<![CDATA[[CinemaRatty] tag: trailer]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/tag/trailer Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:04:00 +0000 iRatty Engine http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Tasha Smith: The Longshots Interview]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/26f6065137278cfd522aea7bfd6d02dc http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/26f6065137278cfd522aea7bfd6d02dc
Headline: Tasha’s Back in Town

Tasha Smith, this critic’s pick as the best African-American actress of 2007, toned down her trademark act for her new movie, The Longshots, a wholesome family flick featuring Ice Cube and Keke Palmer, and based on a young girl’s real-life triumph as a quarterback who led her team to the Pop Warner Superbowl. As Claire Plummer, the mother of the history-making football phenom, Tasha got a chance to prove her versatility by exhibiting a relatively-subdued side of her emotional range.
Rising to the occasion, she proved herself to be every bit as compelling in this capacity, which means we have every reason to expect to see this rising cinematic star in more pure dramatic roles. Here, the statuesque beauty shares her thoughts about this refreshing change of pace from playing her typical sassy sister with an attitude.

KW: Hey, Tasha, thanks for another interview.
TS: Kam, are you kidding me? What’s up? How’re you doing?
KW: I’m great. How’s life been treating you?
TS: Wonderfully! I’m great, thank God. I’m so good, and I just moved into a new house.
KW: Well then, on behalf of “Realtor to the Stars” Jimmy Bayan, I have to ask you where your place is located.
TS: In the Woodland Hills area.
KW: How’s your equally-stunning twin sister, Sidra?
TS: She’s great! She’s busy.
KW: How’s your acting school doing?
TS: It is so good, Kam. I have been touring it, going to different cities. I was in Atlanta and New York. And I’m going to Chicago in October, and then D.C., and Miami. And I have my ongoing classes in Los Angeles. It’s just been amazing and such a blessing. That is my heart. I love all the actors and doing the three-day workshop-seminar.
KW: How would you describe your teaching style?
TS: I like to be really transparent with my students, so they can know the true experience of an up-and-coming actor. Sometimes, they only see the finished product and have no idea about the reality of the journey, because a lot of celebrities like to hide and to keep their journey a mystery. But I feel that that approach doesn’t help anyone else, especially since part of my calling is to my community. I hope that my transparency will help inspire and encourage the next person.
KW: How did you enjoy playing Claire Plummer in The Longshots? The character was certainly a change of pace for you.
TS: You know how people always have a certain expectation of what you’re going to do in every role?
KW: Yep.
TS: Well, I enjoyed being able to create something different, and showing a different part of myself. But at the same time I missed that energy. You follow me?
KW: Yeah, your trademark explosiveness.
TS: [Laughs] Yes. This character is definitely not like that. She’s a type of parent that we do see in the world, and I thought it was very important to show that kind of human spirit. Still, I’m definitely looking forward to giving people who admire my explosiveness, as you say, something that they enjoy watching me do as well.
KW: Do you ever feel like you’re being typecast?
TS: I don’t feel like that. When you have a fan base, you like to give them something that they want. It’ll be interesting to see how people respond to this character, because I know it’s not what people normally like to get from me.
KW: You know how I always ask people: Is there a question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? Last time, your answer was, Are you ever afraid. Well, I liked your question so much that I ask everybody that now.
TS: My publicist [Joseph Babineaux] showed it to me and I was so shocked. How have people been responding?
