, the film has become a cult favorite for film lovers.

Based on the popular Script Read events produced by Jason Rietman at the LCMA in Los Angeles, the DSA is launching this new program as a way to educate people about the art and craft of screenwriting while also entertaining them.

“We are excited to returning to The Alamo Drafthouse,” says Douglas King, DSA board member and director of ScriptsLIVE! “The first event was a success and the audience and the cast had a great time. We have even more exciting things plan for this show”

FEATURING TALENTS
The entire cast is from Dallas/ Fort Worth. The role of Harry Lockhart will be read by Rich Levi (“Friday Night Lights,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” ANY GIVEN SUNDAY), the character Gay Perry will be read by Steve Iwanski known for his stage work at the Mesquite Community Theatre (“Glass Menagerie,” “Lion in Winter,” “Greater Tuna”) and Kim Foster (THE SECTOR, EMMA, “The Good Guys”) will read the female lead Harmony Faith Lane.

The supporting cast includes Tamara Voss and Nicole Hodges reading all of the female characters and Richard Houghton and Stanley Nwobi reading the male characters.

New ScriptsLIVE! events will be held every other month, always on the second Wednesday of the month. Future screenplays may include TOY STORY 3, GROUNDHOG DAY, BACK TO THE FUTURE and more.

The event is free to attend with a reservation.
http://drafthouse.com/movies/scriptslive-kiss-kiss-bang-bang/dfw




The Dallas Screenwriters Association
The Dallas Screenwriters Association is a non-profit organization that serves the needs of the Dallas/Fort Worth screenwriting community. The DSA provides monthly meetings featuring some of the best guest speakers in the industry, scene readings, workshops, seminars, networking opportunities and much more.

Our mission is to educate and encourage individuals in the art, craft, and business of screenwriting and its application in the entertainment industry and to promote communication among the members of the DSA and trade publications, trade associations, industry professionals, and organizations.

Sabotage

Schwarzenegger is back. Well, he's back again. At 66 he's still rocking the hard@ss action star with big guns and a body count. Directed by David Ayers (End of Watch and Street Kings) who wrote the script with Skip Woods(A Good Day to Die Hard and The A-Team). Plenty of experience for hard core action flicks. There's mountains of machismo dripping from every orifice in this Über violent and bloody film. However not one character elicits any audience sympathy or empathy. There's limited dialogue and it's only there to set up the next gruesome murder or revenge act.

Schwarzenegger plays John “Breacher” Wharton, the commander of an elite squad of undercover DEA agents. We are clued in early to the film that John is suffering from the horrific murder of his wife and son from some south of the border drug lords. His crew are titled with nicknames like Monster (Sam Worthington) and his wife Lizzy (Mireille Enos) who is also an operative, tough as nails and addicted to sex and drugs. Terrence Howard is Sugar, Joe Manganiello is Grinder, Josh Holloway is Neck, and Max Martini is Pyro. You will be slowly introduced to the characters and their quick and witty camaraderie. During one mission of taking down some drug cartel to locate the pallet full of cash one of their own is killed as the team was syphoning off some cash from the top. Supposedly they managed to wrap wads of bills into zip lock bags and drop them down the plumbing. When they go to retrieve it, the money is gone. This makes everyone suspicious of each other and the bosses at the DEA are convinced that one of them stole the money.

After 6 months of constant surveillance, John's boss closes the case and takes the team off of suspension so they can go back to business. Except members of the team are getting picked off one by one in horror movie style slice and dice. Police Investigator Caroline Brentwood (Olivia Williams), with a short hair cut and suits so you know she means business, decides to question the team, the DEA, and will not stop even though everyone tells her to forget about it.

The movie falls into the formula who done it, which you may figure out early in the game although there are plenty of red herrings thrown in to misdirect. The reasons for the mayhem are not entirely satisfactory only seeming like a plot device for more shoot outs and the big revenge scene with the Arnold at the end. If you got nothing else to do until Captain America comes out next week, this will keep one mildly entertained. Check your brain at the door and watch on an empty stomach.
(Review by reesa)

Movies Scheduled for the Week of 3/23-3/29

Hi everyone! Daina is taking the night off posting this week's movie schedule, but she will be back soon keeping an eye on y'all and fielding your questions. Please contact her if you have any questions at damitdaina@hotmail.com

In the meantime, the Dallas International Film Festival is coming soon! From April 3-13, over a 170+ films will be showcased featuring the filmmakers in attendance. Check out the film schedule here. http://secure.dallasfilm.org/diff2014 People from all over the country will be visiting Dallas to attend the festival. This is our chance to show the world some Big "D" hospitality. Plus a nice chance to say thank you for all the free movies that we get to see during the year. Who knows movie lines like we do? To sign up go to: https://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=173844589

OK...the big Captain America screening is coming soon which means everyone and their mother will be hustling for passes to the screening. Lets keep in mind that you don't start begging others for their passes until you enter all the contests on your own. Just because Daina is doing most of the moderating for our group doesn't mean I'm not keeping watch. There are a few people (looking at you...) who chronically wake up from their coma and suddenly don't remember seeing the notice of passes being given away. We post stuff on Facebook, Twitter, the calendar on our Yahoo Group pages in case you need to find where to get passes. People are not getting passes just so they can give it to you. AND Daina, nor I personally have passes that we are hoarding to give to group. So please don't ask us for passes. Please don't ask us to access Facebook and Twitter for you for those GOFOBO codes. Please don't share the codes you win with other people because the people who actually do win won't be able to access their pass.

