I remember when I was little, it was so exciting to go to grandma and grandpa's for the weekend. They were the quintessential Italian grandparents, always there with amazing homemade Italian food, bread to feed the fishes in the pond out back and would give us treats we normally wouldn't get at home. Remember that warm, loving, safe feeling? All I can say is this one trip down memory lane you may not want to remember! The Visit, the latest grim tale from award-winning writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs, Unbreakable) and producer Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity, Insidious series, The Purge), is set to be released in theaters nationwide September 11. Tonight I had the privilege of watching an advance screening in Seattle and I give it a big thumbs up! Before I delve into my review, just take a moment to peruse these three simple rules...then be afraid! Be very, very afraid!
Grandma's rules might just send you over the edge:
1. Have a great time
2. Eat as much as you want
3. Don't leave your room after 9:30 p.m.
I'll reiterate...PLEASE do not leave your room after 9:30 p.m.!
If you want to see a fun, psychologically jarring, suspenseful movie just in time for the Halloween season, this is it! I characterize it as Psycho meets Paranormal Activity meets Blair Witch Project meets Twilight Zone.
The Premise:
A single mom (Kathryn Hahn) estranged from her parents, finally allows her aspiring director 15 year old daughter Becca (Olivia DeJonge) and hipster 13 year old son Tyler (Ed Oxenbould), to visit grandma and grandpa for the first time. Being a budding young filmmaker, Becca decides to make a documentary of the trip, as well as attempt to uncover the real reason behind her mother's abrupt departure from home at the age of nineteen, refusing to return or maintain contact with her parents again. As the story unfolds, we learn why Becca and Tyler have some quirks of their own and the reasons behind their divided feelings about their father, who left his family for another woman. Needless to say, the underlying drama allows the audience to connect to the characters on an emotional level and actually care about them.
The cinematography of the landscape and the centuries old, sprawling farm house in the middle of nowhere pulls the audience in, to not only visually see the isolation but also feel it. No Internet, no cell phone reception, no television. The only link to the outside world is via brief Skype conversations with their mother while on a week-long cruise with her boyfriend. I couldn't do it! I admit I'm addicted to my phone and the Internet! LOL
Of course upon laying eyes on the remote location you just know something creepy is going to happen! What would you do if grandparents you never met before had some strange, macabre and disturbing behavior once the sun goes down? Is it because they're old, have dementia or is there something more sinister to it? In true classic Shyamalan form, he strings you along like a puppeteer as some unsettling, frightening and dark behavior from Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie) immediately emerge in the dead of night!
It has a real Blair Witch Project type feel as Becca and Tyler shoot the documentary, which at times we see from their point of view. Obviously Blum's fingerprints are all over, reminiscent of Paranormal Activity upon the idea to covertly capture what's going on after 10:00 p.m. What ensues will send chills up your spine!
I'd say DeJonge and Oxenbould really stole the show. They were fantastic, doling out humor throughout the film, then just the right amount of fear so it wasn't over-the-top (though Nana and Pop Pop are at times) and make the audience want to join their journey to uncover the truth. Though there are typical pop up scares, the one that got me the most was the bedroom scene between Becca and Nana. I don't want to spoil it for you, but might I suggest sleeping with the lights on when you get home?
All in all, I'd say compared to my number one and two Shyamalan favorites The Sixth Sense and Signs, for me The Visit ranks in the number three spot with an A-. I liked it enough that I really want to see it again and movie goers who love mystery-thrillers, mixed with humor and a twist on the side, will leave the theater feeling like they've just been on an emotional roller-coaster ride!
The Visit will be released by Universal Pictures nationwide September 11, 2015. Be sure to follow The Visit on Facebook, Twitter, use #TheVisitMovie and check out the website for more information about the film.
Jenny Jaffe, founder of 'Project UR OK' has a mission to help teens and young adults who may be dealing with mental health issues. Jaffe is a bright light, casting a ray of hope to those afflicted with mental illness who may feel alone or like no one understands what they are going through. Not only has Jaffe created an incredible online community, but well-known celebrities also dealing with various issues have come forward to bring awareness to this cause.