KW: It’s interesting because it forces them to reflect and to be real.
TS: Who do you feel you got one of the best answers from?
KW: Recently, from Philippe Petit, the man who made history in 1974 by walking on a tightrope between the roofs of the Twin Towers. He admitted that he’s deathly afraid of spiders. Who would’ve ever figured that?
TS: Cool.
KW: Is there any other question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would?
TS: Yes, Are you ever disappointed? And here’s another one: How important are your friends to you?
KW: Those are both deep emotionally questions. Why do you think reporters don’t ask questions like that?
TS: Maybe it’s because entertainers don’t usually like to get too personal. So, the journalists tend to keep things on the surface and not really get to deep into the heart of the individual that they’re dealing with by asking about discouragements, disappointments or internal roadblocks, maybe. For example, they never ask, what’s been some of your obstacles in life? You know what I mean?
KW: Yep.
TS: Maybe it’s just me, but I always like the kind of communication which could possibly touch the life or heart of someone reading, especially because the world is going through so much right now in terms of gas prices… imprisonment… drug addiction,,, finances… teenage pregnancy… and HIV in the black community. The world is definitely going through a lot. People are really discouraged, and are suffering from a great deal of internal turmoil. Even our industry is going through changes. The only African-American shows on TV right now are House of Pain, The Game and Lincoln Heights. Think about that. Remember, there was a time when we had so many shows on television. Black actors and casting directors were working. But now, it is so scary. Most black actors are unemployed. And not only are they unemployed, but their mortgages and finances are in trouble. Do you know how discouraging it is for a celebrity who used to work regularly to have to host at a restaurant? And it’s that kind of stuff that we don’t talk about.
KW: Bookworm Troy Johnson wants to know again, what was the last book you read?
TS: I don’t read many novels. I’m more into self-help books. I’m reading two right now. They’re both by Dr. Creflo Dollar. One is called, “8 Steps to Create the Life You Want.” And the other is, “Lord, Teach Me How to Love.” They’re very good. I picked up “Lord, Teach Me How to Love” because I was having some personal problems, and I didn’t want unforgiveness to set into my heart. You know how it’s easy for seeds of unforgiveness to sit there when you’ve been disappointed with people? And if you don’t pay attention to it, it can kind of grow into something else. So, I read this book to try to consistently be active in forgiving and walking in love. I was doing that for myself, because unforgiveness is worse for you than the person that you’re mad at.
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What’s music are you listening to nowadays?
TS: Wow! I have different stuff that I like to listen to at different times. I like quiet gospel music, if I’m just chilling in the house. I probably need to be a little bit more diverse musically, because I can get stuck listening to the same songs over and over again. I have more of a movie collection than I do music. I’m still on Mary’s [Mary J. Blige] album. I’m still on Jill’s [Jill Scott] old album. And I’m loving Alicia [Keys] , Rhianna, and Anthony David who’s this guy out of Atlanta who’s really good. And I love old school, too. I could listen to the Isley Brothers and Marvin Gaye forever. Forever!
KW: How do you want to be remembered?
TS: As someone who loved her community, loved her students, loved her family, and would try to just please God on this Earth realm.
KW: Thanks Tasha, and good luck with The Longshots.
TS: Thank you for all your support.
KW: We’ll talk again soon, I hope.
TS: That sounds great. You take care of yourself.
KW: You too.