As everyone probably knows now that the movie theaters are making stricter controls on people dropping off their chairs and taking off. Unless you want the theaters coming up with more rules and regulations then please abide by this simple request and stay with your spot in line. And please be reasonable about the number of spaces you are saving. Nothing is more irritating than someone holding more than a handful of spaces. This is an on going situation which people keep abusing. We are all adults here so behave.

Despite this group operating for the past 8 years, one would hope that everyone knows not to hit "reply" when responding to pass offers. Because if you do and you wonder why no one got back to you...well...your message went to the moderator box where it was systematically disintegrated, zapped, destroyed in a fiery heap. So take the time, double check that return address before hitting "send".

Gosh...I haven't berated the group in quite some time, so please excuse the rant. Have a good movie week!

March 23 - March 29

Sunday  -  March 23rd

Monday - March 24th

Tuesday - March 25th
Sabotage 7:00pm AMC NorthPark
Sabotage 7:00pm Cinemark 17
Draft Day 7:30pm

Wednesday - March 26th

Thursday - March 27th
A Haunted House 2 5:00pm AMC NorthPark
Heaven is For Real 7:00pm SMG Royal
Draft Day 7:30pm Cinemark Legacy Plano
Draft Day 7:30pm Cinemark West Plano
Draft Day 7:30pm Cinemark 17 Webb Chapel
Draft Day 7:30pm Cinemark Alliance Town Ctr Fort Worth

Friday - March 28th
 
Saturday - March 29th

Bad Words

Bad Words Delivers It's Fair Share

Those who read the title would think this film would have a copious amount of bad words, however, it was no Wolf of Wall Street.

Obviously.

There was not a scene of Jonah Hill choking on chunk of ham lodge in his meaty throat any where to be found.

Thankfully.

Or many prostitutes... but that goes unseen.

Despite this film not being directed by Martin Scorsese, it has it's fair share of "bad words." I put "bad words" in parenthesis because it was more like hearing really crude phrases for about an hour and a half.

In his directorial debut, Jason Bateman does a decent job juggling between being the man behind the scenes and starring as the leading role. Working with Andrew Dodge, who is specifically known for this film; they both work to create a plot line that is memorable but lacks something important. It's like when you're talking to your biggest crush, you're telling a joke, and you forget the punchline. So, instead, you keep rambling like a baboon, and hope whatever is coming out of your mouth makes some sense.

A.k.a., my love life...but that goes unseen.

Bateman and Dodge do a fine job in not making a terrible movie. And for that, we commend them.

It is incredibly easy to make a terrible movie, but it takes effort in making a film that is indifferent.

To make a distinction, this was not a bad film. However, It would be wiser to spend money on actual needs. Like grocery shopping, filling up your vehicle with gas, and paying your secret lover to keep quiet about the affair...

You know, the essentials.

This film lacked a key aspect that all successful comedies need to be recognized for their excellence. Bad Words lacked heart. I felt absolutely zero sympathy for the main character, Guy Trilby, a 40 year old man who enters himself into a national spelling bee despite the objections of a bunch of nerdy kids and their furious parental guidances.

Thank you loopholes.

With a decent plot, the film could have spread it's luscious comedy wings and flown it's way into the audiences hearts, but it fell flat. The writing was led astray, and it should have had a stronger ending. Without spoiling anything, Guy Trilby deserved a better ending. An ending that would make the audience say actual bad words.

Words like...

"F**K YEAH."

To be honest, I've said worse words driving on 75 to Dallas, so I expected a little more.

However, there were some aspects of this movie that I enjoyed.

Here's a list:
1. Jason Bateman's face
2. Bateman's comedic timing
3. Rohan Chand is THE cutest kid on the planet.

That list is about it. All of the jokes seemed incredibly forced and childish. The childish part could symbolize something in this film, but I'm certainly not writing an English paper. So, I'll keep out all of the symbolism along the lines of the curtains being blue, and how it actually means something meaningful.

For what it was, the movie was enjoyable. There were a few laughs in the right places, and the story is pretty interesting.

All in all, Bad Words is a decent date flick if he or she isn't offended by the constant use of the word "vagina" and Indian stereotypes.

At least see the film if you personally enjoy Jason Bateman. Thankfully, there is some nice closeup shots of his perfectly sculpted zygomas.

Ladies... *wink*

Live Long and Prosper Always From,

Christina Cranshaw and Melissa Tansey
(She Geek Inc. Productions)

Alamo Reunite the Classics of 1984 for April 2014

Alamo Richardson Special Programming:
REUNITE THE CLASSICS OF 1984
April 2014

Dallas – March 20, 2013— In April, Alamo (100 S. Central Expressway #14, Richardson, TX 75080), celebrates the 30th anniversary of some classic films released in 1984 by playing them on the big screen at Alamo. http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson.

