Dennis Hopper

Film News: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre Pays Off Roger Ebert Bet, Will Screen ‘Red Rock West’

PatrickMcD — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:43:57 -0400

CHICAGO – In Feb. 2012, the Music Box Theatre (on Chicago’s north side) offered a challenge to Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert. If he could beat them in predicting the 86th Annual Oscars – as part of his “Outguess Ebert” contest – then the theatre would screen any film chosen by the Pulitzer Prize-winning legend. Roger Ebert presents “Red Rock West” at the Music Box Theatre on May 1, 2012.

“Red Rock West” is a noir thriller from 1994 starring Nicolas Cage, J.T. Walsh, Laura Flynn Boyle and Dennis Hopper, and directed by John Dahl. Cage portrays Michael Williams, a drifter who is mistaken for a hit man hired to kill the wife (Boyle) of a local bar owner (Walsh). Williams takes the upfront money, and attempts to warn the potential victim of the set-up. Things get a bit complicated when the real hit man, “Lyle from Dallas” (Hopper) finally gets to town. Roger Ebert said in his review, it’s “a diabolical movie that exists sneakily between a western and a thriller, between a film noir and a black comedy.”

Nicolas Cage and Laura Flynn Boyle of ‘Red Rock West’
Photo credit: Red Rock Films

Tickets for the event are only $3, and the screen will take place at 7:40pm on May 1st.

The Music Box Theatre is located at 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. For more information regarding the screening click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-ray Review: ‘Blue Velvet’ Retains Mesmerizing Power, Features Lost Footage

BrianTT — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:44:15 -0500

CHICAGO – Being a child of the ’80s, I can vividly remember when David Lynch’s “Blue Velvet” took the world by storm. I was too young to see it in theaters but I would be an early teen when the decade ended and the film made a stunning number of lists of the best films of the previous ten years. I could finally see what the fuss was all about on VHS. I would never be the same. There are a few movies I can point to and say, “That shaped the way I look at film.” “Blue Velvet,” recently released on Blu-ray to celebrate its 25th anniversary and complete with 50 minutes of never-before-seen deleted scenes, is one of those movies.

Blu-Ray Rating: 5.0/5.0

What more is there to say about “Blue Velvet”? Some have theorized that the majority of the action of the film is actually meant to be interpreted as a dream, and, while there’s some evidence to support that, the theory more likely comes from the fact that the movie feels more like an actual nightmare than nearly any other drama of its era. Regularly (and correctly) ranked as one of the best films of all time, “Blue Velvet” is a timeless neo-noir, the ultimate film about what lies just beyond the white picket fences and perfectly-cut lawns. It’s a word that’s thrown around far too often but “Blue Velvet” is a masterpiece.

Blue Velvet
Photo credit: MGM

“It’s like the song “Amazing Grace.” The footage was lost but now is found.” — David Lynch

If you’re interested in a 25-year-old Kyle Maclachlan film on Blu-ray than you probably agree with attaching the m-word to it, and, therefore, got a little giddy at the proposition of nearly an hour of deleted scenes. The story goes that Lynch prepared a much-longer version of the film that ran 3.5-4 hours but was contractually obligated to deliver a two-hour cut of the film. That left a LOT on the cutting room floor but Lynch and others have claimed for years that the material was truly lost. According to The Guardian, a tech worker at MGM turned into Nathan Drake with the lost material and tracked it down to a warehouse in Seattle. And now it’s available on Blu-ray. Amazing.

But is the deleted footage any good? Overall, the footage includes one more legendary scene with Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) and it’s always great to see more of one of the most remarkable villains of all time. The most notorious deleted scene opens the set and features a woman who set her nipples on fire — supposedly a talent she possessed that she informed Lynch about and he had to shoot for the movie. She even says, “Motherf**ker, you’re really going up in flames this time!” What a great Lynchian line.