To see a trailer for The Longshots, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WM6w6hTfHE
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:29:00 +0000 tasha tasha smith people respond people real girls real-life triumph life longshots hows Tasha Smith: The Longshots Interview <![CDATA[Traitor]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/6ea54a928210fbef38bc84acbe994910 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/6ea54a928210fbef38bc84acbe994910
Headline: Don Cheadle Stars in International Potboiler as Possible Manchurian Muslim Mole

Provided you haven’t seen the trailer for Traitor, you’re likely to enjoy this edge-of-your-seat political potboiler immeasurably. However, if you have already caught the commercial, then you are already aware of the picture’s otherwise cleverly-concealed plot twist revealed only towards the end of the picture.
Left unspoiled, the film is a taut, international thriller revolving around the 007-like exploits of Samir Horn (Don Cheadle), a U.S. Special Forces Agent serving solo overseas on a covert, counterespionage operation. The point of departure is a flashback to the moment in his childhood when he witnessed his father being blown up by a car bomb.
Fast-forward to present-day Yemen, where Samir is attempting to imbed himself inside a cell of Arab religious fanatics. He is only able to gain their confidence after being arrested in a round-up of suspected terrorists.
While behind bars, the bilingual poser manages to convince the gang’s ringleader, Omar (Said Taghmaoui), that he is a devout Muslim born and raised in Sudan. The two bond after embarking on a spectacular death-defying jailbreak which leaves them blood brothers sworn to perform crimes against humanity together in the name of Allah.
Then, it’s not long before the pair is masterminding a series of attacks not only in the Middle East, but in Europe and America, too. Samir, as an Army-trained explosives expert, is able to train suicide bombers while outfitting them with detonators. This development is not lost on the interagency task force led by Roy Clayton (Guy Pearce) and Max Archer (Neal McDonough), crack FBI agents who just happen to be monitoring his every movement.
They, of course, are curious about the identity of this ostensibly-disloyal American, and wonder whether he’s truly a traitor or merely an al-Qaeda infiltrator on a secret mission. Determining the answer without blowing Samir’s cover proves to be easier said than done, and writer/director Jeffrey Nachmanoff is very adept at keeping his audience guessing for almost as long as the investigating officers themselves remain in a quandary.
Also Credit Don Cheadle’s masterful performance for making Traitor riveting for the duration. For he ever so convincingly plays Samir as a sympathetic, seemingly-conflicted soul who just might be a Manchurian Muslim mole afterall. Perhaps of more significance is how the movie simultaneously seeks to serve as a sophisticated appeal to tolerance by its deliberate differentiating between radical Islam and the moderate version of the faith practiced by the overwhelming majority of Muslims.
A curious whodunit which has you far more concerned with the mindset than the apprehension of a mass murderer.

Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for brief profanity, mature themes, and intense violence.
In English and Arabic with subtitles.
Running time: 113 minutes
Studio: Overture Films

To see a trailer for Traitor, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjq4PNev838
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:42:00 +0000 traitor samir samir horn convincingly plays samir stars cheadle stars cheadles masterful performance political potboiler immeasurably samirs cover proves Traitor <![CDATA[Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis DVD]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/480acfd79d9f155eefd6920c8d015d35 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/480acfd79d9f155eefd6920c8d015d35


Headline: Bio-Pic Revisiting Cinematic Career of Unrecognized Genius Released on DVD



Jack Smith (1932-1989) was an uncompromisingly experimental innovator in the field of cinema whose name might not be known to the general public despite the fact that he has been credited as an influence by such fellow avant garde filmmakers as Federico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Jim Jarmusch, Andy Warhol and John Waters. This unrecognized genius is finally receiving a measure of respect, even if belatedly, with the release of this uncritical bio-pic which mixes snippets of his flicks in with the reflections of colleagues, actors and friends who were fond of him and his work.

We learn that Smith was born in Columbus, Ohio where he passed a decidedly unhappy childhood, perhaps due to his being gay in the breadbasket of America. As a young adult, he made his way to New York City’s Greenwich Village where he embarked on a career in the fields of photography, performance art and film.

There, the irreverent iconoclast made daring movies deemed pornographic in their day, such as Flaming Creatures which was banned in 22 states. Watching some of his censured scenes now, it is apparent that times have certainly changed. Yes there’s plenty of male and female nudity, especially homoerotica featuring flamboyant drag queens, but nothing hardcore that would warrant the implementation of drastic legal sanctions.

In fact, the most alarming aspect of the production might not be any of the images, but the intermittent voiceover of Jack Smith himself. In a rambling rasp, he can be heard railing against the mercenary nature of capitalism and bitterly raising a litany of other complaints about the state of American society.

Alternately bizarre and inspired, but an appropriate tribute to a visionary impossible to pigeonhole.



Excellent (4 stars)

Unrated

Running time: 95 minutes

Studio: Arts Alliance America

DVD Extras: Nine interviews and two featurettes.