Project UR OK invites people to anonymously write or post a video about their experiences or what they are going through. The goal is to let those dealing with mental health issues know they are not alone, there are a ton of every day, ordinary people also going through the same things. This is a safe place to meet others, to gather information, as well as access resources.
Jaffe is no stranger to mental health issues, having struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide at a very young age. She felt sad, had high-levels of anxiety, felt helpless with no desire or energy to do the things most kids her age did. Though she and her family had no explanation as to why she was feeling this way, after finally going to the doctor, she was diagnosed with severe depression, OCD, and anxiety. Over the years different combinations of medications affected her ability to function, however now she feels back in control of her life, her destiny.
Sadly this is the case with a lot of teens and young adults in America today, as pressures from peers and family mount, anxiety or thoughts of suicide are occurring at an unprecedented rate. The National Center for Children of Poverty reports that 20% of adolescents have diagnosis of mental health issues and 20-30% of those adolescents will have an episode of depression before they reach adulthood. An alarming 50-75% of adolescents develop anxiety disorders or attention-deficit disorder and suicide is ranked as third for teens and young adults. Incredibly, 500,000 to one million young adults, ages 15-24 attempt suicide each year (that we know is reported). It's staggering to think of how many young people feel they are alone and no one cares.
Another key issue surrounding mental health, is actually getting help. In a system where the almighty dollar is king, insurance reigns and mental health care professionals are inundated, it's an uphill battle to gain quality treatment or counseling. Luckily for Jaffe, she got the help she needed via medication and has spent most of her life in counseling. Now she wants to be a resource, as well as a voice for young people afflicted with mental health issues.
Jaffe talks about her own experience, at the age of ten being suicidal. Like other kids her age, she was scared to ask for help and felt the only way out was suicide. In addition to this, she was afflicted with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which is another type of mental illness. It enhances anxiety, with preoccupation of danger or that something bad is going to happen. Some have horrible images that pop in their minds no matter what they are doing and are unable to shake the feelings, they are in a sense obsessed or compulsive. Having been on several types of medications, as well as counseling for most of her life, Jaffe encourages others to seek the help she's been so lucky to have. She talks about a time when she didn't even think she'd graduate from high school or have friends, a life. She's literally been "through my own personal hell and back" and she wants other teens, young adults to know they can make it too.
Not only has Jaffe struggled, but so has her sister Brooke who was also afflicted with severe depression. In her video, she talks about how much depression is "in your mind", meaning there is that little voice within, telling you life is horrible or you're a bad person, etc... It has a way of permeating through your thought process, interrupting your concentration, making it almost impossible for you to accomplish anything. She explains how she resisted getting help, or even admitting anything was wrong. "It doesn't make you a weak person, in fact, it makes you stronger if you can get through it- trial by adversity." This is typical, especially if you're independent. I mean, who wants to admit they need help or might need someone? I'm very much like that myself, so I completely understand the need to handle whatever situation on your own. Jaffe and her sister Brooke are here to tell you it's okay to ask for help. It's okay to tell people what you're going through and it's okay to need them. While the first step is difficult, once you do, it'll feel like the world has been lifted off your shoulders. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Jaffe decided it was important to reach out to some celebrities that might be willing to tell their own story dealing mental health issues. She was shocked at the amount of response she received and only validated her path with the project. On the Project UR OK site you'll find several well-known stars who share their experiences including Entertainment Reporter Perez Hilton, Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Jake Plunkett (Manager, SNL) to name a few.
Ultimately Jaffe hopes the site will become a safe haven for those struggling with various issues, who will feel comfortable talking about what they are going through, which will in turn help others. Life is precious. It shouldn't be taken for granted, and the key is that no one can truly deal with the illness except you. If you've ever heard that song by Wilson Phillips "Hold On", I love the lyrics which ring so true- "No one can change your life except for you. Hold on for one more day, things will go your way, hold on for one more day." Having dealt with my own depression over my lifetime, I can say without a doubt, things do get better but you have to reach out.
