plus 4, Morris filmmakers to screen movie at festival - Morris County Daily Record

Morris filmmakers to screen movie at festival - Morris County Daily Record
Movie fans are buzzing about these 8 holiday-season films - Detroit Free Press
Michael Jackson movie opens at Paragon Cinema in Marksville - Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Author says Taylor knew early on 'How To Be A Movie Star' - Desert Sun
December Movie Schedule - New York Times

Morris filmmakers to screen movie at festival - Morris County Daily Record

Posted: 01 Nov 2009 01:02 AM PST

MORRISTOWN — The first feature film by two Morris filmmakers has been chosen for screening and competition at the Asheville (N.C.) Film Festival this month.

"Laid Off" is the story of two college graduates who get laid off from their desk jobs and use their severance packages to fund one last summer vacation. The movie was made by John Launchi from Morris Plains, who is credited with directing, editing, co-writing and co-producing, along with Mike Ryan of Morristown, who co-produced, co-wrote, and stars in the film.

The Seventh Annual Asheville Film Festival has independent films from across the world compete for awards and recognition.

The winning filmmaker in each category - Feature Fiction, Short Fiction, Documentary, Student, and Animation - will receive $500. This year, the competition will be judged by Matt Brunson, Felicia Feaster, Ken Hanke, Larry Toppman, and Sam Watson.

Other films showing in the feature category include the first feature from Emmy-nominated writer/director Becky Smith, "16 to Life," as well as "Solid Country Gold," which won best comedy at the AOF International Film Festival. Also included are "Dark Room Theater," "Deadland," "Insignificant Others," "The Twenty," and "War Stories."

Last year's winner of the Features category was "Bart Got a Room," with a close runner up of "Sita Sings the Blues." An Audience Award was given to "The Flyboys."

The winners of the competition received $500 as well as an AFFY trophy, while all of the announced runner-ups will get a plaque. The Audience Award is decided by festival attendees who have a chance to score each film after it has been viewed, with the highest scored getting the award.

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Movie fans are buzzing about these 8 holiday-season films - Detroit Free Press

Posted: 01 Nov 2009 01:30 AM PST

Although the Halloween candy is still fresh, the holiday movie season is just around the corner.

The first real tinsel from Hollywood will be tossed Friday with the release of "Disney's A Christmas Carol." Jim Carrey is the voice of Scrooge in this 3D version of the Dickens classic from "The Polar Express" director Robert Zemeckis.

On Nov. 13, the disaster flick "2012" hits screens with its effects-laden cataclysm. Then on Nov. 20, the week before Thanksgiving, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" will have fans of teen vampires rushing over rivers and through woods to the nearest theater.

The rest of the holiday lineup is marked by the serious fare that defines this time of year. Look for star turns from Meryl Streep, George Clooney, Robert Downey Jr. and Morgan Freeman, a state-of-the-art epic from James Cameron and vibrant performances from newcomers in smaller indie films.

Here are eight movies that could become standouts of the season. Like beautifully wrapped gifts, they're not open yet. But word is they'll be worth the anticipation.

"An Education": Carey Mulligan is the It Girl of the moment, thanks to this coming-of-age story set in early-'60s London. The 24-year-old British actress stars as Jenny, a bright, beautiful teenager whose world is shaken up by a sophisticated man twice her age (Peter Sarsgaard). Mulligan is earning comparisons to Audrey Hepburn for her delicate charm in the breakout performance. (Nov. 13)

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire": A hit on the festival circuit, this is the movie you've been hearing so much about from executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. The story of a 16-year-old abused, overweight girl who's determined to move toward a better life, it's been described as raw, powerful and incredibly poignant. "Precious" could earn Oscar nods for Gabourey Sidibe as the title character and well-known comic actress Mo'Nique as her viciously hurtful mother. (Nov. 20)

"Up In the Air": When George Clooney was at Detroit Metro Airport in February to film scenes for this dramedy about a corporate man who travels the country to fire people, it was cool to have the star in town. Now it's even cooler that the movie is being talked up as one of the best of the year. The director, Jason Reitman ("Juno"), tackles an intriguing storyline that taps into current economic anxieties. And there's buzz that this could be Clooney's best performance yet. (December)

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Michael Jackson movie opens at Paragon Cinema in Marksville - Alexandria Daily Town Talk

Posted: 01 Nov 2009 01:40 AM PDT

Michael Jackson's "THIS IS IT" opened a two-week run Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Paragon Cinema in Marksville.