Blue Velvet was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 8th, 2011
Photo credit: MGM

All in all, most of the deleted footage is atmosphere of Jeffrey’s life. Much of it was unlikely to ever make it in the film in such raw, unedited form, but it’s fascinating stuff. It’s an interesting mix in that I don’t think I would exactly re-insert a single scene (although would include edited versions of a couple) given how perfectly paced the final film is but seeing Frank Booth nearly kill a man on a pool table while half-naked women dance nearby is a Lynch fan’s dream come true. With the recent death of Mr. Hopper, it has an even eerier feel. The lost footage seems to be chronological (although I can’t say that for sure) except the nipples/Frank scene is right up front for good reason — it’s the most jaw-dropping of the new footage.

As for the other footage, it starts with several scenes revolving around Jeffrey’s leaving school (with an unrecognizable Megan Mullally as his girlfriend) and returning home (all of which are interesting but unnecessary as I like that Jeffrey is more of a cipher in the actual film). There’s also a thematically fascinating scene in which Jeffrey witnesses a date rape in progress and stops it — something that would have tied in greatly to the rest of the film. Overall, a large portion of the new footage centers on Jeffrey’s home life, something that feels like it was better implied than seen. We don’t really need to see Jeffrey having breakfast with his mother and aunt, even if it does make the tedium of his home life more pronounced. Still, watching this footage has an added-dreamlike effect in that the movie itself is such a celluloid nightmare and the footage was gone for so long. It’s like a recovered memory.

The most interesting footage, outside of that opening scene, involves a date between Jeffrey and Sandy in which they go to an act that includes nothing but a dog eating from a bowl on-stage followed by a horrible stand-up accompanied by a two-man band and a belly dancer, along with a stunning rooftop sequence in which Dorothy threatens suicide, which would have added some depth to her character. Both of these scenes could have stayed (except maybe shorten the stage numbers a bit) and enhanced the dreamlike quality of the film.

As for the film itself, it looks incredible in HD and it’s shocking that this is only the second Lynch work to hit the format (after “Dune”). We need them all. And if there’s a tech worker out there searching for 50 minutes of deleted scenes from “Wild at Heart” or “Lost Highway,” God bless you.

Synopsis:
Beneath the surface of small-town security lies a dark domain where innocents dare not tread and unpredictability is the norm. It is the haunting realm of Blue Velvet. Spawned from the mind of David Lynch (Mulholland Drive, “Twin Peaks”), Blue Velvet is a “shocking, deeply disturbing… startling mixture of the heartfelt and the horrific” (Newsweek).

Clean-cut Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) realizes his Mayberry-like hometown is not so normal when he discovers a human ear in a field. His investigation catapults him into an alluring, erotic murder mystery involving a disturbed nightclub singer (Isabella Rossellini) and a drug-addicted sadist (Dennis Hopper). Soon Jeffrey is led deeper into their depraved existence… to the point of no return.

Special Features:
o Newly Discovered Lost Footage
o Mysteries Of Love Documentary
o Original Siskel & Ebert Review
o Vignettes
o Trailers/TV Spots
o A Few Outtakes

“Blue Velvet” stars Kyle MacLachlan, Laura Dern, Hope Lange, Isabella Rossellini, and Dennis Hopper. It was written and directed by David Lynch.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 3 VIP Prize Packs For ‘Alpha and Omega’ With Hayden Panettiere

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:13:59 -0400

CHICAGO – In this edition of the HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 3 VIP prize packs up for grabs to the new animated film “Alpha and Omega” with the voices of Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover, Justin Long and Christina Ricci!

The film also stars Larry Miller, Eric Price, Vicki Lewis, Chris Carmack, Kevin Sussman, Brian Donovan and Bitsie Tulloch from directors Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck and writers Chris Denk and Steve Moore. “Alpha and Omega” opened in theaters on Sept. 17, 2010.

To win your free “Alpha and Omega” prize pack courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the image below.

