IN SEARCH OF FELLINI, a Magical Coming-of-Age Story, Warms the Season

"A charming drama about the love of movies and youthful passion" -- The New York Times "[A] fantastical fable... The adoration of Fellini's films comes through loud and clear" -- The Los Angeles Times AMBI FILMS AND SAMUEL GOLDWYN INVITE  HOME AUDIENCES ON A WHIMSICAL, WONDERFUL,  COMING-OF-AGE JOURNEY IN SEARCH OF FELLINI Ksenia Solo, Maria Bello and Mary Lynn Rajskub Star in This Festival Favorite Inspired by the Real Life Experiences of "The Simpsons" Emmy® Award-Winner Nancy Cartwright (Who Also Produced and Co-Wrote the Screenplay) Arriving on VOD and Digital HD on Leading Digital Platforms on December 19, 2017 and DVD on January 23, 2018 IN SEARCH OF FELLINI (Official Trailer) SYNOPSIS A coming-of-age adventure, IN SEARCH OF FELLINI follows Lucy (Solo,"Orphan Black," "Turn: Washington's Spies"), a small-town girl from Ohio who discovers the delightfully bizarre films of the legendary Italian filmmaker and sets off on a journey across Italy to find him. IN SEARCH OF FELLINI is inspired by the experiences of Emmy® Award-winning star Nancy Cartwright, who before creating the voice of Bart Simpson went off hunting the auteur of La Strada. This winsome drama, from Spotted Cow Entertainment, also starring Maria Bello (Prisoners, A History of Violence) and Mary Lynn Rajskub (Wilson, "24"), arrives on all VOD and leading digital platforms on December 19, 2017 and DVD on January 23, 2018. 20-year-old Lucy Cunningham has never kissed a boy, never had a job and never really had friends. Her best - and perhaps only - friend is her mother, Claire (Bello), who has shielded her from all the bad in the world, including Claire's own terminal illness. Claire's no-BS sister, Kerri (Rajskub), urges her to break her silence and tell Lucy the truth before it's too late. Lucy, aware that something is up, goes to Cleveland for an ill-fated job interview. There, she stumbles into a bizarre and wonderful festival of the films of legendary Italian director Federico Fellini and is instantly swept away with his Oscar®-winning film La Strada (1953).  The cleverly enigmatic tragicomedy leaves Lucy restless and aching for answers, and in a burst of courage, she leaves her small-town home to find the filmmaker and unlock his mysteries -- and her own.  What follows is a strange and spectacular journey through the romantic dreamscapes of Italy, as Lucy encounters characters, fantasies and nightmares from Fellini's films.  Her journey of discovery and life counterpoints Claire's gradual decline into death. Apart but connected, they fulfill both of their dreams as truth and fiction intertwine into the ultimate Felliniesque journey.  Katie Walsh of The Los Angeles Times calls IN SEARCH OF FELLINI "a whimsical tale of film, fandom and finding your way in a very intimidating world," and says the "imagery is striking."  "Ms. Cartwright creates a Felliniesque fantasy of her own" says Monica Castillo of The New York Times, calling it "an effusive love letter to travel lust."  And Paste Magazine's Andy Crump writes that the film is "a love note to its namesake... one gets the sense that if Il Mago still lived, he would approve, not only of [Director Taron] Lexton's flattering homage but also his understanding of the magic of cinema." BONUS FEATURES (DVD)  Audio commentary by Writer/Producer Nancy Cartwright and Director Taron Lexton Behind the Scenes Featurette Exclusive Trailers  PROGRAM INFORMATION Type:  VOD: DirecTV/AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast, Verizon, Frontier, Cox | Digital HD: iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, FandangoNow | DVD Running Time: 103 minutes Rating: R Genre: Drama Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audio:  5.1 Dolby Digital

