Nile reviews the 80’s horror classic ‘Motel Hell’ in the first video of the ‘Retro Reviews’ series.
tv review
Review – Sweet Virginia (2017) Edinburgh Film Festival
With TV currently in it’s Golden Age, a lot of genres have proven to work better with a long-form series rather than a one-off entry; case in point, crime thriller with the likes of Fargo and Twin Peaks making the most of their extended run-time. I bring this up because while it’s very easy to tell when a movie needs to be cut shorter, new Alaskan thriller Sweet Virginia is one of those rare films that could benefit from being longer.
Power Rangers Blu-Ray PhellasGiveway!
Logan Myerz here! We wanted to give all of our followers a chance to win Power Rangers Blu-Ray copy that comes out on June 27th. All you have to do is subscribe to our YouTube Channel, follow our social networking sites, and let us know which movie you are looking forward to see this summer. One random winner will be chosen on Tuesday, June 27th at 7 pm CST and will receive the Blu ray copy via mail. Also, please use the hashtag #PhellasGiveAway
Cheers!
Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 12 (Interview with Blake Freeman)
Calling for Community: A Conversation with Blake Freeman
On this episode of the Cinephellas podcast we have my conversation with the multitalented Blake Freeman. We’re discussing his new comedy, All About the Money. Blake wrote the screenplay, directed, produced, and stars in the film. But he consistently points out that the project was only possible thanks to the community of people he worked with, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. He’s got some great co-stars, including Eddie Griffin and Casper Van Dien. This is Eddie’s return to the big screen after about two years doing other projects. And Casper gives a great performance playing against his usual all-American type. Blake also gave me some info about his upcoming TV project based on tech and gaming culture. It’s a timely look at contemporary digital culture.
Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 11 (Interview with Ward Horton)
New Perspectives: A Conversation with Ward Horton
Who’s your favorite movie villain? What makes an antagonist threatening enough to fear, but vulnerable enough to find relatable? Too often these questions are ignored in favor of stereotypical performances. In the the new film Midnighters, however, Ward Horton develops a multi-layered anti-hero. Questions surround the identity of his character, “Smith,” forcing Horton to perform a spectrum of personality traits from suave to demonic. His ability to transform gives brings to fruition several plot points in the journey of Midnighters’ protagonist, Lindsey, played with sincere vulnerability by the phenomenal Alex Essoe.
Review-Wonder Woman (2017)
by Nile Fortner
Finally, a movie about the iconic DC Comics character, Wonder Woman has hit the big screen. A character that finally has her own big feature movie, a movie 75 years in the making!
When DC first launched their expanded-cinematic-universe, many fans were not thrilled with the start of this cinematic universe. I personally enjoyed Man of Steel, even though some people argued that Superman was too moody and depressing. That film was followed by Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and fans as well did not react to well to that movie either. I have parts I like about the movie and other parts I can’t stand. I did not like the portrayal of Lex Luthor and how they forced Doomsday into the movie. Suicide Squad had its issues, and many people seemed to give up on DC Comics setting up this expanded-cinematic-universe. Many fans saw Wonder Woman as the last chance for this cinematic universe to work and finally give us a movie in this universe that blows audiences away with action, story, and character development.
Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 9 (Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter Interview)
Removing Borders: A Conversation with Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter
On this episode of the Cinephellas podcast I’m talking to the Peter Spirer and Peter Baxter, co-directors of Spirit Game: Pride of a Nation. The documentary uses lacrosse, which the Iroquois nation calls its “medicine game,” as a lens through which to explore Iroquois history and indigenous peoples’ relationships with the United States and Canada. How is it, the film asks, that countless schools and universities across North America play teach the game to its students without relating its ceremonial past? To answer that question, the Peters and I discuss the Catholic Church’s oppressive Doctrine of Discovery, the Iroquois challenges to traditional ideas of sovereignty, and how sports can be used as a tool for activism. Spirit Game is a powerful statement about how popular culture can help change the world for the better.
Review- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Save the Galaxy Again with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
by Nile Fortner
Back in 2014, Marvel Studios attempted their riskiest adventure yet, releasing a film based on the not so popular superhero team known as The Guardians of the Galaxy. When the film hit theaters, it was a massive success, and turned characters such as Star Lord and Groot into prominent names. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 has now hit cinemas, and many are wondering, “Do our favorite space ‘A-holes’ have what it takes to strike lightning in a bottle twice?” The answer is hell yes!
Cinephellas Podcast – Episode 8 (Matthias Hoene Interview)
The Representation Game: A Conversation with Matthias Hoene
Pop culture products like movies and TV shows help us recognize social issues that need discussing. If we’re lucky, they enlighten us in entertaining ways. Sometimes they even make us uncomfortable because they force us question our own beliefs. Enter the Warriors Gate, the latest film from director Matthias Hoene, does all that work and more.
‘IT’ Trailer 2 Reaction!
by Kevin Muller
The second trailer, or clip, has arrived for the anticipated new adaptation of Stephen King’s horror masterpiece. This one definitely has more footage than I expected, hell, it basically is a new miniature trailer. Let’s see what we got this time.
We hear Stan, standing in front of the attendees at his synagogue, talking about how children are supposed to be protected and how the unprotected ones become prey to evil. Accompanying this speech we see footage of a missing person’s photo along with an image of a very seedy looking adult. This gives of the feeling that Muschetti will indeed include how Pennywise’s presence does bring out the worst in the town. It is something that the mini-series didn’t really talk about. Readers of the novel know that Pennywise casts a very negative energy amongst the residents that definitely influences them to do evil acts.
Cinephellas 