The documentary-style movie offers Jackson fans and music lovers a behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed and rehearsed for a series of sold-out concerts.

Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the movie is drawn from more than 100 hours of footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

Ticket prices: Shows before 6 p.m. are $5; after 6 p.m., $7. Children 12 and under and seniors 60 and older are $5.

Showtimes Monday through Friday are 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The Mari Showroom is proud to bring to the stage Michael Firestone's King of Pop: A Tribute on Saturday, at 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and are $20. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Firestone has performed as a Michael Jackson tribute artist in live shows such as 'MTV Magic' and 'Around the World' in Asia. He also performed for 'Legends in Concert' in Myrtle Beach, 'LaCage' and 'Masquerade' in Atlantic City. Firestone also did guest appearances on 'Larry the Cable Guy's Christmas Spectacular' and the Asian variety show 'The Bon Show.' He also performed several memorial shows at Carnival Court in Las Vegas in order to pay tribute to the King of Pop in his tragic passing. Michael Firestone's goal is to accurately portray Michael Jackson from his 'he-he' right down to his moonwalk.

During his tribute show, Firestone will perform Michael Jackson's biggest hits and signature moves throughout the show. Fans should be prepared for an incredible tribute to his musical legacy.

To purchase tickets, call 1-800-946-1946, visit Cypress Knees Gift Shop, or visit Ticketmaster.com.

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Author says Taylor knew early on 'How To Be A Movie Star' - Desert Sun

Posted: 01 Nov 2009 01:09 AM PST

Even as a child on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot, Elizabeth Taylor knew she was destined for more than the other girls in the studio school.

Her mother, Sara Taylor, told her so.

Sara, who lived in Palm Springs in her later years, did everything possible to make sure her little girl was the exception to all the young stars who failed to make the transition into more adult roles.

Taylor would be the one to grow up to be a bona fide movie star, no matter what it took.

How she became that world-famous star is the focus of William J. Mann's latest book, "How To Be A Movie Star: Elizabeth Taylor in Hollywood." The author will sign copies of the book from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Just Fabulous in Palm Springs.

According to Mann's book, no other former child actor broke away from the studio system as successfully as Taylor. By the time time she began work on "Cleopatra" in 1960, she was the highest-paid actress in the business, earning $1 million plus points for the Academy Award.

"That was unheard of. She set the pattern for every other actress in Hollywood to follow," said Mann, who has written several biographies, including "The Edge of Midnight" about director John Schlesinger and "Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn."

"This book was a lot of fun to write," Mann said during a break from his book tour. Its release comes at a time when Taylor is once again in the headlines for health problems.

But more than anything, what Taylor learned from the Hollywood studio machine was how to handle her image.

"She understood that there had to be an exchange between her and the press," Mann said. "Headlines were required, but that there had to be substance to back them up and to keep people interested in her."

For Mann, who lives with his partner in Palm Springs and Provincetown, Mass., it's time to relax for a bit now that his book tour is winding down. "I've lived with Liz for three years and I need a break," he said.

His next project? Another celebrity biography.

"Hello Gorgeous: Becoming Barbra Streisand" is the working title. "She's another tough lady," he said. "It should be interesting."

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December Movie Schedule - New York Times

Posted: 31 Oct 2009 09:30 PM PDT

DECEMBER

Dec. 2

BEFORE TOMORROW What life was like in the Arctic wilderness of the mid-19th century, seen through the eyes of an Inuit boy and his grandmother. Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu directed this Canadian feature, with music by Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

FILM IST. A GIRL & A GUN The Austrian avant-garde filmmaker Gustav Deutsch presents his latest montage of found footage, culled from various archives and shaped into a dreamlike story.