My Thoughts

In Search of Fellini is a coming of age story that is all about learning to grow up, and experience the world. I always had been a big fan of Ksenia Solo. I had watched all the seasons of Lost Girl and think she is very talented. When I saw this I was interested in it because of her. The movie was very moving. As always her acting is impeccable. As a naive 20 year old with no life experiences, who has her mother as her only friend, she is forced to experience the world. This is her mother's (Maria Bello) way of helping to prepare for eventually losing her to a terminal illness. The movie is a mix of fantasy, and nightmare from Fellini's films. Throw in a little romance, and you have a moving, easy to watch fantasy, about letting go for both the parent and the child. You will definitely have your teary tissue moments, but it is very enjoyable to watch. 
The movie is based on a "mostly" true story about Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson. This movie is definitely a little trippy, but in the best way. If movies get too strange I tend to get turned off from watching them, but with this one I did not. I really enjoyed it. It has beautiful scenery, and definitely will make you want to travel to Italy, which is something I have always wanted to do anyway. This movie has a lot to offer, sentimentality, sensuality, romance, darkness, innocence, love, family, etc. It is definitely worth a look.

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Movie Review: Noble

This movie is based on the true story of a woman that overcame immense hardship growing up in Ireland who later became an advocate for children. The story opens showing a young Christina Noble as she sings. Later, we see her deal with ending up in a orphanage, endure abuse, and other hardships before she decides to make a trip to Vietnam over a decade after the war ended. This trip is the catalyst for a long career of advocacy that continues to this day. 

The movie, as you can probably tell from the description, is a dramatic piece that deals with some, at times, disturbing subject matter. Given that, I was mildly surprised to find out the lead actress is also a stand up comedian. Like Carey and others, she owns the material and shows that she can do more than just make people laugh. Although, I have to admit to getting a couple of smiles out of some of the lead character's quips.

Noble was one of those films that I think will stay with me, as it not only brought to light the abuse that some children deal with, but it also showed how people can overcome their obstacles, no matter how big they might seem. I think that's a very timely and important lesson to get across.

One of the coolest things, to me, was something I found while reading about the film after watching it. Apparently, the children the lead character helps in the movie are actual children that have been helped by the real Christina and her foundation. I thought that was a great touch, and made me enjoy the movie even more. 

Movie Review: The Trip

This one was not my usual choice for viewing, but I figured why not try something out of my norm? This movie was definitely that. Released in the late '60s, The Trip was recently put out on DVD. Jack Nicholson wrote the screen play, with Peter Fonda starring. It also featured Dennis Hopper. 

Fonda plays a director who embarks on a guided experiment with LSD. This experiment takes him to some strange places, with all kinds of elaborate fantasy sequences. The movie is pretty much what you'd expect out of a late '60s film about an LSD user. It's punctuated with some great kaleidoscope effects, as well as some breathtaking scenery. 

Really, the movie is more eye candy than anything, and the actors were fine in their roles. Fonda did some good work in a scene where he felt as though he were dying while on a trip. Overall, an interesting look into another time and place. I think one of my favorite things in the whole movie was the ending scene. It was also very interesting to see the big name actors when they were at the beginning of their careers. 

This isn't a movie for everyone, but recommended for those who like the more trippy material of the late '60s.  

Movie Review: Big Sky

Big Sky follows the story of an agoraphobic teen whose illness has caused problems at home. She and her mother travel with a small group to a facility that is supposed to help treat the illness. 

Along the way, the van they are traveling in is attacked and Hazel is left alone with her mother in the desert. The attackers didn't know Hazel was there because she was hiding in a special space in the back in order to feel more comfortable on the trip. Her mother was shot and left for dead, so Hazel now has to overcome her fear to save them both. 

I liked the premise of the movie. Psychological thrillers can be fun in that they get the blood pumping and keep you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, there were some things that made enjoying the movie difficult. 

This is not the fault of the actors, as I thought they all did a great job. I just found myself distracted by the sound effects that seemed to overpower the film, making it difficult to hear the actors at times. I also was a bit put off by the surrealist-looking scenes that appeared to be flashbacks explaining how Hazel wound up the way she did. I couldn't really follow them well and thought they didn't add much to the story. 

Overall, I thought it was okay and think that people who like more modern film making will enjoy it.