Please check out Project UROK, where you'll find a community of people who are struggling just like you. There are tons of videos, blogs and resources. Only you can change the course of your life.
I love this video- Chris Hardwick (Founder of Nerdist.com & host of The Talking Dead), interrupted Wil Wheaton's testimonial for Project UROK.
Movie goers in Seattle know one of the best theaters downtown is the historic Cinerama, which was recently renovated to ensure audiences has the most exhilarating experience. Starting September 4 they are hosting the first-ever series of fan favorite classic flicks, giving die hard film fanatics a chance to watch classics on the big screen. The series will continue for two weeks, from September 4-17 and there are some really great iconic films on the list, including the following:
September 4
No Country for Old Men
Vertigo
The Big Lebowski
September 5
Forest Gump
Citizen Kane
Harry Potter & Prison of Azkaban
Inception
September 6
The Wizard of Oz
The Sound of Music
The GodFather
Spirited Away
American Graffiti
September 9
Pulp Fiction
September 10
Raiders of the Lost Ark
September 12
Blade Runner
September 13
Chinatown
September 16
Blue Velvet
September 17
Akira
For tickets, a complete list of featured films and times go to:
Next up: Everest (rated PG13), starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, and John Hawkes, premieres September 18, with several different formats to choose from, including: 1st Week:3D, Dolby Atmos, 2nd Week: 3D and 2D, Dolby Atmos. Everest is a docudrama, based on a true story of mountaineers who face the brutality of the famous peak.
Coming October 2, is The Martian (not yet rated), tells the story of Astronaut Mark Watney, who is left behind, presumed dead after a fierce storm. He finds himself a lone survivor in a hostile environment. His goal is to signal Earth, to let them know he's alive!
Impractical Jokers is produced for truTV by NorthSouth Productions (Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, Double Divas), with Charlie DeBevoise, Mark Hickman, Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn, and Sal Vulcano serving as executive producers. The series celebrated their 100th episode last night via first-ever LIVE punishment in New York City's South Street Seaport in front of hundreds of fans.
Getting the crowd hyped up for the evening's festivities was the Jokers' trainer, highwire expert and Ringling Bros. Circus clownBello Nock, best known as the "World's Greatest Dare Devil." With his signature foot-tall red hair, Bello walked the highwire first to demonstrate just how "easy" a challenge it would be for the Jokers to complete, much to delight of the masses waiting for the main event.
Hosted by Howie Mandel, Impractical Jokers stars Q, Murr, Joe and Sal made a grand entrance on a double-decker bus, then each gingerly walked a highwire five stories above the street, as thousands nervously watched the terrifying challenge to see who could walk the farthest. Ultimately the goal was to raise the most money for their charity.
The first to hit the highwire was Murr, who as fans familiar with a popular past episode know, has a strong aversion to heights. With his three best friends cheering him on and the crowd below chanting his name, Murr was able to make it about 9.7 ft. across the wire before falling off.
Next up was Sal, who motivated himself by doing a little dance with his eyes closed before stepping onto the wire and making it an impressive 9.2 ft.
Then came Joe, wearing his always entertaining Captain Fat Belly costume, which he was forced to wear after being declared the “biggest loser” at the end of the 100th episode. Joe, who was the frontrunner voted by Impractical Jokers fans leading up to the live event as the most likely to walk the farthest, gave it his all and made it about 5 ft. across.
Last but not least was Q, who after a few false starts, was able to walk the full length of the tightrope using his own distinctive technique, to claim victory and win $50,000 for his favorite charity. The three remaining Jokers’ charities will each receive $10,000 donations.
As part of the live punishment special, GEICO gave fans the power to save one of the Jokers from having to walk the highwire first –and alsothe power to set the order of walkers. Launching the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 2, truTV and GEICO allowed fans to vote for the GEICO Save to #SAVEJOE, #SAVEMURR, #SAVEQ, or #SAVESAL via their social channels. The results were tallied in an online leaderboard at www.trutv.com/jokers100 and revealed on-air during the live punishment special. The lucky Joker who decided everyone’s fate was Q.