"1984 is a special year for movies. It's not only the year that gave the world a new generation of movie lovers now turning 30 in 2014 (myself included), but it gave us classics like TEMPLE OF DOOM, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION, PURPLE RAIN, FOOTLOOSE, THE NEVERENDING STORY, GHOSTBUSTERS (which is now unavailable for public showings in the wake of Harold Ramis' untimely passing) and so many more! And so as those movies turn 30, we're giving them all the proper birthday celebration—back on the big screen at Alamo this month!” said James Wallace, Alamo DFW programmer.


Titles playing at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson in April:

April ‘1984’ National Programming Titles:
- Zzang!!!: ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION
- Dinner Party: INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM in 35MM
- A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET in 35mm
- Action Pack: PURPLE RAIN Sing-Along
- FOOTLOOSE Dance-Along


April 1: THE JERK in 35MM on April Fool’s Day with live pre-show featuring local comedians (MS-150 Fundraiser)
April 2: QUEEN Sing-Along
April 6: The Benson Movie Interruption ft. Doug Benson: JURASSIC PARK
April 7: BONDthology: THUNDERBALL
April 7: AGFA Secret Screening
April 8: Video Vortex: TURKISH CAPTAIN AMERICA
April 9: Dallas Screenwriters’ Association: ScriptsLIVE! KISS KISS BANG BANG
April 10: MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL Quote-Along
April 13: THE NEVERENDING STORY (1984)
April 15: Girlie Night: 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (Alamo 100)
April 16: FOOTLOOSE Dance-Along (1984)
April 16: AIR Time: BEETHOVEN
April 17: DUMB & DUMBER Quote-Along & Oskar Blues Beer Feast
April 20: DAZED AND CONFUSED Quote-Along on 4/20 (Alamo 100)
April 20: HARVEY on Easter Sunday
April 21: PURPLE RAIN Sing-Along (1984)
April 22: A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET in 35MM (1984)
April 23: TEMPLE OF DOOM Dinner Party in 35MM (1984)
April 24: ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION (1984)

Texas Frightmare Week in association with Texas Frightmare Weekend May 2, 3, 4
April 27: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON 3D: 60th Anniversary Showing
April 28: SAW
April 29: TERMINATOR Double Feature
April 30: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT
April 30: REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA
May 1: Mystery Screening with special guests (announced soon)


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


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. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Richardson is at 100 S. Central Expressway #14, Richardson, TX 75080. http://drafthouse.com/dfw/richardson

Divergent

Another YA (Young Adult) adaptation is upon us. Is this one good like a Hunger Games or Harry Potter? Or is it bad like everything else? It's in the middle for me. Let's break this down. The directing for this film I thought was very good. The tone throughout the film was dark and triumphant at the same time. It was interesting and I really dug it. Some scenes I had my mouth dropped because I didn't expect the dark turn and some scenes I was rooting for the main character. I think whenever the director can make you fell multiple emotions in the span of the story then he has done his job. Some of the deaths scenes I thought were handled poorly and some the actors were bad. So the director was good with the tone and feel with it but couldn't execute important scenes and direct some actors. The acting was good from some and weak from other. Shailene Woodley did a good job as the lead and I am convinced she can carrying a film by herself. Miles Teller is in this and he did a great job. I thought the love interest of Shailene was poor. He was just another typical model looking actor with wooden deliveries. And not to mention the love scene between them. It reeked of Twilight and every other bad YA film. Granted I have never read the books but still...they all have either a love triangle or a cheesy "love" scene. Anyways besides him I thought everyone else did a good job. Kate Winslet plays the bad woman in it and she does great all the way until the end. Kate Winslet I am sorry but you can't pull off a fight scene. The cinematography is action packed and the camera is always moving to keep up with the pace of the characters. They are always moving and I really liked it. It was almost like a constant frantic pace just like the main character was throughout the film. My favorite scenes shot were the dream scenes. I thought those were lit and shot well and felt really different from the rest of the film. The movie is over two hours long and you can definitely feel it but the concept of this movie of this movie kept my attention and I wanted to know more. I am not the target audience for this. I enjoyed it and it definitely was not the worst YA adaptation but also not the best. I want to see it expand and I hope they make the next books but fix the problems I mentioned and you will have a better sequel...kind of like Hunger Games: Catching Fire. 6/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Muppets Most Wanted

This isn't as good as the original but it is still a fun time. I think what this one was lacking was the humor and joke delivery. Yes there is humor and jokes but I felt like there more misses than hits. The original had a lot of humor that hit and missed but it was more hit. The directing in the sequel is just like the first one in terms of tone but it falls on the script where, like I said, the jokes are all over the place in terms of accuracy. The acting from the Muppets is great as always and I thought all the human actors were great. Tina Fey was definitely the funniest followed by Ty Burrell. It was weird. Ricky Gervais isn't bad but he isn't the standout human considering he has the most screen time. Nothing to complain on the cinematography. It's just like the first one and all you need are low angles. It's hard to screw that up. I probably would. The pacing of this movie felt off. It felt longer than it should; and I am wondering if that has to do with the long silent pauses, due to most of the jokes missing. Overall it's a fun enjoyable time with some laughs but the first was better and ironically the Muppets made fun of sequels in the very beginning of the movie. 6/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Enemy

