Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (2016) from Screen Gems/Sony Pictures - October 10, 2016

PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES Blu-Ray

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES
Starring: Lily James, Sam Riley, Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Ellie Bamber, Millie Brady, Suki Waterhouse, Sally Phillips, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith
Based on the novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Written by Burr Steers
Cinematography by Remi Adefarasin
Edited by Padraic McKinley
Produced by
Directed by Burr Steers
Released by Screen Gems/Sony

Hello again folks and welcome back to horror movie marathon! Now I'm sure you're all familiar with the name Jane Austen, since many of you (including me) had to read her novels back when we were in school. "Sense and Sensibility", "Mansfield Park" and "Emma" are literary treasures, but her most famous novel is "Pride and Prejudice." Hailed as an instant classic, the book has been adapted in many other mediums ranging from the theatre to television and the silver screen. In 2009, writer Seth Grahame-Smith combined Austen's 1813 novel with modern day zombies to create his parody novel entitled "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies", which he cited Austen as co-author. It became a huge success, prompting Hollywood to come calling. Then finally in January of 2016, the film PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES was finally released to theaters.

The film's official synopsis: A zombie outbreak has fallen upon the land in this re-imagining of Jane Austen’s classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England. Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) is a master of martial arts and weaponry and the handsome Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) is a fierce zombie killer, yet the epitome of upper class prejudice. As the zombie outbreak intensifies, they must swallow their pride and join forces on the blood-soaked battlefield in order to conquer the undead once and for all.

Original Theatrical Poster (2016)

OK, so I have a confession to make and here it is: I loved this movie!! This was not what I had expected it to be. It was freaking awesome!! It had it all!! Beautiful British women dressed in Victorian clothes who did Kung Fu moves and killed zombies! Blood and gore galore!! Humor and horror blended perfectly together!! A cool story and  interesting, funny and bad ass characters!! And of course, it had zombies!! Yup, I absolutely loved watching this movie!!

Lily James is incredible as our heroine Elizabeth, who is both breathtakingly beautiful and a bad ass warrior! Strong, independent and opinionated and knows how to open a can of whoop ass on zombies, Jamesalso brings a little bit of vulnerability to her character, especially when she meets Sam Riley's Colonel Fitzwilliam Darcy. Like Austen's original novel, it isn't quite love at first sight but soon their love grows while trying to survive the plague of zombies. Another fun character was Parson Collins played by the great Matt Smith. Smith made a name for himself portraying the Twelth Doctor on the long running BBC sci-fi television series Doctor Who. Here, he's playing against type, making Parsons wimpy, cowardly and hopefully romantic. And he's very funny too.

While the book received mass amounts of rave reviews, the film itself performed rather poorly at the boxoffice. The budget was a staggering $28 million but only reaped in a measly $10.9 million in tickets sales. While there was a huge fan base for the novel, it translate into theater goers which is quite a shame. The film stayed pretty faithful to the original source material and it was entertaining as hell, but it didn't bring in the audience that it was trying to attract.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES is an action packed, zombie crawling, blood drenched, fun-filled ride for the whole family!! Pay no attention to those naysayers out there in the cold, dark world!! Check out this movie for yourself and form your own opinion, but don't be surprised when it's over, you'll want to watch it over again! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD. The movie is also available on iTunes, Video On Demand, digital download and Netflix.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil sees HYDE PARK ON HUDSON at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose-Jan. 26, 2013

For the fifth and final film I saw on Saturday, I made my way across the street to the Camera 3 to see HYDE PARK ON HUDSON, the latest film by director Roger Michell of NOTTING HILL, VENUS, and MORNING GLORY fame.

The film's synopsis is as follows: The weekend in 1939 when the King George VI (Samuel West) and Queen Consort Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) of England visited President Roosevelt (Bill Murray) in upstate New York, is told through the eyes of Roosevelt's distant cousin and lover, Margaret "Daisy" Stuckley (Laura Linney). The first visit to the U.S. ever made by a British monarch took place only months before the beginning of World War II, and commenced the budding "special relationship" between England and the U.S.

The film is based on Margaret Suckley’s private journals and diaries discovered after her death; about her love affair with and intimate details about President Roosevelt. Now there have been numerous allocations stating that the film took several extreme liberties with these historical facts. Also some complained that the film made FDR look like a philanderer.

The film does showcase some great acting. West's stuttering King George is the same one found in THE KING'S SPEECH, and does a great job of bringing depth and vulnerability to the role. Linney's Daisy is the impediment of innocence and naiveté. Her character could very well represent the innocence and naiveté of America at that time. In 1939, the United States had not yet entered World War II, and were somewhat unaware of the severe damage that the Germans were raging over Europe. Daisy is sweet, kind, and a loving individual, unaware of President Roosevelt's wandering eyes and other wandering parts. When she learns the truth about her president, her whole world comes crashing down, shattering the illusion of her perfect world.

Bill Murray does a fine job in the film portraying Franklin D. Roosevelt, however I couldn't get pass the notion that I was watching Bill Murray. I mean, I grew up watching him on the old Saturday Night Live, and seeing him in films like MEATBALLS, STRIPES, GHOST BUSTERS, and GROUNDHOG DAY. I saw him only as a comedic actor; that is until director Sophia Coppola cast him in her 2003 indie hit film LOST IN TRANSLATION. That film transformed the comedic Murray into an arthouse actor, appearing in films such as THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU, BROKEN FLOWERS, THE DARJEELING LIMITED and last year's MOONRISE KINGDOM. As I stated, I couldn't get pass the "That's Bill Murray" notion. In my eyes, he didn't disappear in the FDR role the way Daniel Day Lewis disappeared in LINCOLN.

Overall, HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is a fairly enjoyable film with some laughs and genuine emotions. It's worth a look if you are interested in the love affairs of our 32nd President of the United States. Good acting, solid directing equals an pleasant film. 3 out of 5 stars!!

HYDE PARK ON HUDSON is currently playing at select theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil once again hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3-September 15, 2012

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Hello again from the midnight hour! Once again yours truly hosted the Camera 3 Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Saturday night's show had an even bigger turn out than Thursday's show! Over 80 people attended the screening, along with my friends from Barely Legal Productions, the Bay Area's best THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW shadowcast! Again I handed out prizes from our friendly sponsors over at Streetlight Records and Time Tunnel Toys here in San Jose!

Remember next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil hosts the Cult Movie screening of THE PRINCESS BRIDE at the Camera 3 Downtown San Jose, September 13, 2012

Hello my fellow cult fanatics and welcome to Month Eight of the Cult Movie Series here at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! So for tonight's cult film we screened that beloved children/fantasy film THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Once again yours truly was the host for tonight's screening. Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1987)

Based upon the 1973 novel of the same name by author William Goldman, the film was directed by Rob Reiner, who first became famous for portraying Michael 'Meathead' Stivic on the 70's television show All In The Family. In the early 80's he became famous for directing films such as THIS IS SPINAL TAP and STAND BY ME. In 1987, he formed Castle Rock Entertainment and directed such hits as WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, MISERY and the critically acclaimed A FEW GOOD MEN.

The film had a great ensemble cast! Peter Falk (Columbo) portrays a grandfather who visits his sick grandson, portrayed by Fred Savage, who was only ten years old when he made a film (A year later, Savage would go on to star on the hit TV show The Wonder Years). Cary Elwes (HOT SHOTS, ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS, SAW) portrays the hero in the film Westly, who must rescue the love of his life Buttercup (Robin Wright from FORREST GUMP, SHE'S SO LOVELY) from marrying the evil Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon from FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD'S PLAY. He was married to Susan Sarandon from 1967-1979). Joining Westley on his mission are his friends: the enormous Fezzik (portrayed by the late, great wrestling legend Andre the Giant) and Spaniard swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) who wants revenge against the man who killed his father, Count Tyrone Rugen (Christopher Guest from THIS IS SPINAL TAP, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BEST IN SHOW, A MIGHTY WIND). Also appearing in the film are Wallace Shawn (Rex from the TOY STORY films), Peter Cook, Mel Smith, Carol Kane, and Billy Crystal.

The film was released by 20th Century Fox on September 25, 1987. It made $30.8 million at the boxoffice on a budget of $13 million. Not too shabby back then, however, the film wasn't the big hit like the studio was hoping for. So to them it was a commercial failure. But when it was released on VHS, the film finally found its audience, and soon became a cult classic.

What a great crowd we had! Over 60 people came out to see the film! Now there is still one more showing of THE PRINCESS BRIDE this Saturday, September 15th at midnight. Then next moth's cult film will be the Sam Raimi's 1988 film EVIL DEAD 2: DEAD BY DAWN on Thursday, October 18th at 9:30pm and again on Saturday, October 20th at midnight! So mark these days on your calender and come out and have some cult movie fun! To view the rest of the Cult Movie Series schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil Goes Bollywood: Phil watches GUZAARICH (2010)-September 6, 2012

Hello again from Bollywood! Today's film has received critical acclaim and awards and nominations in all the leading award ceremonies of the country upon its release. It has been hailed as one of the greatest love stories ever captures on film. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, GUZAARISH is truly a love story for the ages!

Original Theatrical Poster (2010)

The film's about a man named Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan from AGNEEPATH and DHOOM 2), once a world famous magician who suffered a severe accident that left him a quadriplegic from the neck down fourteen years ago. In the last twelve years, Ethan has written a book and has his own radio show that inspires millions of people. Taking care of him and assisting  these past twelve years has been his nurse Sofia D'Souza (the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan from PROVOKED, ENDHIRAN, and DHOOM 2). But now with his internal organs failing, Ethan petitions to the court to grant him euthanasia. While his request shocks his family, friends and fans, it's affect on Sophia threatens their relationship. But will the courts grant his request, or will Sophia be forced to watch Ethan slowly suffer and die before her eyes?

The film doesn't fall in the typical Bollywood category. First there's only one real musical dance number, which takes place in a bar that Sophia brought Ethan to. The majority of the film takes place at Ethan's house, which he has been in for the past fourteen years. Second, the film tackles some very controversial topics: the first being euthanasia, which is forbidden in Indian culture. Showcasing the trials and tribulations of a quadriplegic, as well as domestic violence are also explored.

Both Hrithik and Aishwarya have worked together several times before, but not quite like this before. Hrithik's Ethan is the polar opposite of the revenge driven Vijay from ANEEPATH just a few years later. This polarity demonstrates his acting prowess. And Aishwarya is both breathtaking and powerful in her role as the strong, intelligent, and nurturing Sophia. Now usually it's the man saving the woman, but the roles are reversed in this scenario. It's Sophia who is saving Ethan, by taking care of him she's keeping him alive. Both actors have great on screen chemistry, but it helps to have a strong script to give these characters depth. Sanjay Leela Bhansali along with Bhavani Iyer crafted a beautiful story of unconditional love. Plus the film was beautifully shot, courtesy of cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee. Combine all these elements, and you have one amazing film!

GUZAARICH is one of the most touching love stories ever told! Trust me when I saw that you have never seen a film like this before! Touching, emotional, and heartfelt, the film will no doubt tug at your heartstrings! 5 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!!

GUZAARICH is currently available on DVD and can be purchased at your local video retailer or at Amazon. Visit their website at www.amazon.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE VOW at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-February 10, 2012

The second film I saw Friday night after CHRONICLE was the new chick flick THE VOW, starring the beautiful Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. Now just in case you never heard of the term "chick flick," it's slang meaning "a film mainly dealing with love and romance designed to appeal to a female target audience." For most men who are dating or married to a woman, chances are she will want you to take her to see one of these films. Now some are very good and entertaining while others will make you wish you were getting a route canal. However this film was actually decent, so men be not afraid.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2012)

The film's about a happily married couple named Paige and Leo (McAdams and Tatum), who have been together for the past five years. However one night they are in a terrible car accident, landing them both in the hospital. Leo heals but Paige lies in a coma. Once she wakens, she doesn't recognize her husband. The doctors soon realize that Paige has lost her memory of the past five years. Leo becomes determined to help his wife to regain her memory, but her parents Bill and Rita Thorton (Sam Neill and Jessica Lange respectively) are planning to take her away from him and have their perfect family again. Also trying to claim Paige's heart is her ex-fiance Jeremy (Scott Speedman from the UNDERWORLD series). Leo does what he can to help Paige, but in the end will love be enough to save their marriage or will it all just end?

Now the film's premise may sound far fetched, but believe it or not the story is actually based on a real life couple, Kim and Krickitt Carpenter. On November 1993, the Carpenters were in an automobile accident on I-40 west of Gallup in New Mexico. Krickitt, never regained her memory but the couple are still married and have two children. They originally sold the movie rights to their story back in 1996 but objected to movie scripts that strayed too far from the truth, so they wrote a book about their story called "The Vow: The Kim and Krickitt Carpenter Story" which was published in 2000. Soon Spyglass Entertainment came along with a script that the Carpenters approved of. 

Now the film and book are different in many ways. The film takes place in Chicago instead of New Mexico. The film has Paige and Leo being married for four years while the Carpenters were married for only 10 weeks before the accident. Leo is a music producer and has his own studio while Kim was a baseball coach at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. So like I said, subtle differences.

Now as for the film itself, there are the usual standard Hollywood cliches. You have the stereotypical evil parents, the jerk ex and the predictable "will love conquer all" finale. I know, what a big surprise there, huh? But McAdams is a very capable actress and she gets into character. The post-accident Paige is a complete 180 from the pre-accident Paige, which itself is commendable. From her stance to her language and behaviour, McAdams performance is really, really good.

As for Tatum, he's just there. However women will get to see Tatum's bum on the big screen, so this will be another reason for you ladies to see the film. His acting, however, is just not up to par with his costar McAdams. The pair did have some decent chemistry on screen, but I felt they weren't quiet right. But then again that's my opinion. But the story was decent, it had McAdams doing what she does best and there were some funny dialogue so the film wasn't a total loss. It was entertaining enough to hold my attention.