#StarWars #ForceFriday #ShareTheForce is here! TARGET just released the long-awaited line of ‘Force Awakens’ collectibles fans have been waiting for!
If you're a die-hard fan like me, this is the day you've been waiting for! I can't tell you the amount of hours my brothers and I spent collecting all the figures when Episodes I, II and III came out. Spending time in long lines at Toys R Us or Target, waiting for the doors to open at midnight to get those first exclusive collectibles. It's all part of the fun of being a Star Wars fan.
Today, Target has a plethora of the most in-demand Star Wars collectibles. Be sure to “Shop the Force” for the exclusive BB-8 droid from Hasbro, light sabers, LEGO® products and more. As anticipation for the new movie rises, fans will get a glimpse of the new characters in Star Wars: The Force Awakens leading up to the Dec. 18 release. A few of the collectibles unveiled by Target on Force Friday include:·
*An exclusive, remote controlled BB-8 droid from Hasbro that moves and sounds just like it does in the film·
*Bladebuilder compatible light sabers with lights and sounds at the push of a button and more than 100 combinations·
*All-new and collectible Star Wars-themed Micro Machines and Battle Sets·
*A LEGO® Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter that lets you intercept and destroy the enemy
Check out the full gallery of collectibles released: Target
Target is kicking off Force Friday with midnight openings in 207 stores nationwide and will continue into Saturday, September 5 with family fun including out-of-this-world photo ops, giveaways and toy demos. Leading up to the film’s release, Target will continue to be the ultimate fan shopping destination with a designated in-store Star Wars shop offering hundreds of new and exciting licensed products across numerous categories including toys, apparel, grocery, housewares and exclusive items found only at Target and Target.com.
As part of a series of innovative activities leading up to the theatrical release of the new movie, Target also recently launched “Share the Force”, the first digital collection of Star Wars memories. The collection, which includes celebrity fans Minka Kelly, Chris Hardwick and Bobby Moynihan, will go on to be archived at Lucasfilm – becoming an everlasting example of how we’re all connected by the force.
So get in line for some amazing new collectibles only released by Target!
Independent films, while not considered mainstream blockbusters, allows for talented writers,
directors and stars to break free from typical high-action to explore a more creative, insightful way of storytelling that is more realistic. Produced, written and directed by Joe Swanberg, Digging for Fire is a metaphor for not only a mystery that is uncovered, but also what happens when a married couple goes their separate ways for a weekend.
Tim, played by Jake Johnson (New Girl, Jurassic World) who also produces and co-wrote the screenplay with Swanberg, and Lee (Rosemarie Dewitt), appear to have everything they could possibly want. They have an adorable son and although there is a bit of noticeable tension between them, for the most part it seems their marriage is a happy one. However, it's immediately hinted that Tim and Lee may be having martial
problems, based on Lee's feeling that she is the 'bad guy' after having
to scold their son and Tim's lack of responsibility where taxes are
concerned. The couple are tasked with house-sitting a friend's home in Los Angeles for the weekend and although Tim's time is supposed to involve doing dreaded taxes, things get interesting when he finds an old gun and a human bone while doing some yard work. Of course he's intrigued and wants to investigate further, see what else can be found, but Lee is totally against this venture. This begins a journey of self-discovery for Tim.
Meanwhile, Lee has made plans to take their son (Jude Swanberg) to visit her parents (played by legendary actors Judith Light and Sam Elliott) for the weekend, leaving Tim to fend for himself. Lee's discontent is revealed further after a conversation with her mother where it's abundantly clear they do not see eye to eye regarding private school versus public, since Tim is a public school teacher and doesn't want to borrow the money from his in-laws. Both Tim and Lee appear to be struggling within, which is what I sensed most as the film continues.
Stars of the film, Jake Johnson and Rosemarie Dewitt took time out of their busy schedules to chat with journalists during a roundtable discussion about the film.