The movie poster for “Alpha and Omega” with Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Justin Long and Christina Ricci.
Image credit: Lionsgate

Each “Alpha and Omega” prize pack includes the following branded items:

Nintendo DS game for “Alpha and Omega”
Run-of-engagement movie pass (see the film where you want, when you want)
Lenticular bookmark
Activity sheets
Stuffed wolf

Here is the synopsis for “Alpha and Omega”:

What makes for the ultimate road trip? How about hitchhiking, truck stops, angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose with a duck caddy. Just ask Kate and Humphrey: two wolves who are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country.

Humphrey is an omega wolf whose days are about quick wit, snappy one-liners and hanging with his motley crew of fun-loving wolves and video-gaming squirrels. Kate is an alpha: duty, discipline and sleek, Lara Croft moves fuel her fire. Humphrey’s motto is “make ‘em laugh”. Kate’s motto is “I’m the boss”. And they have a thousand miles to go.

Back home, rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace. But first, they have to survive each other.

Lionsgate and Crest Animation present “Alpha and Omega” starring Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover and Christina Ricci. “Alpha and Omega” is directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck from a screenplay by Christopher Denk and Steve Moore. The film is based on a story by Steve Moore.

The “Alpha and Omega” trailer can be viewed now below.

To secure your free VIP prize pack, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply answer our question. You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Your entry will be invalid if you only comment here and don’t submit into our Web-based form. Please only submit your answer using this submission form.

You must include your first and last name, e-mail address and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared, will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries. Please answer our question below.

Are you an alpha or omega personality type?

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: 3 lucky HollywoodChicago.com readers will be randomly selected as the VIP prize pack winners for our “Alpha and Omega” Hookup! The prize packs will be mailed to the winners at our expense. Good luck!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Easy-Riding Screen Legend Dennis Hopper Dies at Age 74

mattmovieman — Sat, 29 May 2010 15:54:58 -0400

CHICAGO – Beloved actor and legendary easy rider Dennis Hopper lost his long battle with prostate cancer this morning at age 74. With a career spanning over the last half-century, Hopper is best known for directing, co-writing and co-starring in 1969’s counterculture classic “Easy Rider”. The script awarded Hopper his first of two Oscar nominations (the other he received for his memorable supporting role in 1987’s “Hoosiers”).

Dennis Hopper

The Hollywood icon died at his home in Venice Beach, Calif., on Saturday, May 29th, from complications due to prostate cancer. He was reportedly surrounded by his children at the time of his death. Hopper was diagnosed with the disease in late 2009, and by March of this year, the cancer had metastasized to his bones. That same month, Hopper made his last public appearance when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hopper began his career in television, and appeared in several popular shows including “Bonanza” and “Gunsmoke.” His film debut came with a bit part in 1955’s “Rebel Without a Cause.” He worked with some of the greatest directors in cinema history, including George Stevens, Francis Ford Coppola and David Lynch. Hopper had great success playing a variety of larger-than-life villains in films such as 1986’s “Blue Velvet” and “River’s Edge,” as well as 1994’s “Speed.” Other memorable film roles include his work in “Giant,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Rumble Fish” and “True Romance.”

After “Easy Rider,” Hopper directed six more feature films: 1971’s “The Last Movie,” 1980’s “Out of the Blue,” 1988’s “Colors,” 1990’s “Catchfire” and “The Hot Spot,” and 1994’s “Chaser.” Hopper’s last major role was on television in the Starz series “Crash.” His final two projects, a show-business satire, “The Last Film Festival,” and the animated adventure, “Alpha and Omega,” are due for release this year. Our condolences go out to his wife, Victoria, and his four children.

By MATT FAGERHOLM
Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com

Interview: Peter Fonda on His Life, Style as an ‘Easy Rider’

PatrickMcD — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:48:40 -0500

CHICAGO – Peter Fonda, part of Hollywood acting royalty, made his mark with the counterculture classic “Easy Rider” in 1969. Fonda made an appearance last weekend at the Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville to introduce that seminal film.