To see a trailer for Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis, visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwk7xoyjo1Q
]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:42:00 +0000 jack smith smith dvd dvd extras america arts alliance america drastic legal sanctions decidedly unhappy childhood uncritical bio-pic Jack Smith and the Destruction of Atlantis DVD <![CDATA[Transporter 3 and Crank 2 pics debut online!]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/3f6b22453ac9d9c6379bcea1723f3d17 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/3f6b22453ac9d9c6379bcea1723f3d17 It’s a happy day for Jason Statham fans, because Lionsgate just released two screenshots from two of the actor’s upcoming projects.

In the first still below, you can see Statham kicking some butt as Frank Martin in Olivier Megaton’s upcoming sequel “Transporter 3,” which is scheduled for release Nov. 26, 2008. (Click here for the film’s trailer)

Below that, you can catch an early glimpse at the action star in Brian Taylor and Mark Neveldine’s sequel “Crank 2: High Voltage.” That flick will hit theaters April 17, 2009.

(via ComingSoon)

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:33:16 +0000 statham jason statham fans hit theaters april sequel transporter frank martin brian taylor olivier megatons release nov happy day Transporter 3 and Crank 2 pics debut online! <![CDATA[New Sex Drive stills surface on web]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/34e9fb58d1e89675cba8ae2a318f8157 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/34e9fb58d1e89675cba8ae2a318f8157

Coming Soon scored several new stills from Sean Anders’ upcoming comedy “Sex Drive,” which focuses on an 18-year-old guy who embarks on a cross-country drive to hook up with a woman he’s met online. Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, Clark Duke and Seth Green star.

In the synopses I’ve read, main character Ian is apparently heading to Knoxville, our current home base. Whatever happens on his trip, I sure hope we won’t make it here. The trailer for “Sex Drive” promises nothing but a primitive comedy about a dufus trying to get laid.

Anyway, the flick hits Oct. 17, 2008. Click here to check out those new screenshots.

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:31:15 +0000 comedy sex drive sex drive promises current home base flick hits oct main character ian clark duke josh zuckerman stills sean anders New Sex Drive stills surface on web <![CDATA['He's Just Not That Into You' Poster, and It's True, He's Not]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/6ee69bfaea6228e61b7e40687c21510e http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/6ee69bfaea6228e61b7e40687c21510e hes-just-not-that-into-you-.jpg The point of any movie poster is, obviously, to stir up interest in whatever movie its promoting. Let me know if you hear anyone saying, "Oooh, we should see that movie about the disheartening confectionery!" He's Just Not That Into You Poster [Trailer Addict] ]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:00:18 +0000 movie movie poster poster trailer addict stir oooh confectionery 'He's Just Not That Into You' Poster, and It's True, He's Not <![CDATA[No Heroics]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/80d4741b485b3520a051a3cbc540ec86 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/80d4741b485b3520a051a3cbc540ec86 I caught this trailer online for a new “Britcom” series coming out that kind of reminds me of the live action Tick show combined with Friends and some british accents with a side order of MysteryMen. Just a bunch of superheroes hanging out off duty - at a pub for off duty superheroes.

Tiger Aspect, the same studio that brought us Mr Bean, The Catherine Tate Show (Do I look Bovvered?) BBC’s Robin Hood and Secret Diary of a Call Girl brings us No Heroics this fall.

My fav is Timebomb.

I’m going to stalk this show like that girl who said no to me at prom.

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:18:25 +0000 girl call girl brings duty superheroes duty superheroes live action tick bbcs robin hood britcom series tiger aspect No Heroics <![CDATA[I, Featured Extra!]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/37d103d944e3c32c287b07585039d347 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/37d103d944e3c32c287b07585039d347 Howdy folks. What I really should be doing this week is blogging about the big Democon happening in Denver right now. (I wonder how many Andrew Jacksons there’ll be there at this year’s Masquerade….and if I see one more joker in an Adlai Stevenson costume….) But if you want some quality political thoughts from another liberal movie geek, Brian Doan is offering plenty — along with lots of good video for those who might have missed the highlights. Short version of my reaction — pretty much the usual one: media silliness notwithstanding, very proud and very happy.

For myself, I’m finishing up another big retrospective feature for Bullz-Eye (more on that later, but this time it’s ten movies each from two sexagenarian superstars you all know and probably imitate on a regular basis), dealing with minor dental issues (a temporary filing popped out last night — a first for me…weird having a hole in a tooth), and glorying in my motion-picture trailer debut.

Yes, below is the official trailer for my friend Cody Jarrett’s highly awaited Sugar Boxx, an austere psychodrama in the tradition of Bresson and Dreyer….if they made women-in-prison films and their names were Russ Meyer and Jack Hill. See if you can spot me. (I’m the shorter male chauvinist pig on the left hand side of the screen for about 1/2 a second at the end!)

More on this to come, to be sure.

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:51:45 +0000 andrew jacksons therell motion-picture trailer debut minor dental issues liberal movie geek adlai stevenson costume russ meyer reaction pretty jack hill media silliness I, Featured Extra! <![CDATA[Memorable Trailers #2 - 'Ray']]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/c206b6614fae735b6b562d8d8eb8c91a http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/c206b6614fae735b6b562d8d8eb8c91a

For this second edition of our “Memorable Trailers” series, I picked the wonderful theatrical trailer for Taylor Hackford’s “Ray,” the Oscar-winning Ray Charles biopic starring Jamie Foxx, Regina King and Kerry Washington.

There’s really not much to say about this trailer except that it’s a superbly structured introduction to one of the best films of 2004. The captivating music and the preview of Foxx’s mesmerizing performance just made me fall in love with it straight away.

Sit back and enjoy yet another memorable trailer I’ll never forget. Check back soon for more.

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:22:49 +0000 trailer wonderful theatrical trailer memorable trailer ray charles biopic taylor hackfords ray memorable trailers series jamie foxx kerry washington films Memorable Trailers #2 - 'Ray' <![CDATA[The Coffin filling up with cash]]> http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/5875d0e7a3e1c8aa2bf879251fa7eef5 http://www.cinemaratty.com/article/5875d0e7a3e1c8aa2bf879251fa7eef5
Ekachai Uekrongtham's horror film, The Coffin (โลงต่อตาย, Lhong Tor Tai), earned 15 million baht in its first four days since opening in Thai cinemas on August 21, according to an item in today's Daily Xpress. It's the No. 1 film in Thailand.

“It could end up close to 40 million baht, recouping our investment,” producer Pantham Thongsang is quoted as saying by Daily Xpress.

Major Cineplex, Thailand's biggest movie chain, lists The Coffin as its top movie, outpacing the newly released Hollywood actioner, Death Race. The top 5 at Major is rounded out by Wall-E, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and another Thai film, the Phranakorn martial-arts drama, Hanuman: The White Monkey Warrior, which opened on August 12.

The Coffin is a co-production between Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong interests and features a pan-Asian cast led by Hong Kong's Karen Mok and Ananda Everingham from Thailand. The original soundtrack is in English, but for Thai cinemas, it has been cleanly dubbed and English subtitles are added. I'd still like to catch the English version, just to hear Ananda's Aussie accent.

Plans to create an “international version” have been dropped, says Pantham, a producer at Thailand's TIFA Company Ltd. The same cut will instead be seen throughout Asia, and presumably, worldwide.

TIFA also says a song from The Coffin soundtrack, "Yeur" ("Won't Let You Go"), is jumping up the charts on music label GMM Grammy's social networking site, G Member.

Rights to The Coffin have already been sold to Hong Kong and South Korea, and it was supposed to open in South Korea in July, though I can't find any reference that it ever did. It was shopped at Cannes by Arclight Films' Easternlight label.

Also, Twitch unearthed an English-language trailer, and I find it better than the Thai trailer, which gives too much away.

See also:

Related posts:

(Via Daily Xpress, Shock Till You Drop, Twitch; hat tips to Movie Cafe and 24 Frames per Second)

]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:04:00 +0000 coffin coffin soundtrack lhong tor tai hong kong south korea daily xpress thailand producer pantham thongsang english The Coffin filling up with cash