The film is based on a true story, in that Johnson did actually find items similar in the film on his property. Swanberg and Johnson knew they wanted to include it in the script, but after outlining it they realized the movie wasn't just going to be about Tim's mystery. They also wanted Tim's wife, Lee to have a story. In casting Lee, Johnson and Swanberg not only needed to find an actor for the role, but also someone who could help write it. This led them to Dewitt, who talks about the challenges she faced in helping to create her character.
"[It's] hard to break a story and come up with the deets (details) and I was having mental gymnastics trying to figure out what comes next. The words are yours but they did all the hard work. Then they surrounded us with phenomenal actors, all of whom could be the lead of the movie."
There are several appearances by stars throughout the film, including legendary actors Judith Light, Sam Elliot, Anna Kendrick, Chris Messina, Brie Larson and Mike Birbiglia to name a few. Johnson explains that Swanberg wanted it to feel like a Hollywood movie so got to work calling and texting those on his wish list. Since the film only took 15 days to shoot and the actors would only be needed for one or two days, plus the fact it was during the summer, most were available. He adds, "The way this one was cast, we knew we wanted to do this movie and Joe wanted it to feel like an L.A. movie. So part of that is celebrity faces. Everywhere you go, [in scenes] there's a face you kind of know from somewhere."
One of the biggest gets was Orlando Bloom (LOTR, The Hobbit, Pirates of the Carribean). Though the role is small compared to the big blockbuster, action-packed thrillers he usually does, it's great to see him doing an Independent film. Johnson and Swanberg were thrilled when Bloom agreed to the small role,
which Johnson adds, "he really shines in it." I'll have to agree with
him on that!
Dewitt's character Lee is a wife, mother and equal partner with Tim. However
clearly feels a bit trapped to a certain extent, as life and responsibilities take center stage. She has high hopes of a
'girls night' during her weekend away from Tim, but things don't
exactly work out the way she expected. Of course what do you do when
you meet a handsome, dangerous, charming stranger who comes to your
rescue? Will Lee go down the path of infidelity? When Bloom enters the picture it's no surprise there is a an immediate attraction between them. Dewitt describes that some of her scenes with Bloom were cut because they didn't want the audience to "go down that rabbit hole" too far.
In writing the screenplay, for Johnson, it was important that it depict how tough marriage
can be. "It's an interesting time when you start having kids and get married. It's the 'yes dear mentality'. You want to party, you definitely are allowed to, but when you party with your buddies you want to talk about your kids." He adds that most guys miss being able to party like in their twenties with your buddies all the time.
One of the best things about Independent films, is that there are no restrictions on what you can create. There's no pesky rating issues to contend with. So when Tim's party amps up after a couple of hot twenty-something girls and his friend Billy (played by Messina) arrives, the party is taken to a whole new level when Billy not only drops a line of cocaine, but also drops his drawers in a full-frontal skinny dipping moment! So was this written in the script? Johnson explains no. Actually while chatting about the film having a few drinks in a bar, it was Messina that brought up the idea. Though Johnson and Swanberg thought he was joking, while filming he told them he was going to do it...and did!
As the film progresses, opportunities to stray from their marriage vows arise and trust is tested. Larson plays Max, one of the young girls who shows up to the party with Billy. Interestingly, Johnson reveals that originally he and Swanberg had the role of Max described as a girl who has a crush on Tim and there is sexual tension between them. Dewitt is quick to jump in and say that Brie wasn't having it! Apparently she told Johnson that Max 'would never be interested in a guy that is married with a child, but would be attracted to the weird adventure to dig for a body', nor would she want to sleep with a married man who has a kid. I love that Larson wasn't afraid to tell Johnson and Swanberg their little guy fantasy wasn't going to happen. It also clearly shows how different men and women think!
Johnson describes the movie is character-driven, it is a little slower than other flicks. "This is a smaller movie, it's a character piece, it's slower so I think people who like movies that are character studies" will like it. He knows that while there is a huge net of viewers out there, he hopes that they can catch a portion of that net and an audience that can relate to it. Interestingly one of the journalists mentioned he had screened the film with his wife and it resonated with both of them. That's all Johnson and Swanberg want. At the end of the day, Johnson feels he does movies to entertain people. "Really more than anything, rather than a lesson, I want people not to have regretted taking an hour and a half out of their life. Truthfully though, if you watch it on Video On Demand, or go to a theater, I want to have made their night enjoyable. We wanted to tell a story that was ideally something that was fun to watch, kept you in it, characters you can relate to and think were real, and a story that ends in a way that you feel satisfied."