Emerging from the shadow of his movie legend father Henry and the rising earlier tide of his sister Jane’s career, Peter Fonda carved a special niche in film history with his evolution in the counterculture films of the 1960s, which culminated in Easy Rider.

This seemingly simple film about bikers finding America revitalized the careers of co-stars Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper, and launched a cinema movement that continued into the 1970s, with emerging directors tackling themes of questioning both authority and the American Dream.

Peaceful, Easy Rider: Peter Fonda in Chicago, January 28, 2010.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com got the honor of spending a few moments with Peter Fonda, before he introduced the film Easy Rider last weekend at both the Hollywood Palms in Naperville and the Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge. These theaters are continuing a tradition of inviting the stars and filmmakers to represent and bring film history to life.

The interview is divided into three specific stories and a final commentary regarding Peter Fonda’s famous family.

Terry Southern and the ‘Easy Rider’

One of the more mythical stories to come out of Easy Rider is regarding the partnership of author and screenwriter Terry Southern (”Candy,” “Dr. Strangelove”) with Fonda on the story. Since much of what Southern contributed was cut from the film in its final form, Fonda was asked about whether his relationship with Southern at the time was contentious, as the history of the film has been told.

“Jane and I were doing parts in a segment for film ‘Histoires extraordinaires,’ which was directed by her husband at the time, Roger Vadim,” Fonda recalled. “I met Terry Southern at the villa I was staying at in France, and pitched him the idea for the film. He was very enthusiastic and wanted to work on it.”

But there were some obstacles.

“Terry was a pretty big screenwriter at the time, and I thought his price for doing the script would be the entire budget of the film,” Fonda said. “But he was so into the story that we ended up paying him a much lower fee.”

He continued: “It was never a contentious relationship, he just had a problem working with Dennis, who he called ‘Den-Den.’ Hopper and he had some serious confrontations on the New Orleans set and Terry just left. But I never had a problem with him.

And in fact, Terry Southern gave the film its famous title.

“You may think it has something to do with motorcycle riding but what it really refers to is the boyfriend of a prostitute, Fonda said. “She makes all the money and in exchange he gives her love, and the rest is just an ‘easy ride.’”

Captain America on Alternative Fuel

Alternative fuel sources is of great concern to Fonda, one of pop culture’s greatest motorcycle advocates. He spent a lot of last year helping to promote the documentary “Fuel.” As he put it, he had no stake in the film, he just wanted to help spread the message.

“The oil industry has done a good job of keeping alternative fuels out of public use,” Fonda explained. “The Volstead Act of 1920, besides establishing the law that launched Prohibition, was pushed heavily by John D. Rockefeller because it also served to squelched Henry Ford’s ethanol powered engine production, because that was essentially alcohol and against the law.”

“We see that today with bio-diesel, as information that is circulated claims that it is cutting into our food supply,” he added.

But Fonda offered a solution to that, which is a major premise in the documentary.

“Fuel can be made from algae,” Fonda said. “The same factories that pollute our waterways and cause algae to form can now be powered by it.”

Fonda is Fond Of: Patrick McDonald and Peter Fonda, January 28, 2010.
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Peter Fonda and John Lennon

Historians of The Beatles have long noted that Peter Fonda was the inspiration for one of their greatest songs, “She Said, She Said.” It was in a Benedict Canyon home near Los Angeles that The Beatles stayed during their 1965 tour of America (the Shea Stadium tour). Fonda was in a group of people visiting them in their hideaway. The line that Fonda offered, “I know what it’s like to be dead.” was in reference to a childhood accident where he was shot playing with a gun. Lennon wrote the song one year later that appeared on the “Revolver” Album…

She said, I know what it’s like to be dead.
I know what it is to be sad

“It was glorious days, and I remember them well,” Fonda remembered. “It was great to be part of that experience and great to hear what George Martin and The Beatles came up with when Lennon interpreted that phrase.”