Movie Review: Everything Before Us

Everything Before Us follows a small group of people as they navigate a dating world that is nothing like the one we know. This alternate world has your dating history evaluated like your credit history, with a score being attached. 

One's EI score is huge in this film, as it has an effect on most aspects of life. Clubs are segregated by scores, and jobs/loans can be lost over a low score. It's a fascinating, yet disturbing view of what the world can be like when something so personal is controlled by an organization. The DEI (Department of Emotional Integrity) carefully regulates relationships, with people having to register new relationships or terminate ones that are no longer working. Reports are filed, and scores are assigned. These scores reflect who ultimately is seen as being at fault in the relationship's demise. 

I liked the two completely different situations presented in this movie. One couple (Seth and Haley) is young and idealistic, while another (Ben and Sara) has been broken up for over a year. The latter is forced to meet again when Ben needs conflicting termination reports straightened out for him to get a job. 

The actors are engaging and I felt they did a great job of selling their different situations. In Sara and Ben, I felt the pain of a love gone wrong and the awkwardness of trying to deal with the fallout. With Ben and Haley, I was sold on their naive viewpoints and the sometimes hard road they travel as they juggle their new freedom in college with the responsibility of a long-distance relationship. There were several moments that made me smile and I thought the dialogue was well-done. It's not a flashy type of movie with special effects (although there are some lovely background shots), but it's a satisfying film if you are a character-driven person like me.

Short Film Review: Dawn

Rose McGowan, perhaps best known for her role as Paige on Charmed, has moved behind the camera in her directorial debut. The short film, DAWN, has gotten a lot of praise after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. 

The movie follows a young girl who wants a little more excitement in her life. However, she ends up getting a lot more than she could have planned on after making some new friends. It stars Tara Barr as the title character and takes viewers on a trip through the '60s, including sites and sounds that bring the era to life. 

I thought that it was a great effort overall. I particularly liked Barr and McClendon, the guy she has a flirtation with. The cheery and innocent backdrop of the '60s makes a great contrast to darker path the film takes toward the end. I was on the edge of my seat, knowing something big was coming.  

If you're looking for an alternative to big-budget movies that sometimes have more flash than substance, I'd check this one out. I was pleased to learn that McGowan has released the film for free on her YouTube account because, "I want to promote thought and art, free of charge.  I hope you'll enjoy."

Movie Review: Southbounders

Southbounders takes viewers on a journey through the Appalachian Mountains, as seen through the eyes of three strangers who meet up while embarking on their own personal journeys.

The focus of the movie is Olivia, who decides to go on an adventure before her classes resume. She’s awkward at first, clearly having some knowledge but not enough to make it through the trip on her own.

The serious moments of the movie were mixed well with funny moments. The highlight usually included fellow hiker Slackpack, whose total obliviousness to people’s hints gets on some nerves. However, his heart is in the right place and I liked how he took on a protective role in the movie. Whether the moment called for seriousness or comedy, the actors handled the material with ease and I got lost in the story.

The acting and story is beautifully accompanied by gorgeous shots of the area that shows not just the beauty, but the treacherous landscape.  I’d recommend this one for people who like character-driven stories and a love of the outdoors. 

DVD Review & Giveaway - Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants

 Good things come in small packages! That’s certainly the case with the adorable, animated feature Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants.  These endearing insects will be in theaters, On Demand, and on DVD May 26, 2015 from kaboom! Entertainment. 

This epic adventure has the added twist of almost no dialogue – think Wall-E meets A Bug's Life! These animated stars communicate solely via a synchronized soundtrack featuring music and sound effects to tell the tale of their journey. With the lone voice of Richard Dreyfuss as the narrator, Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants is the buzz worthy spring feature you won’t want to miss.

Synopsis

After a couple leaves their picnic in a hurry, a gang of hungry ants moves in to steal what could be their most coveted treasure: a tin box filled with sugar cubes.  But before they can get away with the loot, a newly-born ladybug strays from its own family and gets trapped inside the box!  The ladybug is soon spirited away by the ants as they try to transport their prize across the woods toward their colony. Together, the insects embark on an epic journey to protect their sugar.