This is the best movie of the year for me so far. This is a thought provoking Hitchcock-ian film noire that isn't spoon fed to you. And is what I really loved about this movie. The directing is crisp, dark, mind bending and overall it's refreshing to see something this good. The overall tone is perfect for the type of story it is. Essentially it's one character finding out there is an actor that looks like him and he tracks this actor down to get to the bottom of this. That description makes it sound like an old 19'50's thriller and that's what this movie had going for it. It felt like a classic already. The acting is top notch as Jake Gyllenhaal plays the characters and he plays both of them so differently that I bought it was two different people even though its the same actor. The mannerisms in each character were spot on and Gyllenhall nails it. The cinematography is gorgeous and lit so well especially in the darker scenes. Every shot is framed really well and is effective for what is going on in each scene. Beautiful yet subtle camera movements make the shots haunting and filled with tension. The movie is an hour and half long but it flies by because its very investing and you want to know what happens next so you can piece this puzzle together. I can't gush about this movie anymore. This is a must see and it will get you talking afterwards in a good way. A thought provoking thriller that is visually stunning with a fantastically creepy soundtrack and powerful acting that this story unique...oh and there is spiders. 9/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Nymphomaniac Part 1

From the title alone you should know there is a lot of sex. So needless to say it can get pretty graphic, depressing and devastating for these characters but for some reason you can't keep your eyes off of them. This is from Lars Von Trier and Nymphomaniac is the third film in his "depression trilogy". Antichrist and Melancholia were before this one. I really liked Melancholia but really didn't like Antichrist. Does Nymphomaniac, at least volume 1, hold up? Yes and No. For the most part I really enjoyed it. Let's break this down. The directing by Lars is good for the majority of this film. Many people say he is self indulgent in his writing and you can definitely see it here. Some scenes have some laughable and unnecessary dialogue. With script like this the film felt clunky and uneven is some areas. The tone is right but those laughable scenes knock the movie down a peg. The acting is overall very good. I have no complaints. A lot of people hated Shia LaBeouf and his accent. I hated his accent too but overall I liked his performance. Another standout is Stacy Martin. She plays the younger version of the main character and I thought she was the best part in this. The cinematography is beautiful and sometimes haunting. The scenes are perfectly lit and shot setting the mood for this dark, depressing film. The black and white parts are equally as impressive. Say what you want about Lars Von Trier's questionable writing but he can shoot a movie. Every movie he has done is visually beautiful. The editing of this film is a bit slow sometimes. This is only volume one but at some times it felt like both parts. Listen this movie is not for everyone and I understand but besides the dialogue and some actors being silly and strange this is a powerful movie. I recommend it to hardcore film lovers but not to anyone curious about it. If you like a lot of sex and just overall sticky and depressing tone then enjoy it because for the most part I did. If you think this gets dark...wait until volume two. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

Movies Scheduled 3/16-3/22

Welcome back from Spring Break. I hope you got to do something fun and exciting.

If you get a chance please check out our reviews on the Dallas Movie Screenings homepage.

When I say you can ask me questions. I don't mean about getting a pass for a movie. You have to ask the group. I don't have a stash of passes sitting around. I'm just like y'all looking out for passes.

If you have any questions please contact me at damitdaina@hotmail.com


March 16th
Sunday


March 17th
Monday

March 18th
Tuesday

BAD WORDS 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
DIVERGENT 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
Wrath of Vigria 7:30pm Alamo Drafthouse


March 19th
Wednesday

BAD WORDS 7:30 pm Denton Movie Tower
DIVERGENT 7:30 pm AMC Firewheel
DRAFT DAY 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL 7:30 SMG Spring Valley
MUPPETS MOST WANTED 7:30 pm AMC Northpark

March 20th
Thursday

March 21th
Friday


March 22th
Saturday

Crisis

This was mediocre to say the least. I didn't necessarily hate it or love it but I might continue after the pilot. To me it felt like an average espionage FBI thriller that we have seen before. NBC recently has done The Blacklist (I really liked the pilot) and it has the same feel but the major difference? The Blacklist felt like it could have been a mini television movie but Crisis felt like a television show and nothing more. Even bright lighting with no contrast, bad acting and a so-so story. That's the way most television shows are or they are fantastic and we can't stop gushing about them (True Detective, Breaking Bad). I thought the tone was a mixed bag. One minute the audience was laughing and literally the next second they are in shock and awe. I don't think that's what the creator was going for. Or maybe he was and I am just dumb. The acting is all over the place as well. There was some good acting in this. Most of the adult actors really brought what they could for some of the terrible dialogue but they were not the problem. It was the teenagers. I thought they acting was so stale and lifeless that I was turning stale. I don't know how that makes sense but moving on. The cinematography was standard television. No interesting shots and no contrast in the lighting. The special effects were bad and hopefully they get better as the show progresses so I won't fault them that much for it. Overall it's bland and when the "twists" happen I didn't feel like they were that creative. When you watch it and have a different opinion I would like to hear it because I am curious. I didn't love nor did I hate it...down the middle. 5/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson, at this point, has a cult following and every movie he comes out with is like an event. Was this one good? This is my favorite film of the year so far and I believe this will be everyone's favorite Wes Anderson film. At least it was for me. Wes Anderson creates another film where the cinematography, art direction, characters and dialogue are simply unique and intriguing to watch. The directing in this, like most of his films, is upbeat and makes you curious as to what will happen next. The style of Wes Anderson's directing is something no one can imitate. He has his own brand and it works in this one. The story is like a murder mystery, dark caper which something he has never really dabbed in before. This was so different from what Wes does that I think this certain tone and story worked the best with his style. The acting is quirky but I loved it. Every character was unique and vastly different from each other. This cast is stacked as usual with such names as: Ralph Fiennes, Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody and a very funny performance from Willem Dafoe and that's just scratching the surface. Everyone does fantastic. The cinematography is gorgeous to look because it is meticulously framed and filled enough of colorful eye candy to make your head explode. Every film of his has amazing cinematography and this is no different. The film is an hour and forty minutes long and it's perfectly edited and flies by and you didn't even know time flew by. This is a different tone for Wes but I think he pulls it off it what will soon be a classic for Mr. Anderson. This is the frontrunner for best movie of the year so far for me. If you like Wes Anderson you will love this one and if you haven't seen a Wes Anderson movie before I think you will be pleasantly surprised. 8.5/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

