interviews

EXCLUSIVE – Chris chats with director Jon Manning!

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Intimacy and Activism:

An Interview with Jon Manning

By Christopher M. Rzigalinski

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The early months of 2017 have been dominated by political concerns over bodies. The Women’s March on Washington in January, as well as President Trump’s proposed travel ban on citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries and his withdrawal of protective measures for transgender students in public schools have put immigration reform, racial equality, women’s rights, and other issues centering on the regulation of bodies in the news every day. This dangerous context is what makes director Jon Manning’s new documentary, Burlesque: Heart of Glitter Tribe, essential viewing. Not only does it educate us about the often misunderstood art form of burlesque, it also gives us an alternative blueprint for using art as a type of activism. 

The film, produced by XLrator Media, follows several performers who share personal stories about the role burlesque performance plays in their lives. Angelique DeVil, Zora Von Pavonine, Babs Jamboree, Stage Door Johnnies, Sandria Dore’, Isaiah Esquire, Violet Ohmigod, Russell Bruner, and Ivizia Dakini each give nuanced perspectives that elevate our understanding of burlesque from sexual objectification to artistic empowerment. And that’s just the beginning. I got the chance to discuss Burlesque: Heart of Glitter Tribe with Mr. Manning before it hits theaters March 3rd and VOD platforms/iTunes on March 7th. We chatted about giving burlesque a unique identity, the role comedy plays in generating intimacy, and how burlesque shows help build community.

 

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EXCLUSIVE: Chris chats with Tom Hopper!

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The nation’s slow recovery from the 2016 Presidential Election has reminded us about the deep divisions in the United States. But the election and its preceding campaign gave me many thought-provoking conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. One such conversation came with Tom Hopper, star of the new action thriller Kill Ratio.

Kill Ratio is a departure for the English actor, best known for his roles in the the drama Black Sails and the fantasy-adventure Merlin. In the Paul Danter-directed Kill Ratio, Tom takes on the role of James Henderson, a lone wolf protecting a small European country from a military coup as it transitions to a democratic government. Four days before the election, Tom and I discussed the importance of democratic government, his personal political journey, and how he just can’t stop sword fighting. He even clued me in on a new passion project close to his heart. I was captivated by Tom’s insight and wit. I hope you will be, too.

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan chats with horror legend Bill Moseley!

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It’s rare these days to find a talented actor that has been in the movie industry for over thirty years and still stabbing his way through the horror genre, sort of speak. If you have lived in a bubble and never experienced any cult films such as House of 1000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, Repo! The Genetic Opera, and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, then you have NOT lived! I have been an avid convention attendee since 2006 and have had the pleasure of speaking/running into Bill Moseley many times over the years, including in the men’s bathroom. From the characters in his films, you would think Mr. Moseley is a nut job waiting to snap, but he’s the complete opposite. He is a down to earth fellow that is also a music composer, character actor, and dedicated man to film making.

I had the chance to catch up with one of my favorite actors that also grew up in the Chicagoland area and talk about his newest role in The Possession Experiment.

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EXCLUSIVE: Chris chats with Charlotte Beaumont!

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It’s Halloween season. Another year of countless horror films hitting theaters trying to become the “scariest movie of all time.” You might also have seen your Video on Demand (VoD) service pushing collections of classics like Halloween, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Child’s Play. Horror movies are everywhere this time of year. But Americans’ fascination with the genre has exploded so much, that horror movies are almost ubiquitous all year long. So what makes one of these movies worth seeing? For me, a film in this genre succeeds when it’s filled with psychodrama. Blood and gore are fine, but if you really want to terrorize me, get in my head. It’s  increasingly difficult to pull off psychodrama, since our culture is bombarded with tragedy thanks to 24-hour news cycles and the omnipresence of social media. That being the case, when a film transcends the darkness of everyday life and gets me to invest in the world it creates, I take notice. The Windmill did just that.

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Cinephellas Flashback: Logan’s Interview with Bruce Campbell

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As we’re sure you’re aware, Ash Vs. Evil Dead recently began its second season. We’re all huge fans of Mr. Campbell’s work, and we thought it would be appropriate to revisit Logan’s unpublished-on-Cinephellas interview with the legend himself.

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When you hear “Hail To The King” you may think Heisenberg or even Elvis Presley, but there is one answer….Bruce Fucking Campbell. He is the one go-to actor that stays true to his craft and perfects many roles that can be viewed throughout film and TV over the past thirty years. I have had the opportunity to meet him numerous times at various Comic Cons and Horror conventions, but never had the chance to pick his brain one-on-one. As you could imagine when you talk to one of your biggest influences, it’s hard to keep your composure, and not look like a total “She-bitch.”

If you have been locked up the past year, then you probably haven’t heard of the return of Ash Williams on the Starz network in the show, Ash Vs. Evil Dead. But if you are like me, you have been patiently awaiting the return of Ash and all those horrid and grotesque deadites. Ash is probably one of the most iconic characters in horror till this day and it’s a huge deal that a character at this caliber is returning in a TV show.

I had the opportunity to view the first episode of the second season of Ash Vs. Evil Dead and it was nothing short of groovyyyy.  This is a series that doesn’t “play it safe,” and is splattered with gore and violence that goes straight for the jugular in the opening minutes of the episode “Home.”

Today, I got the pleasure to talk to Bruce Campbell about producing and starring in the Starz show, Ash Vs. Evil Dead, his previous Evil Dead films, and the craziness that has ensued over the past thirty years.

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan chats with Lauren Elise!

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If you look anywhere these days, you will see Clowns popping up all over the world, including in the recent news of Clowns luring kids into the woods of South Carolina. Is it all for fun or is there something deeper and sinister at play? Well, I blame it all on Stephen King’s highly successful book and 1990 film, IT. Was it the muse behind all of this madness or is there really something darker lurking in the shadows around us? With the recent craze of these terrorizing forces showing up all over the place, our deepest nightmares are becoming a reality. 2016 has really become the “Year of the Clown” in news and more importantly, film. We have had Eli Roth’s Clown, Rob Zombie’s 31, the IT Remake hitting theaters next year, and the newest haunting endeavor, Clowntown, that was inspired by clowns terrorizing the people of Bakersfield, CA in 2014. What makes these films so captivating is the keen element of independent film-making glazed with craftsmanship and in your face torment. Clowntown is another addition to this newfound craze and it’s nothing you should steer away from.

Today, I had the pleasure to interview that star of the film, Lauren Elise, who was quite excited about the release of this film.  We briefly spoke about independent film-making, her role in Clowntown, the trials and tribulations of filming, and the upcoming projects she has in place over the next year.

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan sits down with James Frecheville!

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jamesfrecheville

In a tech savvy world, we are all wrapped up in social media, smart phones, and putting all of our information out on the internet for anyone to look at. Hacking is a major global issue today that raises the question “is privacy a privilege?” I have been working in the I.T. industry for some time and have seen many lives ruined by not being aware of the downfalls of the internet.  This includes updating banking information, social security numbers, and personal photos. In today’s society, is it possible to have a stress free and fulfilling life without a social media presence?  The answer is yes and I condone anyone to go back to the days of person to person genuine conversation.

Today, I sat down with the star of the new tech thriller, I.T., James Frecheville who is no stranger to the film industry. He starred in 2014’s “The Drop” alongside Tom Hardy and was in the hit Australian film, Animal Kingdom. We spoke about playing a tech mastermind, filming with the legendary Pierce Brosnan, how the world is obsessed with the internet, and what can happen if you are not careful with your personal information. It is my pleasure to introduce James Frecheville…

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan chats with Katherine McNamara!

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There are many controversial topics in the world today that have impacted our generation and the future generations. Gun violence is one of those subject matters that have affected myself and the people around me over the past twenty years. Natural Selection is a film that tackles that title in which individuals must survive in catastrophic events which leads to good vs. evil. Can violence and darkness conquer our soul to get the best of us, or is it simply the evolution of mankind in the 21st century?

Today, I sat down with the very talented Katherine McNamara and discussed her role in Natural Selection, filming under the controversial premise, and the upcoming season of Shadow Hunters: The Mortal Instruments.

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EXCLUSIVE: Logan talks to actor/stunt man Alain Moussi!

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When you hear the quote, “You bleed like mylee, mylee good fuck” there is only one film that comes to mind.  1989’s Kickboxer is that very film that paved the way for many martial arts action films of the 80’s/90’s and kick started the career of Jean-Claude Van Damme. Long before the days of CGI, films were created based off the good guy vs. the villain in a no holds barred match scenario.  This included brutal fight sequences where many fighters were left in their bloody death bed while one lucky warrior was kinged the champion.  Fast forward to 2016 and these type of films have been left behind in the ashes to the more dominating special effects of the tech savvy generation.  For me personally, I grew up with films dominated by action stars such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Steven Seagal, Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sylvester Stallone. What made these figures great were they were realistic and mortal heroes that didn’t need capes to kick some ass and take some names.

I heard they were bringing back the Kickboxer franchise recently and have been waiting patiently for the film to finally hit the big screen.  I recently got the chance to view an advanced screening of the film, and though it has a darker tone compared to the 1989 film, it still has that original refreshing premise of good vs. bad that will bring you back to the time when action films were fun and refreshing.  

Today, I sat down and spoke with the main star of the film, Alain Moussi, who portrays Kurt Sloane. He is no stranger to the film industry and has been working as a stunt double/coordinator since 2005 on such films as Pacific Rim, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and Suicide Squad.  Kickboxer: Vengeance is his first feature film as an actor and his performance was quite remarkable. I spoke to him about making this film, working alongside the legendary Jean-Claude Van Damme, and becoming the next big action star!

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