Dec. 4

ARMORED A group of veteran armored car guards (Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne) enlist a rookie (Columbus Short) in a $42 million heist. Things go well until they don't. Directed by Nimrod Antal, of the Hungarian thriller "Kontroll." With Skeet Ulrich and Fred Ward.

BROTHERS Jake Gyllenhaal plays Tommy, an irresponsible drifter just out of jail. When he learns that his older brother (Tobey Maguire), a captain in the Marines and a staunch family man, has gone missing in Afghanistan, Tommy steps in and tries to care for his brother's wife (Natalie Portman) and children. Jim Sheridan, no stranger to the Oscar race ("My Left Foot," "In America") directed from a screenplay by David Benioff ("The Kite Runner"). With Sam Shepard and Mare Winningham.

EVERYBODY'S FINE An Americanized remake of Giuseppe Tornatore's 1990 "Stanno Tutti Bene," with Robert De Niro stepping into Marcello Mastroianni's role as a widowed businessman who pays unannounced visits to each of his adult children. Kirk Jones wrote and directed; with Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell.

THE LAST STATION The director Michael Hoffman ("Restoration") adapts Rose Tremain's historical novel about the last years of Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer) and the struggle between his wife (Helen Mirren) and leading disciple (Paul Giamatti) over his legacy. With James McAvoy and Kerry Condon.

SERIOUS MOONLIGHT The actress Cheryl Hines directed this final screenplay by Adrienne Shelly, a comedy about a lawyer (Meg Ryan) who learns that her husband is leaving her for a younger woman and resorts to force to stop him. With Timothy Hutton, Kristen Bell and Justin Long.

TRANSYLMANIA A group of American exchange students are thrilled to discover that their new university is housed in an ancient castle in Transylvania. David and Scott Hillenbrand ("National Lampoon Presents: Dorm Daze") directed.

UP IN THE AIR George Clooney is a business consultant in pursuit of an elusive goal — his 10 millionth frequent flyer mile — in a comedy directed by Jason Reitman ("Juno") from a novel by Walter Kirn. With Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick.

Dec. 10

SINCERELY YOURS Forced to leave their native countries, a young woman from Indonesia and a young man from Thailand fall in love while fighting to build new lives in Taiwan. Rich Lee directed.

Dec. 11

HANNAH FREE A love affair spanning decades between an out lesbian and an unassuming housewife, described in a film directed by Wendy Jo Carlton and written by Claudia Allen. Sharon Gless stars.

INVICTUS How Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) tried to unite post-apartheid South Africa by rallying the country around the national rugby team during the 1995 World Cup championships. Matt Damon plays the team's captain, Francois Pienaar; Clint Eastwood directed this adaptation of the book by John Carlin.

THE LOVELY BONES The director Peter Jackson ("Lord of the Rings") takes a break from special effects epics to film Alice Sebold's novel about a girl (Saoirse Ronan) who is raped and murdered but watches from above as her killer (Stanley Tucci) prepares to strike again. With Rachel Weisz, Mark Wahlberg and Susan Sarandon.

ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR Ranbir Kapoor stars in a Bollywood comedy directed by Shimit Amin.

A SINGLE MAN The fashion designer Tom Ford turns to directing with the story of a gay college professor (Colin Firth) struggling to comprehend the death of his partner of 16 years. From the novel by Christopher Isherwood; with Julianne Moore, Nicholas Hoult and Matthew Goode.

THE SLAMMIN' SALMON The comedy troupe Broken Lizard ("Super Troopers," "Beerfest") returns in the tale of a former heavyweight champion (Michael Clarke Duncan) who takes desperate measures to motivate the staff of his Miami seafood restaurant. With Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Will Forte and Morgan Fairchild; Mr. Heffernan directed.

Dec. 16

RICKY In working-class France, a single mother (Alexandra Lamy) struggles to raise an infant with a spectacular special ability. François Ozon ("Swimming Pool") directed; with Sergi López and André Wilms.

A TOWN CALLED PANIC Three plastic toys — a cowboy, an Indian and a horse — go on a surreal journey in a stop-motion animated film from Belgium. Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar directed.

Dec. 18

AVATAR A much anticipated 3-D film from James Cameron ("Titanic") set on a distant planet inhabited by 10-foot-tall humanoids with blue skin and tails. A severely wounded United States Marine (Sam Worthington) gets his chance to walk among them when he's recruited as an "avatar," mentally piloting an alien body as an advance agent of a human invasion. All goes well until he falls in love with a local (Zoë Saldaña). With Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi and CCH Pounder.

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS? A pair of miserable, career-driven New Yorkers (Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker) get an unexpected chance to stop and smell the flowers when they witness a murder and the F.B.I. packs them off to a small town in Wyoming for their protection. With Sam Elliott, Mary Steenburgen, Elisabeth Moss, Michael Kelly and Wilford Brimley; the screenwriter Marc Lawrence ("Miss Congeniality," "Two Weeks Notice") directs this one, too. NINE The 1982 Broadway musical inspired by Federico Fellini's "8 ½" as filmed by Rob Marshall, the director of the Oscar-winning "Chicago" (2002). Daniel Day-Lewis is Guido, the Italian filmmaker who fears he's running out of inspiration; Marion Cotillard is his wife, Penélope Cruz his mistress and Nicole Kidman his star. With Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Stacy Ferguson and Sophia Loren.

THE YOUNG VICTORIA Emily Blunt ("The Devil Wears Prada") plays the girlish young Victoria, smitten with Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) and learning the ropes of running an empire. With Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent and Thomas Kretschmann.

Dec. 23

POLICE, ADJECTIVE A Romanian policeman (Dragos Bucur) struggles with a decision: whether to arrest a young man on charges of offering marijuana to his friends (and most likely destroy his life) or show compassion and look the other way. Corneliu Porumboiu ("12:08 East of Bucharest") directed.

Dec. 25

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL The singing computer-generated rodents are back with the voices of Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney; this time, they discover the joys of female companionship in the form of a rival trio, the Chipettes (Anna Faris, Christina Applegate, Amy Poehler). With Jason Lee; Betty Thomas directed.

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS A traveling magician (Christopher Plummer) loses a bet with the Devil (Tom Waits) and must surrender his young daughter (Lily Cole). Terry Gilliam directed this fantasy, which proved to be the last film of Heath Ledger. With Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell (taking turns playing out Ledger's unfilmed sequences).

IT'S COMPLICATED Meryl Streep faces an embarrassment of choices in a new comedy written and directed by Nancy Meyers: does she have an affair with her remarried ex-husband (Alec Baldwin) or succumb to the shy charms of her architect (Steve Martin)? With John Krasinski, Rita Wilson and Mary Kay Place.

SHERLOCK HOLMES It's still 1891, but Arthur Conan Doyle's master detective seems to have been redesigned along the lines of a 21st-century action hero in this big-budget effort from the director Guy Ritchie ("RocknRolla"). Robert Downey Jr. plays a disheveled, bohemian Holmes who isn't afraid to deploy his martial arts skills; Jude Law is a fun-loving Watson. With Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong and Eddie Marsan.

Dec. 30

LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND An unfilmed screenplay by Tennessee Williams finally makes it to the screen, with Bryce Dallas Howard as a young woman who must convince her censorious aunt (Ann-Margret) that her dubious fiancé (Chris Evans) will make a fine addition to the family. And then an heirloom jewel disappears. With Ellen Burstyn and Will Patton. Jodie Markell directed.

THE WHITE RIBBON The Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke ("Caché") discovers the roots of fascism in a German farming village before World War I, where the members of a children's choir fall victim to bizarre, unaccountable accidents.

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