When it was remarked that the phrase and song will have him live forever, Fonda was quick to reply.

“No one lives forever, man.”

The Family Man

Peter Fonda is part of the legacy of the famous Fonda family, with sister Jane and father Henry both major contributors to film history and performance. When asked what his favorite Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda and Peter Fonda movie is, he offered these.

“For my Dad, I love ‘My Darling Clementine,’ just a beautiful picture. For Jane, I have to go with ‘Klute.’ For me, definitely ‘Ulee’s Gold.’

When asked what was the character thread that connected these performances, Peter Fonda went straight to the point.

“They were all real people.”

The Hollywood Palms (Naperville, IL) and The Hollywood Blvd Cinema (Woodridge, IL) has upcoming special programs reuniting the casts of the films “Back to the Future” and “West Side Story.
Click here for information and details.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Round Up, Oct. 15, 2009: ‘Wolf,’ ‘Waterworld,’ ‘Frankenstein’

BrianTT — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:37:48 -0400

CHICAGO – The Blu-Ray Round-Up is back with this week’s collection of HD titles that may not get the buzz of something like the latest Sandra Bullock romantic comedy or what Sam Raimi brought back from Hell but could be just what you’re looking for at the mall this weekend. A few modern horror movies, a notable box office bust, and a beloved BBC show highlight this week’s list. Pick your favorite.

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein,” “Wolf,” and “Red Dwarf: Back To Earth - The Director’s Cut” was released on October 6th, 2009.

“Waterworld” will be released on October 20th, 2009.

“Red Dwarf: Back To Earth - The Director’s Cut”

Photo credit: BBC

Synopsis: “Back To Earth takes place after “Series X.” Kochanski’s dead and the crew are hurled through a portal and discover they’re just characters from a TV series. Knowing they will die in the final episode the Dwarfers, in best Blade Runner tradition, track down their creators to plead for more life. First the crew attempt to track down the actors who play them in the series and their metaphysical odyssey begins….”

“Red Dwarf: Back To Earth - The Director’s Cut” stars Chloe Annett, Chris Barrie, Robert Llewellyn, Craig Charles, and Danny John-Jules. It was written and directed by Doug Naylor. The movie runs 70 minutes. It is presented in its original 16:9 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English DTS-HD 5.1 track.

Special features include Cast Commentary, Director Commentary, All-New Exclusive Documentary, “The Making of Back to Earth, ” Deleted Scenes, Smeg Ups, Featurettes, Trailers, Web Videos, Photo Gallery, and Easter Egg.

“Waterworld”

Photo credit: Universal

Synopsis: “See one of the screen’s biggest action-adventure epics like never before - on Blu-ray Hi-Def! Set in the future when Earth is completely covered in water and the human race is struggling to survive, mankind’s one remaining hope for a better future is a drifter (Kevin Costner) who gets caught up in a battle between the evil Deacon (Dennis Hopper) and a child’s secret key to a wondrous place called “Dryland.” Featuring groundbreaking special effects, Waterworld is a visually stunning, futuristic thriller beyond your wildest imagination! ”

“Waterworld” stars Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Tina Majorino, and Michael Jeter. It was written by Peter Rader and David Twohy and directed by Kevin Reynolds. The film runs 136 minutes and is rated PG-13. It is presented in its original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio and accompanied by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track.

Special features include, sadly, nothing but access to the BD-Live Center. Shameful for Universal, one of the best studios at assembling interesting bonus material.

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein”

Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis: “True to the original, here is the story of a young doctor whose obsession with death leads him to create a life. But his “creature,” crafted from the bodies of convicts and the brain of a brilliant scientist, is a hideous mockery of humanity. And when the creature realizes he will never be accepted by men, he seeks revenge on Dr. Frankenstein and his family. An inspired adaptation that’s emotionally complex and truly terrifying. Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is “100% pure excitement. Visually stunning and refreshingly different” (Paul Wunder, WBAI Radio). ”

“Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein” stars Robert De Niro, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hulce, Helena Bonham Carter, Aidan Quinn, Ian Holm and John Cleese. It was written by Steph Lady and Frank Darabont and directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film runs 123 minutes and is rated R. It is presented in its original widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by English, French, and Portuguese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks.

Once again, there are sadly no special features.

“Wolf”

Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis: “Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer star in Wolf, a wickedly funny, wildly romantic, white-knucklethriller. James Spader (TV’s Boston Legal, Sex, Lies and Videotape), Kate Nelligan (The Prince of Tides), Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music) and David Hyde Pierce (TV’s Frasier, Sleepless in Seattle) co-star in this beastly tale of love and betrayal with equal measures of humor, passion and delicious terror. ”

“Wolf” stars Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, Kate Nelligan, Richard Jenkins, and Christopher Plummer. It was written by Jim Harrison and Wesley Strick and directed by Mike Nichols. It runs 125 minutes and is rated R. It is presented in its original standard, full-frame format and accompanied by a Dolby Digital Stereo track.

Three strikes. No special features here either.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

DVD Review: ‘Elegy’ Features Spectacular Performances From Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz

BrianTT — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:06:04 -0400

DVD Rating: 3.5/5.0

CHICAGO – They have yet to perfectly adapt the great author Philip Roth’s tone from page to screen, but Isabel Coixet’s “Elegy” comes the closest. With other modern masters like Ian McEwan (“Atonement”) and Cormac McCarthy (“No Country For Old Men”) finding a new audience through the successful adaptations of their work, maybe “Elegy” will bring fans to Roth.

With the best performance from Ben Kingsley in a long time and a turn from Penelope Cruz that deserved more consideration in the year-end awards season conversation, “Elegy” certainly deserves a look on DVD. It’s the kind of adult, mature drama that seems to be made with less frequency every year.

Elegy was released on DVD on March 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Home Video

Kingsley plays David Kepesh, a perfectionist through and through who believes that not only is life planned out but that he wrote the plan. He has perfected every element of his life to the point that he intellectually controls nearly everyone around him. He beds his younger students with ease, doesn’t seem to mind that he can’t get along with his son (Peter Sarsgaard), exercises physically and intellectually with his buddy (Dennis Hopper), and has a girlfriend (Patricia Clarkson) that he only sees on his terms.

Elegy was released on DVD on March 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Sony Pictures Home Video

Of course, David’s is a life that needs to be turned upside down and watching it go topsy-turvy after the entrance of a gorgeous young woman named Consuela (Penelope Cruz) is something predictable in the world of drama but it’s handled eloquently and unpredictably.

Consuela doesn’t just get into David’s bed, she does something he thought impossible - she gets under his skin. The two develop a May-December romance that shatters the strict rules that David has set up and that he thought he’d follow until his final days. But just when David thinks he’s adjusted to one curveball, life throws a distinctly different one his way. “Elegy” is about a man who thinks he has everything under control and learning that he very clearly does not.

A few of the twists and turns of “Elegy” feel a bit forced on the big screen and probably were easier to sell on the page than they were for a screenwriter. And Coixet starts to let the piece feel a bit too melodramatic in the final act.

But these are minor complaints for what is truly an actor’s piece. Hopper, Clarkson, and Sarsgaard are perfect in the supporting cast and Kingsley and Cruz simply rock. She gives a particularly daring performance that I think nearly stands up with her Oscar-winning work in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and her incredible turn in “Volver”. It may be more of an acting showcase than a complete film, but judged as such it’s one of the best of 2008.