)

Need for Speed

The script maybe cliche and simple but this is a damn entertaining movie. When you walk into a movie called Need for Speed expect the car races, crashes and explosions but don't expect a good story. A lot of people will compare this to Fast and Furious and rightfully so. However this is different because it feels more of like the cousin of F&F. There is nothing wrong with that but I can agree its a step below that franchise. Director, Scott Waugh, gives us an authentic car movie in terms of the little special effects that were used. Even the actors were the ones driving the cars. The car races and crashes were used with real cars and you can feel that heaviness when you watch it and it makes a difference. It makes for a more entertaining film and you can actually feel like you are there racing along side them. The acting is somewhat cheesy and forced, especially when they try and tell jokes, but I really liked Aaron Paul in this as the lead. He is coming off his Breaking Bad and I will watch anything with him in it but I felt like, even though the dialogue was cheesy, he was good in this role and you can tell he had a lot of fun with it. Everyone else does a good job but let's face it you see this for Aaron Paul as well. The cinematography is fun, exciting and intense in some parts. The races, like I said, are exciting and feel very real. That's all I can say about the cinematography. This movie is over two hours long and I have admit even though I was having fun there are a few parts that could have been taken out and made this film a bit shorter. With that said, the race scenes are fun and Aaron Paul carries this movie. This is a cheesy written film but I can't lie and tell I didn't have fun. This is a popcorn flick at it's finest. It's no F&F but it's very entertaining. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)


)

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel and it's Haunting Memory

Despite the lack of talking foxes that sound like Meryl Streep and George Clooney, along with awkward teen angst, The Grand Budapest Hotel was another triumph for Wes Anderson. With a cast to kill and an array of facial hair to make even the manliest of men rage with pure jealousy, Wes Anderson creates not only a cinematic adventure but a wild ride filled with literal ups and downs that can make you cry with laughter and squirm with delight.

Sitting in the packed theater of The Magnolia in Dallas, was more than pure delight as we all crept anxiously to await the screening of The Grand Budapest Hotel. The room was alive with energy that seems only the cult following of Wes Anderson could cultivate. Waiting beside those who shared the same excitement for this film only built more ecstatic energy. As the lights dimmed, the film began to roll, and a figurative "hush" spanned across its audience.

As we sit there quietly, everyone on edge and focused on the screen, my friend and I noticed something. This was more than just another Anderson film. It had the underlying texture of something darker, but only a hint. As if you were haunted by translucent ghost but that ghost was your wacky, Uncle Paul who always gave you bright colored Laffy Taffy that he kept in his pockets for months on end. Just hang in there with us with this analogy, it will make sense soon enough.

The Grand Budapest Hotel is your wacky, ghost Uncle Paul.

With a cast that someone can only dream of, and this certain timing that only Wes Anderson can provide; his movie goers are whisked away by the incredibly , enchanting cinematography done by Robert Yeoman. Yeoman, known for his collaboration with Anderson, only added to the magic of this film. The transitions from scene to scene were flawlessly executed, with magnetic color schemes of purple, pink, and red that swiftly take you back to your wacky Uncle Paul's Laffy Taffy.

Everything was in perfect order, and let us take this opportunity to discuss the actors great comedic timing. Without giving much away, the ensemble of this film worked together as a whole with such grace and elegance. As the center point, Ralph Fiennes who plays M. Gustave (a renowned concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel and a playmate for older women with blond hair and a ton of "moolah"), executes his part perfectly, and Fiennes had the audience gasping for breath in many scenes due to his character's witty comebacks. Not only did Fiennes do well, but together, the cast made a triumph of a film. Everyone played their part so perfectly. Adrien Brody was hilarious but crude. Dafoe was frightening yet provocative. F. Murray Abraham was interesting and touching with a slight glimmer of tears in his eyes. Goldblum was intelligent, Keitel was strong, Jude Law was fascinating, Toni Revolori was sharp as the young Zero, Bill Murray was and always will be a comedic prodigy, and Tilda Swinton...well...Old.