Fun Facts About Minuscule

• Minuscule: Valley of the Lost Ants is a 2013 France/Belgium animated film, co-written and directed by Hélène Giraud and Thomas Szabo
• The film has been a huge box office success worldwide: France, Poland, Korea, Czech Republic, Switzerland and MORE
• Created by the same animated studio that produced Dragon Hunters
• Feature is based off the TV show ‘Minuscule - The Private Life of Insects’
• Series aired on the Disney Channel in the U.S.

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My Thoughts

Miniscule is a really cute animated film that gives you a up close and personal look into the lives of bugs. The story revolves around a group of black ants and their little lady bug companion. They discover the miracle of sugar when they raid a human's picnic. They make off with a whole box of sugar, and everything would be fine except for the fact that the red ants want in on the sugar too. This leads to an all out war where everyday objects like q-tips become weapons and paper money is converted into fighter jets (sort of). The lady bug becomes the real star of the movie and helps lead the black ants to victory.

This is a really unique movie. The characters don't actually speak to each other, instead using hand motions and noises to convey their feelings. The only human voice is the narrator, who tells the story as though he's reading it from a book.  This helps to enhance the realism of the insect world, and allows kids to use their imaginations.  I have four kids ranging in age from 3 to 14, and they all enjoyed this movie. It's packed with action, has a little humor, and is just a fun adventure all around.



The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a DVD copy of Minuscule.  To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will  6/13/15 and is open to the US only.  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to kaboom!  for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Fall From Freedom

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

If you love the majestic qualities of Orcas or the playful nature of Dolphins then this film is a must see. It takes each of us to keep these beautiful creatures alive as you will learn watching the first comprehensive film to reveal the long and sordid history of the captive whale and dolphin entertainment business. Many of these marine parks and aquariums are directly or indirectly responsible for the death of thousands of the very animals they use for public entertainment. Learn which large corporations are involved in secret deals that are presented and documented for the first time in this powerful documentary, narrated by actor Mike Farrell. A Fall From Freedom will leave you determined, resolute and ready to make a change

Product Details

• Actors: Mike Farrell, Keiko
• Directors: Stan Miniasian
• Format: Color, Full Screen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Indican
• DVD Release Date: January 14, 2014
• Run Time: 82 minutes

My Thoughts:

This is not a film I would not watch with a younger audience, as it does show some graphic details of the beautiful Orcas and Dolphins.  I have always loved going to Sea World and other Dolphin and/or Orca exhibits, but this has made me feel differently about these beautiful creatures, and how they should not be in captivity. It made me sad watching this.  

I do feel it is a movie that anyone who wants to be more educated on what man does to these beautiful creatures should watch.  I feel this was well written and directed, and it was straight to the point of topic.  

This movie can be purchased on Amazon.

  ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***

Angels Sing DVD Review

"Product was received for free in exchange for an honest review."

Harry Connick, Jr. stars as Michael Walker, who, as a child, wished every day was Christmas. That is, until a tragic accident crushed his holiday spirit. Thirty years later, Michael still can't muster any joy for Christmas, despite encouragement from his playful wife (Connie Britton) and well intentioned parents (Kris Kristofferson and Fionnula Flanagan). But when his young son (Chandler Canterbury) faces a tragedy, Michael needs to make amends with his past. A mysterious man named Nick (Willie Nelson) gives Michael a gift that instills in him the courage to find the Christmas joy that he lost.


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You can find this movie at Amazon.com








My thoughts:

This is a funny, heartwarming good story for the whole family to watch.  with a cast of Harry Connick Jr, Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson to name a few, how could it not be a good movie.You will want to add this to your Christmas movie collection once you watch it.

For Michael, who can't  master one joy from Christmas, moves to a new home in a community that have a Christmas tradition.  People come from all over to visit their neighborhood at Christmas. A movie that made me cry a bit and laugh all the same.  So heartwarming to see how a Community pulled together, and how Michael made amends with his past.

Despite the plot is a little obvious, still a must see. I thoroughly  enjoyed all the music in the movie.If you haven't seen this movie yet, put it on your holiday to watch list.

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were not influenced in any way.***