Sadly, Sony didn’t see fit to release “Elegy” on Blu-Ray, so “old-ray” will have to do. The film is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen with an English 5.1 Dolby Digital track that fits the film well without being particularly remarkable.

The same “just about par or maybe a bit under” judgment could be rendered regarding the special features for “Elegy”. All fans will find is a lonely featurette called “The Poetry of Elegy” and a commentary track by screenwriter Nicholas Meyer. Neither are that notable but considering the film made under $4 million in theaters, the paucity of bonuses on the DVD can be understood, if not forgiven.

‘Elegy’ is released by Sony Pictures Home Video and stars Ben Kingsley, Penelope Cruz, Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson, and Peter Sarsgaard. It was written by Nicholas Meyer based on the book by Philip Roth and directed by Isabel Coixet. It was released on March 17th, 2009. It is rated R.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

Blu-Ray Review: ‘Swing Vote’ Wastes Great Cast on Predictable Script

BrianTT — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:34:09 -0500

CHICAGO – Joshua Michael Stern’s “Swing Vote” hit theaters at the peak of the Presidential campaign and it’s no coincidence that the Blu-Ray release lands in stores a week before President-Elect Obama takes office. With a great ensemble and old-fashioned sensibility, “Swing Vote” is a film that should work. Like a misguided campaign for office, it just doesn’t come together.

The intention of co-writer and director Joshua Michael Stern, to make a film that basically asks that people pay more attention to the political world around them, is an honorable one, but the script has all the subtlety of a lead hammer. The Blu-Ray release from Walt Disney Home Video features appropriate video and audio for a movie like “Swing Vote” and a decent collection of special features, but most people ignored this Kevin Costner vehicle in theaters ($16 million domestically is the actor’s worst take in seven years) and they should probably do so on the home market as well.

Swing Vote is released by Touchstone Home Entertainment on January 13th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Pictures Home Video

Costner stars as Bud Johnson, a character who would have worked as an average everyman but who has been misguidedly written as a trailer park moron. Costner has made a career of playing the average guy in everything from “Bull Durham” to “The Upside of Anger” but he mistakenly plays Bud way too dumb. Early scenes make it clear that Bud is struggling so much that he may have to sell blood to be able to afford his daughter Molly’s (Madeline Carroll) medical bills and yet we’re supposed to believe that he barely even knows the role of the President of the United States.

Swing Vote is released by Touchstone Home Entertainment on January 13th, 2009.
Photo credit: Walt Disney Pictures Home Video

Just because the working class may feel that government doesn’t speak for them does not mean that they don’t understand what they do. “Swing Vote” could only work if we identify with Bud, but he is so clearly a character created by Hollywood’s impression of the working class that it’s impossible to do so.

The plot of “Swing Vote” kicks in when Molly, Bud’s politically active daughter, encourages her father to get involved in the presidential election going on between the incumbent Republican (Kelsey Grammer) and challenging Democrat (Dennis Hopper). A chain of events on Election Day lead to a presidential race that comes down to one vote, Bud’s. The candidates who need Bud’s tie-breaking vote descend on his community and a gorgeous local reporter (Paula Patton) tries to break the story that Molly was the one that half-voted in the first place.

“Swing Vote” might have worked as a “Wag the Dog” satire of a broken political process but it’s as toothless as an ABC Family movie. It’s not broad enough to be a satire but never believable enough to be a character study. And the whole affair is the last thing that politics were in 2008 - predictable. Of course, Hopper and Nathan Lane play the Democrats and Grammer and Stanley Tucci play the Republicans. How refreshing would it have been if they had swapped parts? And the manipulative final act is just a device. The basic message of “Swing Vote” seems to be that all it takes to be politically active is a night of cramming.

Touchstone released “Swing Vote” in theaters, so Walt Disney Home Video handles the Blu-Ray release and they’re clearly one of the better studios working on this format. Having said that, there’s nothing remarkable about the 1080p High Definition/2.40:1 transfer for “Swing Vote”. It’s neither better nor worse than what it should be. Same goes for the English 5.1 DTS-HD track.