Inspired by the works of Stefan Zweig, Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness worked wonders. With this film, Anderson and Guinness have created one of the smoothest black comedies to date. The writing was dazzling, and it certainly made this movie of an hour and thirty-nine minutes fly by. My friend and I truly didn't know it was possible to laugh and then scream in terror in the span of a measly two minutes.

Actually, I did, but I'll leave my personal life out of this.

This film haunted us, from the time we left the theater until this very moment and quite possibly in the future. It's not a bad haunting, it's an aesthetically beautiful haunting that decides to stick with you for a while, just like your wacky, ghost Uncle Paul. You see, you love Uncle Paul because he made you laugh, he made you cry, he scared the piss out of you, he had a pocket full of candy with bright colors, he always had something witty to say, and he had a wicked mustache.

We're not going to rate this film, because it is most definitely worth going to see in the theater and immediately when it comes out on DVD. We might even purchase it on Blu-Ray and that is a commitment. So for those wondering whether or not to see this film, skip the vanilla latte at Starbucks, scrounge your couch for pocket money, and make the effort to see this heart warming film with your wacky, ghost Uncle Paul.

You will not regret it.

(Review by
Christina Cranshaw and Melissa Tansey
She Geek Inc. Productions)

2014 DIFF Announces Film Schedule

The 2014 Dallas International Film Festival presented by AutoNation runs April 3 – 13, 2014. The DIFF 2014 films will not only represent works from America, and Texas in particular, but also films from Poland and Hong Kong and classics from years gone-by — truly an international and timeless offering. Time to start planning how you will be spending your festival! For more infomation go to: http://diff2014.dallasfilm.org/


Festival Schedule:
http://secure.dallasfilm.org/festivalschedule/id/95446595721502037



List of Feature Films:

http://secure.dallasfilm.org/diff2014



To Volunteer:

http://www.dallasfilm.org/explore/get-involved/festival-volunteer/

Movies scheduled 3/9-3/15

Well it is that time again. Spring Break! I hope you able to do some fun stuff with your kids.

Red Carpet Crash is moving to a bigger server so their site is down. Don't worry hopefully it will be back up soon.

Don't forget to reply to sender when asking for a pass, that way you can get the pass and not get deleted.

If you have any questions please contact me at damitdaina@hotmail.com


March 9th
Sunday


March 10th
Monday

Need for Speed 7:30 pm Studio Movie Grill Royal
Need for Speed 7:30 pm Rave Ridgmar Fr. Worth
In Fear 7:30 pm AMC 30 Mesquite

March 11th
Tuesday

The Grand Budapest Hotel 7:30 pm The Magnolia
Need for Speed 7:30 pm AMC Northpark


March 12th
Wednesday

Draft Day 7:30 pm Angelika Dallas
Draft Day 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
Veronica Mars 7:30 pm TBA
Need for Speed 7:30 pm Cinemark 17

March 13th
Thursday

Crisis 7:30 pm Studio Movie Grill Spring Valley

March 14th
Friday


March 15th
Saturday

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

If anyone watched Rocky and Bullwinkle Show from the 60's will remember the little segments of Peabody's Improbable History. The genius beagle and his adopted son use a time machine which gave viewers a comedic view of important events of the past. Jay Ward's characters are re-imagined in a script by Craig Wright and directed by Lion King's Rob Minkoff. It is the first animated feature from the recent acquisition of Classic Media by DreamWorks. It is of course in 3D.

Mr. Peabody (voiced by Ty Burrel) was a puppy that no one wanted because he was a bit of nerd and not a playful dog that kids expected. So he spent his life in pursuit of knowledge and becoming the smartest being in the world. Besides being a talking dog, he's a business titan, inventor, scientist, Nobel laureate, gourmet chef and two time Olympic champion. He finds an abandoned child and petitions to become his parent. Because if a boy can have a dog, why can't a dog have a boy? Sherman (Max Charles) is bi-speckled youngster who is starting school and branching out as an individual, which to causes Mr. Peabody some trepidation. Sherman is an enthusiastic student and challenges his classmate Penny (Ariel Winter) when she says that George Washington cut down a cherry tree. Sherman knows that's not true, because he heard it from Washington himself when he and Mr. Peabody travelled back in time using Peabody's invention the WABAC machine. Of course he can't prove it without getting his adopted parent in trouble, so Penny ends up bullying him and calling him a dog. Sherman and Penny end up in an altercation that has Mrs. Grunion (Allison Janney) threating to have Sherman removed from his home because a dog is not a proper parent for a human child.

Mr. Peabody tries to make an impression on Penny's parents (Leslie Mann and Stephen Colbert) so the issue will be settled before Mrs Grunion shows up. Meanwhile Penny finds out about the WABAC machine and talks Sherman into using it which starts a series of historical misadventures where they visit ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, ancient Greece and ending up messing with the space/time continuum that threatens to destroy the world.

The cast includes some familiar actors like Stanley Tucci as Leonardo da Vinci, Lake Bell as Mona Lisa, Patrick Warburton as King Agamemnon, Mel Brooks as Sigmund Freud and Dennis Haysbert as the Judge. The dialogue is filled with Mr. Peabody's awful puns which the adults will groan and enjoy, but the kids will be like Sherman saying “I don't get it.”. The animation is clear crisp and full of color feast for the eyes. And there's a lesson of course to be learned that it doesn't matter if your parents are not the normal kind doesn't mean it's a bad thing as long as there is love, consideration and protection for the child. Even if he's just a dog.
(Review by reesa)

300 Rise of an Empire

When I first saw 300 back in 2007, I was hooked on graphic novel adaptations. Zack Snyder directed the first one with such great visual style and really captured the feel of a graphic novel. The second one is just as visually awesome. That's the best way to describe these types of movies is bloody and awesome. Zack Snyder didn't direct this one but he produced so ultimately he had his hand in it but you can tell the director of this one really captured the beauty of the first. It's not as good as the first but I was still visually entertained. The acting is good and Eva Green is great as the villain but the main actor is no Gerard Butler. Gerard Butler brought a presence that is not matched here but still a valiant effort. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous with fantastic lighting and visuals. The one thing I love about graphic novel adaptations is because the visuals look fantastic because it always looks like it jumps off the page of the source material. The editing is steady as you never worry about the length because you are just so damned entertained. If you don't like graphic novel looking movies (300, Sin City or Watchmen) then you will not like this movie but if you are a fan of the first 300 and/or love graphic novel adaptations you will have a blast with this one. I seriously thought they waited to long for a sequel but it feels like it picks up right away and time was wasted between the two. 7/10
(Review by Chase Lee)

2014 DIFF Announces First Ten Films

THE DALLAS FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES THE FIRST TEN FILMS FOR
THE 2014 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

AutoNation Returns as Presenting Sponsor
And Lascaux Films Presents Debut of Audience Awards

DALLAS, TX, March 3, 2014 —The Dallas Film Society announced today the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 8th edition of the Dallas International Film Festival, presented by AutoNation April 3 – 13, 2014. Also announced is the debut of Audience Awards sponsored by Lascaux Films.

“Approximately 150 films from all over the world will be screened during the 11-day Festival and selecting the first ten films is like completing the first mile in a marathon,” said James Faust, artistic director, Dallas Film Society. It’s exhilarating and exhausting selecting the best among the thousands of outstanding entries we receive and announcing the entire line-up is the moment I reach the finish line and the fun of the festival begins!”



“We are incredibly grateful for all DIFF sponsors. The return of AutoNation further substantiates their commitment to community and we are very excited to welcome them back as the Presenting Sponsor in 2014,” added Lee Papert, president and CEO of the Dallas Film Society. “As a true filmmaker’s festival, we are so happy to offer the Audience Awards this year. The debut of Audience Awards, offering a cash prize of $5000 in the categories of Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature and Short Film, made possible by Lascaux Films, provides filmmakers a level of recognition that confirms their film resonated with the audience.”



“AutoNation is thrilled to return as the Presenting Sponsor for 2014 DIFF,” said Wendi Madden Inglis, Regional Marketing Director for AutoNation. “At AutoNation, we consider our customers to be our top priority and supporting the arts is a way we can give back to the communities in which they live. DIFF brings great films to the Dallas area and it is our pleasure as a company to assist in such an important Film Festival.”



The DIFF 2014 films will not only represent works from America, and Texas in particular, but also films from Poland and Hong Kong and classics from years gone-by — truly an international and timeless offering.



WORDS AND PICTURES

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Fred Schepisi

Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Clive Owen, Juliette Binoche

SYNOPSIS: An art instructor and an English teacher form a rivalry that ends up with a competition at their school in which students decide whether words or pictures are more important.



JOE

(USA)

DIRECTOR: David Gordon Green

Cast: Nicholas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Ronnie Gene Blevins

SYNOPSIS: An ex-con, who is the unlikeliest of role models, meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.



HELLION

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Kat Candler

Cast: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins

SYNOPSIS: When motocross and heavy metal obsessed, thirteen-year-old, Jacob's increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother, Wes, with his aunt, Jacob and his emotionally absent father, Hollis, must finally take responsibility for their actions and for each other in order to bring Wes home.



QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Matt Livadary

SYNOPSIS: QUEENS & COWBOYS: A STRAIGHT YEAR ON THE GAY RODEO chronicles a complete season of the International Gay Rodeo Association. Roping and riding across North America for the past 30 years, the IGRA's courageous cowboys and cowgirls brave challenges both in and out of the arena on their quest to qualify for the World Finals at the end of the season. And along the way, they'll bust every stereotype in the book.



RICH HILL

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Tracy Droz Tragos and Andrew Droz Palermo

SYNOPSIS: RICH HILL intimately chronicles the turbulent lives of three boys living in an impoverished Midwestern town and the fragile family bonds that sustain them.

ABOVE ALL ELSE

(USA)

DIRECTOR: John Feige

SYNOPSIS: One man will risk it all to stop the tar sands of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from crossing his land. Shot in the forests, pastures, and living rooms of rural East Texas, ABOVE ALL ELSE follows David Daniel as he rallies neighbors and environmental activists to join him in a final act of brinkmanship: a tree-top blockade of the controversial pipeline. What begins as a stand against corporate bullying becomes a rallying cry for climate protesters nationwide.



IDA

(Poland)

DIRECTOR: Pawel Pawlikowski

SYNOPSIS: Anna, a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.



FIRESTORM (NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE)

(China/Hong Kong)

DIRECTOR: Alan Yuen

Cast: Andy Lau

SYNOPSIS: A storm is heading to the city of Hong Kong, and with it comes another occurrence so destructive, it vows to bring down everything it touches. A crew of seasoned criminals led by the notorious Nam (Hu Jun), armed with high-powered weapons, pulls off another smooth and violent armored car heist in broad daylight in a crowded street. Whoever tries to get in their way, they will show no mercy. This puts the police force to shame and humiliation.



BELIEVE ME (WORLD PREMIERE)

(USA)

DIRECTOR: Will Bakke

Cast: Nick Offerman, Johanna Braddy, Christopher McDonald

SYNOPSIS: Desperate, broke, and out of ideas, four college seniors start a fake Christian charity to embezzle money for tuition



PARIS, TEXAS (1984) 30th Anniversary Screening reuniting cast and crew at the Historic Texas Theatre.

(West Germany/USA/France/UK)

DIRECTOR: Wim Wenders

Cast: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

SYNOPSIS: A man wanders out of the desert after a four year absence. His brother finds him, and together they return to L.A. to reunite the man with his young son. Soon after, he and the boy set out to locate the mother of the child, who left shortly after the man disappeared.



Passes and Tickets

DIFF passes are on sale at the online Prekindle box office at www.DallasFilm.org and range from $125 for a Festival Lounge Pass to $750 for an all-access Star Pass, which includes:

All-access pass to all screenings
One invitation to the Opening Night Screening & Gala on April 3, 2014, subject to availability.
Admission for one person to all Centerpiece screenings and parties during the Festival
Access for one person to the Festival Lounge. (Must be 21 or over to enter the Festival Lounge or to consume alcohol.)
Admission for one person to all regular film screenings and panel discussions
Dallas International Film Festival swag bag full of unforgettable merchandise

Starting March 17, individual tickets and passes can be purchased at the Prekindle Main Box Office in Mockingbird station, and online at www.DallasFilm.org.



##



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 April 3 – 13, 2014, 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, or visit www.DallasFilm.org. The offices of the Dallas Film Society are located at 3625 North Hall Street, Suite 740, Dallas, TX 75219.





2014 CONFIRMED SPONSORS: ABCO; Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, LLP; Alamo Draft House DFW; Allied Integrated Marketing; The Angelika Film Center; The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation; Austin Film Festival; AutoNation; Buy LED’s; Camp TV; CBS 11; Cinemark USA, Inc.; City of Richardson; Consilient Hospitality; The Crow Collection of Asian Art; Commerce House; CultureMap Dallas; Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau; Dallas Film Commission; D Magazine; Dallas Morning News; Dallas Museum of Art; Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District; Deep Eddy Vodka; Deterling Hawkes; Downtown Dallas, Inc.; Earth Day Texas; El Creative; Embrey Family Foundation; Flagship Marketing; Frost Bank; FunFlicks; Holiday Inn Central Park Cities; High West Distillery; Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office; Hyatt Regency Dallas; In-N-Out Burger; Jorge’s Tex Mex; Klyde Warren Park; Lascaux Films; Mary Kay Inc.; Matthews Southwest; Mockingbird Station; Modern Luxury Media; Modia; Montage Media; Movie Magic; My Sweet Charity; The Naked Grape; Nasher Sculpture Center; Omni Dallas; One Arts Plaza; Panavision; Pencilneck; Perot Museum of Nature and Science; Post Asylum; Prekindle; PSAV; Pure Evil Sound & Music Design; Radar Creative Studios; SAGIndie; Selig Polyscope Company; Stella Artois; Studio Movie Grill; Texas Association of Film Commissions; Texas Capital Bank; Texas Film Commission; The Lumen; TXU Energy; Univision TV; Which Wich

Movies scheduled 3/2-3/8

There are a couple of places that are having Oscar watching parties. One is with Big Fan Boy at the Angelika and the other one is at the Alamo Draft House. I believe both are free and both will have goodies to pass out.

I just want to give a heads up if you go to LOOK Cinema before 5 during the weekday all movies are 5 bucks each and if you buy a large drink you can get a large popcorn. I know it isn’t free but hey if you missed a movie and want to catch up that is a pretty cheap way to go plus the recliners they are adding are really nice.

I shouldn't have to say this but here goes. Stay in line until the rep tells you it is time to start going in. You may think people are getting in before you but there are times they invite special groups and let them in first. So I will say this again do not start going in until the rep says it is ok!





Please contact me if you have any questions at damitdaina@hotmail.com



Sunday
March 2nd





Monday
March 3rd

300: Rise of an Empire 7:30 pm AMC Northpark
Bad Words 4:00 pm TBA
Bad Words 7:30 pm Cinemark West Plano



Tuesday
March 4th

Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey 7:30 pm The Planetarium at the University of Texas at Arlington
Divergent 7:30 pm Cinemark West Plano
Mr. Peabody and Sherman 7:00 pm AMC Northpark
TCM Presents: Casablance 7:30 pm TBA


Wednesday
March 5th

300: Rise of an Empire 7:30 pm Cinemark 17



Thursday
March 6th



Friday
March 7th



Saturday
March 8th