This was an 'Official Pick' at the coveted Sundance Film Festival and for those who love layered characters, watching performances by some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, I'd recommend it with a solid B+. Overall, while the film does take a little bit of time to rev up, Johnson and Dewitt definitely breathe a dose of reality into their characters. There's a raw honesty in the performances. I think the audience in similar situations can relate to it. It's a realistic view of the ups and downs within a marriage, how everyday responsibilities begin to overshadow ones self and the individual journeys Tim and Lee take in learning more about themselves. Will they find their way back to each other or decide to go their separate ways? You'll have to watch to find out!
Digging for Fire is set to open in Los Angeles, Friday, August 21 and will also be released at the IFC Center, New York and Music Box Theater in Chicago, IL. On August 28, the film will be released in theaters across the country, including Boston, D.C., San Francisco, Dallas, Austin, Houston, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Minneapolis, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, San Diego and Cleveland. Check your local listings for theaters and times.
The film will also be available on Video On Demand August 25. Watch the trailer:
What happens when two people hiding for different reasons, unexpectedly meet each other under drastic circumstances? Who lives in the "haunted house" deep in the woods and why does the entire town believe the woman residing in it is a witch? Who is Guy, how did he stumble into Leigh's life and why?
These are the questions one will ponder in the mystery/thriller Siren, written and directed by Jesse Peyronel, set to be released August 18 from Osiris Entertainment.
The flick stars Pacific Rim hunk Rob Kazinsky and Eyes Wide Shut's Vinessa Shaw, who's chemistry is felt immediately upon their first scenes. What sets this fairy-tale romance apart from the usual boy meets girl, is the circumstances and unique flaws of the two characters.
Leigh (Shaw) suffers a rare condition, where men that cross her path see their heart's desire, which has effectively ostracized herself from any kind of relationship. Meanwhile war veteran Guy (Kazinsky) lost his ability to taste and smell thanks to a bomb during his time in combat. Why is this important? You'll have to watch the movie to find out!
Leigh is clearly a recluse, unable to live a normal life because she attracts men who immediately "fall in love" with her. It's an interesting twist on an age-old formula. The film is a bit confusing in the beginning leaving the audience wondering what the hell is going on, but it's intriguing enough to keep watching. It definitely hits its stride as more details about Leigh's history and Guy's (Kazinsky) true motives bubble to the surface.
While the characters bond, there is another underlying story that begins to unravel involving a married couple, whose husband believes he's in love with Leigh. Although this obstacle creates a bit of drama, honestly it was kind of unnecessary and took away from the main plot. I would have liked to see the threat over Leigh's head more developed to create greater suspense of exactly why and who Leigh is hiding from. Of course fans of Kazinsky will not be disappointed, doling a dose of sexy as Guy begins to fall in love with Leigh.
Dressing in black from head to toe, in a hooded cloak, townsfolk believes Leigh is a witch, conjuring spells to entice and seduce every man in sight. Guy learns just how much Leigh is hated when he heads into town for supplies and is attacked- verbally, as well as physically. I liked the fact that the kids in town think Leigh lives in a haunted house and wished more of that was explored, which I think would have heightened the mystery and intrigue.
The film is beautifully shot, with incredible sweeping views of the landscape that gives the viewer a complete picture of just how isolated Leigh is on the outskirts of town. One of the scenes by a lake is breathtaking and sets the tone as sexual tensions rise between Guy and Leigh.
Overall I'm giving it a B and say the film is worth watching, as Kazinsky and Shaw truly make us believe the struggles both characters are going through, giving the audience enough emotional investment to care. If you are like me and are a sucker for fantasy-romance, together with danger, mystery and suspense, check out Siren!
Siren will be available via digital and DVD August 18, 2015. Watch the first trailer:
