Phil's Netflix Picks: GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING (2012) - February 5, 2018

Hello my faithful readers and welcome to a new segment entitled Phil's Netflix Picks! The reason I decided to start this was because there are a plethora of movies that never really received a theatrical release or were only seen at film festivals. Because of this, some find audiences on Netflix-either becoming a Netflix exclusive or just debuting on the streaming service provider. One of these films I watched was a documentary on one of my favorite shows from the 1980's. I grew up watching wrestling throughout this decade, and what set this apart from the WWF and NWA was that it was all about women's wrestling. Now, I can relive those fun-filled days and learn all about this revolutionary show in the 2012 documentary GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING.

Original Theatrical Poster (2012)

The film's official synopsis: The year is 1986. Mike Tyson has just won his first title, the Chicago Bears are super bowl champs and unlikely rap-stars, and Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) is about to burst onto the scene as the first ever all-female wrestling show on television. Like its then sole competitor/frequent imitator, the World Wrestling Federation, GLOW was a prime-time wrestling series, complete with elaborate characters, costumes, skits, personalized raps, and, of course, wrestling. Week after week, women like Mountain Fiji, the Samoan giant with a heart of gold, and Matilda the Hun, the evil German with a taste for raw meat, battled it out for the GLOW crown. By 1989, the GLOW girls were an international phenomenon, attracting over seven million viewers worldwide, touring the nation, and making big bank for the show's producers. One year later, GLOW was gone.   

GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING chronicles the rise and fall of this once successful television show through the stories of those who lived it. From the initial open-call auditions, to the grueling training with wrestling legend Mando Guerrero, to over-night success and global recognition, to the show's sudden and unexpected cancellation in 1990, the GLOW girls recall their time on the show with a mixture of heartfelt nostalgia and tearful regret over injuries and the loss of friends. For some, the show was a brief foray into acting and a short-lived adventure on the way to a normal life. For others, that time in GLOW would impact and influence their lives for years to follow. For all of the women, working on GLOW was a unique and exciting experience that will bond them forever.

Director Brett Whitcomb really gives the audience an in-depth look at how the show was created and all the craziness that went on during its production. Many of the women who participated in the film provided some really interesting stories and aspects of the show while reminiscing on just how much they all had. What they didn't realize was at that time, they were pioneers - trailblazing in uncharted territory. There have been women wrestling for years, but a show centered on women's wrestling and making it a weekly show, that had never been done before.

GLOW DVD Cover

Whitecomb was able to get some interesting and hilarious stories from several of the wrestlers, including Mt. Fiji, (Emily Dole), Little Egypt (Angelina Altishin), Ninotchka (Lorilyn Palmer), Tina Ferrari (Lisa Moretti, better known as Ivory to WWE fans) and Babe the Farmer's Daughter (Ursula Hayden) just to name a few. Others interviewed include series director Matt Cimber, trainer Mondo Guerrero aka Armando Guerrero (of the legendary wrestling dynasty Guerrero Family), but unfortunately show creator David McLane refused to participate in the documentary. I feel that this was a real shame because his input would've been very important to the story of GLOW and what his opinion of the show's legacy.

As soon as it appeared on our televisions, the show was abruptly cancelled without warning in 1990, due to the backers withdrawing their funding of it. This blow left the ladies without saying goodbye to one another, as they were forced to move on. But because of the filming of the documentary, Hayden - now owner of GLOW - decided to organize a reunion with her fellow friends. The highlight of this was Mt. Figi - who was residing in a nursing home due to health issues - shedding tears of joy as she is once again reunited with her friends.

Because of the popularity of the show and the positive response to the documentary, Hayden teamed up with Netflix to produce a series about the creation of the show. Naturally, the show is called GLOW and became a smash hit for the streaming service. No word yet as to when the second season will premiere.