The special features are similarly right around par, including a commentary by the writers and director, deleted & extended scenes, and a featurette called “Inside the Campaign: The Politics of Production”. Like the movie itself, the special features are predictable - commentary, featurette, deleted scenes. They’re what fans should expect with a title like “Swing Vote,” no more and no less.

In the end, “Swing Vote” features such a good ensemble that it’s going to be a tempting rental for many shoppers this season. How ironic that a feature that felt like a TV movie in theaters will be seen by many more viewers at home than ever went to the multiplex.

‘Swing Vote’ is released by Walt Disney Pictures Home Video and stars Kevin Costner, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez, and Madeline Carroll. It was written by Jason Richman & Joshua Michael Stern and directed by Stern. It will be released on January 13th, 2009.

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 10 DVDs of David Zucker’s Comedy ‘An American Carol’

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 02:56:48 -0500

CHICAGO – In our latest edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 10 DVDs up for grabs for David Zucker’s new comedy “An American Carol”. Zucker has brought us films including “Airplane!,” “The Naked Gun,” “Scary Movie 3,” “Scary Movie 4” and “BASEketball”.

“An American Carol” stars Leslie Nielsen, Paris Hilton, Dennis Hopper, Jon Voight, James Woods, Robert Davi, Gary Coleman, Kelsey Grammer and Bill O’Reilly as himself. The DVD street date for “An American Carol” is Dec. 30, 2008.

To win your free “An American Carol” DVD courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is be one of the first 10 people to submit a favorite holiday memory as part of this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.

The DVD for the David Zucker comedy “An American Carol” hits the streets on Dec. 30, 2008.
Image credit: Vivendi Entertainment

Here is the plot description for “An American Carol”:

The American spirit is celebrated in the outrageous and totally irreverent comedy “An American Carol” from David Zucker: the master of questionable taste (“Airplane!,” “The Naked Gun,” “Scary Movie 3” and “Scary Movie 4”).

In “An American Carol,” a cynical and anti-American “Hollywood” filmmaker sets out on a crusade to abolish the Fourth of July holiday. He is visited by three spirits who take him on a hilarious journey in an attempt to show him the true meaning of America.

To secure your free “An American Carol” DVD, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having an account with a valid e-mail address is required to win this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup.

Next, simply submit your favorite holiday memory. You must submit your favorite holiday memory using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Please do not comment in this Hookup. Please only submit your memory using this submission form.

You must include your e-mail address, name and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential and is only for us to mail winning DVDs. Your personal information will not be sold or shared elsewhere.

Submit your favorite “An American Carol” holiday memory now!

Like all Hookups here, this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film is simple: The first 10 people to submit a memory win! The 10 DVDs will be mailed to the winners at our expense.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

‘Sleepwalking’ Has Exactly That Potential Effect on Moviegoers

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:47:50 -0400

CHICAGO – When done improperly, there’s nothing more embarrassing than actors playing against their type or social class. There is a subtlety to channeling the lower middle or the working class beyond dressing down or developing a bad hairstyle. “Sleepwalking” is the type of film that gets it wrong and just gets worse as it tries harder.

Charlize Theron is cast as Oscar bait in her role as Joleen: a down-on-her-luck mother who has just been busted for growing marijuana.

She is also in trouble with social services and then threaten to take away her 11-year-old daughter, Tara, who’s played by the trying-too-hard AnnaSophia Robb. Desperate, she abandons the girl with her brother, James, who’s played by Nick Stahl.

Click here to read Patrick McDonald’s full review
of “Sleepwalking” in our reviews section!

Click here for our full “Sleepwalking” image gallery!

Charlize Theron in “Sleepwalking”.
Photo credit: IMDb

AnnaSophia Robb in “Sleepwalking”.
Photo credit: IMDb