However, fans of the original show recently received some heartbreaking news. On
on January 3, 2018, Emily Doyle, the beloved Mt. Fiji, passed away in Orange County, California due to health issues. She was just 60 years old. There will never be anyone like you Emily. All your fans, including myself, want to say "Thank you" for entertaining us for all these years. We will remember you and will miss you always.

GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING is a no-holds barred, emotionally charged, informative, hysterical and moving documentary about one of the greatest wrestling shows of all time!! I was so invested in the film that I watched it for three days straight! That should indicate you on how much I loved this film! If your a wrestling fan, or just a curious bystander, then you owe to yourself to see this! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING is now available to view on Netflix, along with the series. The movie is also available on iTunes, Amazon Prime and Google Play. The movie is also available on DVD. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the film's website at www.glowthemovie.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Cult Classics: ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1978) from MVD Entertainment Group - February 4, 2018

Hello again and welcome to another installment of Phil's Cult Classics! Today's film truly lives up to that moniker. It was a head of its time, with it's nod to classic 1950's sci-fi films, random humor, fourth wall breaking, absurd story and man-eating fruit, it's no wonder the film has become a fan favorite for all these years. Now, MVD Entertainment has released a new brand spanking new Blu-ray/DVD combo of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES!

Original Theatrical Poster (1978)

The film's official synopsis: UFOs! Bigfoot! Communists! The government has swiftly dealt with many a crisis... But can it survive the diabolical ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES? Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the supermarket, you're face to face with terror so bold, so frightening it has never been seen on-screen before or since (not until the sequel, anyway). After a series of bizarre and increasingly horrific attacks from pulpy, red, seeded fruit, Mason Dixon (David Miller) finds himself leading a ''crack'' team of specialists to save the planet. But will they be quick enough to save everyone? To save you? You can't run! You can't swim! There's nowhere to hide! THE KILLER TOMATOES ARE EVERYWHERE!

It's been a while since I've sat down watched the movie. I forgot just how random, stupid, and hysterical it was! Directed by John De Bello and written by De Bello, Costa Dillon, and J. Stephen Peace, the film is as goofy then as it is now. Plus with a cast that includes David Miller, George Wilson, Sharon Taylor, and also Dillon and Peace as Lt. Wilbur Finletter, it's astounding that they were able to keep a straight facing during the making of the movie.

The film was released to theaters October 8, 1978 by NAI Entertainment. Their budget has been estimated between $90,000-$100,000. It grossed roughly $567,000, but what's even more amazing is that the film spawned three sequels, a Saturday morning cartoon show, a line of toys, a novel, and three different freaking video games! All from a movie that was called one of the worst movies ever made by critics. Yeah, what the hell do critics know! But at the end of the day, De Bello and the gang ended up having the last laugh, and they laughed all the way to the bank and into cinema immortality!

KILLER TOMATOES Blu-Ray Cover.

The folks over at MVD Entertainment Group did a great job of restoring the film, and releasing it under their MVD Rewind Collection label. The film received a new 4K digital transfer and looks the best as it ever has. While there is still some film grain (which I love by the way), the colors like bright and crisp, sound is great, and overall it's a fine upgrade. Most of the special features are carried over from the 25th Anniversary DVD Release from Rhino Video (which I still own). The special features include the following: Audio commentary from writer/director John DeBello, writer/co-star Steve Peace, and ''creator'' Costa Dillon, 3 Deleted scenes, Seven featurettes: ''Legacy of a Legend'' is a collection of interviews, including comments from John DeBello, Costa Dillon, film critic Kevin Thomas, fans Kevin Sharp and Bruce Vilanch, future Tomatoes mainstay John Astin and actors Steve Peace, Jack Riley, and D.J. Sullivan - ''Crash and Burn'' is a discussion about the famous helicopter crash that could have killed everyone because the pilot was late on his cue - ''Famous Foul'' is about the San Diego Chicken and his role in the climatic tomato stomping ending - ''Killer Tomatomania'' is a smattering of interviews with random people on the streets of Hollywood about the movie - ''Where Are They Now?'' fills viewers in on what the cast and crew have been up to over the past couple of decades - ''We Told You So!'' takes a hard-hitting look at the conspiracy of silence surrounding the real-life horror of killer tomatoes, ''Slated for Success'' featuring Killer Tomato Slate Girl.

Other special features include ''Gone with the Babusuland'' - the original 8mm short that inspired Attack of the Killer Tomatoes with optional audio commentary, ''Attack of the Killer Tomatoes'' - the original 8mm short film with optional audio commentary, Production design photo gallery, Radio Spots, Original Theatrical Trailer, and a Collectible Poster. Also there's an Easter Egg on the Blu-Ray: On the opening page of the “Chapters” menu, highlight “Next”, press down, and a tomato will appear on the left side of the screen, which will lead you to their Super 8 version of an intermission. It's actually quite funny and was shot in someone's kitchen.

Overall, ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES is one of the best cult classics of all time!! MVD Entertainment did a wonderful job of restoring the movie and getting it out there for those who may have never seen it before! The film was long overdue for this type of release. Now a new generation of film lovers of bad, camp, and cult movies will be able to add this to their library! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo at your local retailer as well on online retail websites like Amazon and Diabolik DVD. To order a copy for yourself, visit www.diabolikdvd.com. To learn about MVD Entertainment Group, visit their website at mvdvisual.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Horror Watch: JIGSAW (2017) from Lionsgate FIlms - February 2, 2018

In 2004, moviegoers and horror fans witnessed the birth of a new franchise in the form of a film called SAW. Directed by James Wan and written by Leigh Whannell, the movie ushered in a new horror icon Jigsaw (played by the great Tobin Bell) as well as a genre that would be known as "torture porn." The movie became a surprised smash hit for Lionsgate, and cranked out six consecutive sequels during the month of October, making it a Halloween tradition for horror fans. Then in 2010, the studio released SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER, marking the end of the series. It looked like the games were finally over.

Or so we thought.

Lionsgate announced in October 2016 that production had begun on SAW: LEGACY, the film's original title. The studio confirmed that Bell would also return as John Kramer. I wondered how in the hell they were going to pull this off? Kramer died in SAW 3, but was used in flashback sequences in the remaining entries. So maybe that was how they were going to bring him back. But who would be playing the games? Who would take over Kramer's legacy? What twisted deaths will we see in the movie? All these questions and more were answered when I finally saw JIGSAW!

Original Theatrical Poster (2017)

The film's official synopsis: The legacy of terror continues in the latest bloodcurdling installment of the SAW series. After a series of murders bearing all the markings of the Jigsaw killer, law enforcement finds itself chasing the ghost of a man dead for over a decade, embroiled in a diabolical new game that’s only just begun. Has John Kramer, the infamous Jigsaw Killer, returned from the dead to commit a series of murders and remind the world to be grateful for the gift of life? Or is this a trap set by a different killer with designs of their own?

It's been seven years since the last film and I wondered if Lionsgate would be able to recapture the spirit, the magic, and the gruesomeness of the series all these years later? Would fans of the franchise be satisfied with the end results? Speaking as a fan, I would like to answer these questions with a profound and positive YES!

I so thoroughly enjoyed the movie! First, the script was very well written and felt more like the original - more of a who-done-it thriller with excellent gore and bloodshed. Screenwriters Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger spent two years on getting the opportunity to propose their idea for the new entry. Once Lionsgate approved their vision, pre-production went underway. Soon, brothers Michael and Peter Spierig (UNDEAD, PREDESTINATION, DAYBREAKERS) were signed on to direct the film. These four individuals would have the dubious honor of resurrecting the franchise and presenting to modern audiences who may have not seen the previous installments. As I stated, it falls more in line with the original SAW movie, with more of a focus on the characters, the games, and the who-is-the-killer mystery. In the end, it everything I could have wanted in the film, including the great twist in the third act that we as fans have come to expect. Congratulations gentlemen on making me a fan once again!

The movie was released on October 27, 2017, just in time for Halloween. It made $1.6 million from Thursday midnight screenings alone (not too shabby). But, it went on to gross an impressive $102.9 million worldwide, against its budget of $10 million! Of course, the studio announced that there would be a sequel, however, it would not be directed by Michael and Peter Spierig, which is a shame. They have such a clear vision as directors and they brought a lot to the film that made it more unique. I want to wish them the best of luck with all their future projects and, hopefully, they will return to the franchise again.

JIGSAW is a welcomed addition to the SAW series and one fans will die for! It's a gore-filled thriller sequel that will make you scream for joy! For horror fans, it will entertain the hell out of you! For the regular moviegoer, be prepared to witness the bloody brilliance of John Kramer! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

JIGSAW is currently available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from Lionsgate Fims. The film is also available on Digital HD, iTunes and VOD.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil sees COCO at the Cinemak Century Oakridge 20 - February 1, 2018

Pixar Animation Studio is one of the finest animation studios of all time! With films like TOY STORY, CARS, WALL-E, FINDING NEMO and UP, the studio has released some of the most awarding winning and critically acclaimed movies of all time, and in the shortest amount of time. Today, I went and saw their latest endeavour, and it marks as one of my new favorite movie from them. All I can saw is that COCO is destined to be one the studio's very best!!

The film's official synopsis: Despite his family's baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

The film features the talented voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Edward James Olmos, Jaime Camil, Renée Victor, Gabriel Iglesias, and Cheech Marin for starters.

Being Hispanic American, I was completely moved on how much Pixar honored our heritage, our traditions, and how much family means to us. The norm is that Hollywood will fill theater screens with stereotypes and caricatures and they have relied on this for way too long. Finally, I saw a film that honored the Mexican community with intelligence, respect, and strong characters that we are emotionally invested in.

The movie was directed by Lee Unkrich, who's Pixar credits include co-directing TOY STORY 2, MONSTERS, INC., FINDING NEMO, and then directing TOY STORY 3 solo.  Joining him his his co-director Adrian Molina, whose writing credits include MONSTERS UNIVERSITY and THE GOOD DINOSAUR. Together, these two gentlemen have made one of Pixar's best films ever! The compositions and set-ups and excellent, the camera pans blend in with the film and they let the emotional scenes linger to accentuate the story. And let me tell you, this was such an emotional film!

Since this is a computer animation movie, I can't forget to mention it. The studio has come a long way since the release of TOY STORY. Holy cow!! The animation looks freaking amazing!! There is so much details in every single frame!! From the golden leaves to The Land of the Dead, it was a spectacular sight to behold!! An I thought the animation in CARS 3 was impressive!! The amount of detail is extraordinary!! 

What I loved most about the movie is the story. It's a story based in Mexican traditions and folklore. All the characters are a representation of me, my family, and friends. For the first time, I felt proud seeing my people shown in a positive light, and at the heart of the story is family. Family comes first always, and everything else will fall into place.

COCO is one of the best family films of all time and Pixar's best to date!! You have never seen a film like this before!! And FYI, you will cry during the film, especially at the end! I cried. Twice. Maybe three time. Anyway, I loved this movie!! So take the family to your favorite theater and go see this movie!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!! 

COCO is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Cinemark Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees BRONCHO BILLY AND THE BANDIT'S SECRET at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum - January 30, 2018

When I attended the 13 Years of Saturday Silents at the Edison! Program this past Saturday, one of the films shown at the museum that night was a short that has been five years in the making. Finally, the museum was finally going to screen BRONCHO BILLY AND THE BANDIT'S SECRET, the two-reel western that archivist/historian/filmmaker David Kiehn, cinematographer Sprague Anderson and the museum had been working on since 2012. The museum did screen the film during the Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival back in June of 2013, but it was only a workprint, meaning that it was a rough version of the film. So not only they showing the completed film hat night, the museum was having a DVD Release party, and yours truly could not wait to finally get a copy for myself.

The film's official summery: In 1912, film pioneer and co-owner of the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company Gilbert "Broncho Billy" Anderson arrived in the small town of Niles, California, searching for the ideal location to film westerns. There he set up shop and over 350 films later had cemented the west coast branch of Essanay in film history, with major players such as Charlie Chaplin, Wallace Beery and Ben Turpin along for the ride before it all ended abruptly in 1916.

In 2012, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum produced a two-reel silent western to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company arriving in Niles. This inspired our museum curators to create a film as special as our little hamlet. Using equipment and techniques from the silent era and locations that are much like they were over 100 years ago, Broncho Billy and the Bandit's Secret presents a fictionalized account of Gilbert Anderson's arrival in Niles, and how the town sheriff joins forces with the movie gunslinger to bring a group of bandits to justice. Years in the making, with five different musical scores and an appearance by Diana Serra Cary (former silent film star Baby Peggy), it's a trip back in time unlike any other!

The movie was a sight to behold! It looked absolutely incredible! Anderson's cinematography was simply gorgeous! It looked like a 1913 silent movie! Kiehn's directing was fantastic as well, blending modern day with silent era set-ups and compositions. Both Kiehn and Anderson wrote the screenplay together, bringing that nostalgic magic to the silver screen. It's a simple story, yet it works very effectively. It brought me back to those days watching westerns with my friends.

The entire cast was phenomenal and should be commended for their performances! It's not easy to act in a silent movie. You must convey emotions without saying a word. It the expressions of their faces, the sad look in their eyes, body language; it's all these things and more. Christopher Green Goodwin was fantastic as the Sheriff. Bruce Cates has played Broncho Billy Anderson for years at the museum's film festivals and events, so he knew how to play the part. Together, they had great on-screen chemistry with each other. Add Felicity Hart (Sarah Paymer), William Rogue (Eli Paymer), Shawn Rowe (The Deputy), and a special appearance by the one and only Diana Serra Cary, and you have a cast that deserves a standing ovation!

Sprague Anderson on-set. Photo by Rena Azevedo Kiehn.

While I was enjoying the movie immensely, I also found myself shedding a tear or two. This was the last film Sprague Anderson worked on. When I last saw him in late 2014, he was having health issues, but I paid it no mind. After all, he was way too stubborn to be sick and figured he'll bounce back. Then on October 31, 2017, on Halloween no less, Sprague passed away at 1:45pm. David's wife, Rena Azevedo Kiehn, made the announcement on her Facebook page.

During the intermission, I picked up my DVD copy of the film and since then I have been pouring through all of the excellent special features. It contains not one, not two, but five different musical scores by Judith Rosenberg, Bruce Loeb, Jon Mirsalis, Greg Pane and David Drazin! There's also an informative 40 minute documentary on the making of the film entitled Window to the Past, a short film of the centennial celebration and filmed recreation of Essanay's arrival in Niles shot back in 2012, outtakes, and a 1912 Essanay short film ALKALI IKE BESTS BRONCHO, directed by and starring Gilbert M Anderson, scanned in 4K and accompanied by Frederick Hodges.

BRONCHO BILLY AND THE BANDIT'S SECRET is a loving tribute to the silent film era! No where in the world will you see a silent film made with silent film cameras and techniques! What Kiehn, Anderson, and the rest of the cast and crew achieved is astounding! And is one of the finest films to come from Essanay! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

The museum is open for tours every weekend from 12pm-4pm and every Saturday night there's a silent film show starting at 7:30 (doors open at 7pm). So if you would like to learn more about the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, becoming a member, to view their film schedule, and purchase DVD copy of the film, visit www.nilesfilmmuseum.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil attends the CINEQUEST MEDIA LAUNCH EVENT at the 3 Below Theaters Downtown San Jose - January 24, 2018

Now that I'm back home in San Jose, it was time I visited my other home here: The Camera 3 Cinemas, now known as 3Below Theaters. It was here on Wednesday that I had the pleasure to attend the CINEQUEST MEDIA LAUNCH EVENT here in Downtown San Jose! When I walked in the newly renovated 3 Below Theater and saw the Cinequest Poster for the festival this year, I felt like I was home again. Better yet, I got to see all my old friends like fellow blogger Jason Wiener (Jason Watches Movies), Terra Wood Taylor and Michael Rabehl from Cinequest as well as the founders themselves!

Started in 1990 by co-founders Halfdan Hussey and Kathleen Powell, the Cinequest Film Festival has grown to epic proportions over the years, bring new visions and voices from up and coming filmmakers while bringing new technology and films to the masses. Now in its 28th year, the festival shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to bringing the very best in independent, foreign, and documentaries to film lovers.

Cinequest Co-Founder Halfdan Hussey announcing the festival's theme.

Cinequest co-founder and director Halfdan Hussey revealed this year's theme for the festival. IMPACT will be the theme and then we were all shown a great video with Hussey telling us how Cinequest has reached out on a global scale to influence the idea that YOU can go out a create your film and have it been seen by people, who will then in turn become transformed by your film. A great message for all future filmmakers! This year, The California Theatre, 3 Below Theaters, and the Hammer Theatre Center will be hosting the festival along with the Century Downtown 20 in Redwood City previous screened films there for the second year in a row.

Hussey also announced the recipients for this year's Maverick Spirit Award and what an announcement it was! This year Hollywood legends Nicolas Cage and Andie MacDowell will be receiving the awards (and screening her new film LOVE AFTER LOVE) along with Tatiana Maslany and Tom Cullen for their new film SOULS OF TOTALITY. Current Turner Classic Movie host Ben Mankiewicz will be receiving the Media Legacy Award and that's just a small sample of what's to come at this year's festival.

Rosario Dawson stars in the opening night film KRYSTAL.

Halfdan also talked about the opening night film that will kick off the festival. The comedy KRYSTAL is by directed by William H. Macy and stars Rosario Dawson (both recipients of the Maverick Spirit Award from past festivals). The festival will also be screening the 1928 silent film THE WIND with the extraordinary Dennis James at the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at the historic California Theater. With the Picture the Possibilities, VIP Soirees, Maverick Meet-Ups, and VR Cinema Programs, there's something for everybody at Cinequest.

Cinequest Publicity Manager Dana Whitney takes the stage.

Next up was Cinequest Publicity Manager Dana Whitney, who wowed the press with the announcement of the first ever partnership with Luna Fest - the first ever all-women traveling film festival. Showcasing a series of short films made to, for, and by women, this will no doubt be a favorite at the festival. Other special screenings she mentioned was the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Award Winner PICK OF THE LITTER, the powerful documentary ADIOS AMOR: THE SEARCH FOR MARIA MORENO, and Spotlight Films featuring big time Hollywood names in thoughtful, provocative, and interesting titles such as BORG/MCENROE (Shia LaBeouf and Stellan Skarsgard), Win Wender's SUBMERGENCE (James McAvoy and Alicia Vikander), and THE LAST MOVIE STAR (Burt Reynolds) just to name a few. All of the Spotlight Films will be screened at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose.

Cinequest co-founder Kathleen Powell closing out the Media Launch Event.

Closing out the Media Launch Event was co-founder Kathleen Powell, who talked about the Closing Night film and party afterwards. BROTHERS IN ARMS is a riveting  and informative documentary about the making of Oliver Stone’s PLATOON and the hell the cast and crew went through during its production. It launched the careers of Johnny Depp, Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, Tom Berenger, Kevin Dillon, Tony Todd, Keith David, and John C. McGinley as well as reviving seven Oscar nominations and winning four of them. The party afterwards will be held at the Hyatt Place Gallery.

After Powell finished her announcements, Hussey came back up to thank the press and media for attending, and then I went back out to the lobby to talk about all the films that we are planning on seeing. I can honestly say that I am so happy to be back here and to cover the festival once again. As you may recall, the last time I attended the festival I saw 60 screenings in 13 days, which was a record for me. So let's see if I can that record! Overall, it was an incredible night!

The documentary BROTHERS IN ARMS is the closing night film for Cinequest.

The 28th Annual Cinequest Film Festival will be held from February 27 - March 11, 2018. Tickets and passes are now available so make sure you get them now because they are already moving fast. To learn more about the festival, film schedules and events, volunteering, and to buy your tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you at Cinequest 28! 

Phil attends the 13 YEARS OF SATURDAY SILENTS AT THE EDISON! Program at the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum - Jan. 20, 2018

This past Saturday night I made my return to one of my favorite places on the Earth: The Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum! It's been over two years since I was here and tonight's program was something I didn't want to miss! After having dinner at my favorite local business Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace, I headed over to the museum for the 13 YEARS OF SATURDAY SILENTS AT THE EDISION! Program. They were also having the DVD release party for their new silent film BRONCHO BILLY AND THE BANDIT'S SECRET, which they were also screening as well!

ALKALI IKE'S AUTO (1911): Starring Augustus Carney, Harry Todd, and Margaret Joslin, this fun short is about two guys named Alkali Ike and Mustang Pete (Carney and Todd respectively) who fight over the heart of Betty Brown (Joslin). After stopping them from shooting one another, they both try to one up each other, until Ike shows up in one of them fancy cars, which is actually a complete lemon! Hilarious!! The film was written and directed by Essanay co-founder Gilbert M. Anderson aka Broncho Billy. The short was released by the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company in May 1911.

BRONCHO BILLY AND THE BANDIT'S SECRET (2015): To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Anderson and the Essanay Company back on April 1, 1912, in that same month in 2012, the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum begun making a silent western film, using the silent film cameras and techniques that these trailblazers used back then. The results were absolutely amazing! I had seen the rough cut of the film during the Broncho Billy Silent Film Festival back in 2013, so I was extremely ecstatic to finally see the finished film. The museum had a DVD release party for the film. Look for a more in-depth review of the film coming very soon!

After a short intermission, the show continued with the main feature of the night.

Original Theatrical Poster (1926)

Film number three for today was the comedy MANTRAP (1926). Based on the novel by Sinclair Lewis and directed by Victor Fleming, the film stars the enchanting Clara Bow as Alverna, a manicurist who meets and marries a small town Canadian woodsman named Joe Easter (Ernest Torrence). However, the girl loves to flirt with the men, and she falls for a rich and famous New York divorce attorney named Ralph Prescott (Percy Marmont), who is visiting their small rural town on vacation. Bow was sexy and funny, which caused many men to fall in love with her. After watching her in this film, how could you not? I totally fell in love with her! Bow had great on screen chemistry with both of her male leads, which elevated that film and made it more accessible to audiences. The film was originally released by Paramount Pictures on July 24, 1926. cost.

You can see that Clara Bow was about to become a huge Hollywood star. In fact, she did just that two films later, when she starred in IT. The movie was written by Adelaide Heilbron and Ethel Doherty and was directed by the legendary Victor Fleming. Fleming had an amazing career, directing some of the greatest films of all time, including THE VIRGINIAN, TREASURE ISLAND, JOAN OF ARC, and quite possiby, two of the most beloved films of all time: THE WIZARD OF OZ and GONE WITH THE WIND. Fun Fact: both of those films were both nominated for Best Film at the Oscars in 1940. In case you were wondering, the Oscar went to GONE WITH THE WIND

And folks, there you have it! My triumphant return to one of my favorite places in the world! I can't wait to come back here again! Remember the museum is open for tours every weekend from 12pm-4pm and every Saturday night there's a silent film show starting at 7:30 (doors open at 7pm). So if you would like to learn more about the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, becoming a member, and to view their film schedule, visit their website at www.nilesfilmmuseum.org.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!