THE VOW is far from being a modern day romance classic like THE NOTEBOOK and TITANIC, but it does give women a reason to go out the cinemas, Plus it's sappy enough for them to like it and to enjoy watching with their special someone. So men, if you're looking for something fun to do with your wife/girlfriend this Valentine's Day, take her to see this film. You might not like it, but she will, and her happiness is the most important thing for you to give her. Three out of five stars.

THE VOW is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil goes Bollywood: Phil watches VEER-ZAARA (2004)-December 7, 2011

Once again I took a trip to India via the amazing Bollywood films I found at my local library. One of the film I picked up looked very interesting. A film about the various stages of love: love at first sight, unconditional love, lost love, forbidden love, and reunited love. A story about one true love, and about fighting to keep that love with you through the good times and the bad times. What would you do for your one true love? Tonight's film was one of the best love stories to come out of India. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause to director's Yash Chopra's masterpiece VEER-ZAARA.

Original India Movie Poster (2004)

Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan from RA.ONE and the narrator of KISMAT KONNECTION) is an Indian Air Force Squadron Leader who on a mission rescues and befriends a beautiful Pakistani heiress, Zaara Hayaat Khan (Preity Zinta), as she travels to a small Indian village to scatter the ashes of one of her family's loyal servants.Veer helps her with her travel and to repay him, she travel with him to meet his family and his village. During the trip the two fall madly in love with one another. However, Veer learns that Zaara is engaged to a evil and cruel man named Raza (Manoj Bajpai). Zaara's close friend Shabbo (Divya Dutta) contacts Veer and tells him that she wants out of her engagement and is in love with him. But when he comes to rescue her, Raza arranges Veer to be set up as a Indian spy and is sent to jail. Twenty-two years later, a young and idealistic lawyer Saamiya Siddiqui (Rani Mukherjee) discovers Veer's case and takes swift actions to set her client free, but the question still remains: whatever became of Zaara?

This was such a powerful and emotional film that I caught my tearing up throughout the film. Both Khan and Zinta have great chemistry on screen; their performances are so captivating and convincing that you'd swear you're watching them actually falling in love with one another. Within the first 30 minutes of the film you'll fall in love with them as well. Singh is proud, dashing, and strong but falls hard for Zaara, the carefree spirited soul who had no plans of ever falling in love, suddenly unable to live her life without Singh in it.

Each of these talented actors brings with them vulnerability to their characters; they are flawed, they are human, which makes them relatable to us the audience. We have had that one love that got away. I myself just recently went through this a couple of years ago. The pain I went through is the very same thing that both Veer and Zaara must suffer as well. Also Mukherjee is just as incredible and breathtaking as Zinta. A very talented up and coming actress in Bollywood.

Like other Bollywood films, there are several great musical numbers that really heighten the film's romantic love affair. Right in the beginning of the film we are introduced to Singh's musical sequence looks and it feels like it came from THE SOUND OF MUSIC: sweeping hills of green grass, saturated color, the wind blowing Singh's hair in the wind while he sings about finding love, only for the scene to end with a sound of a gunshot. Then cut to seeing Singh, looking haggard and unkempt as he rots away in a cold, dark prison cell. Credit to director Chopra for creating simply a magnificent film! The movie was released in India to theaters on November 14, 2004.

VEER-ZAARA is one of the greatest romance films ever made; touching, emotional and honest. The film will make you feel like you are watching art. It doesn't matter what country your from or what language you speak, we all understand the language of love. Five out of five stars!

VEER-ZAARA is currently available on DVD and can be purchased on the Amazon website by visiting www.amazon.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees LIKE CRAZY at the CineArts Theatre Santanna Row-November 25, 2011

Not too often, I see a film that really speaks to me. A film that talks to my soul and unearths buried emotions that reawakens forgotten memories of days past. The film I saw tonight was a film that I wasn't really interested in seeing. While the trailer looked promising and it received raved reviews, I literally had to force myself to see it. And I'm really glad that I did. The film LIKE CRAZY is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best romantic, love stories to have ever graced the silver screen this past year!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film follows a young couple, who despite coming from different worlds, fall madly in love with one another. While attending at an unnamed LA college, British student Anna (Felicity Jones) falls in love with an American student named Jacob (Anton Yelchin). They are a match made in heaven, but when Anna violates her Visa by remaining here in the US, she is immediately sent back to the U.K. While fighting customs and immigration battles, Anna and Jacob must decide if their relationship is worth the distance and the hardship. While they try to move, with Anna dating her neighbor Simon (Charlie Bewley) and Jacob seeing his co-worker Sam (Jennifer Lawrence), their love for each other remains intact. But will it be enough to save their relationship?

Words cannot begin to describe just how beautiful this film truly is. It is as if the film was made just for me, showing me my greatest lost love. The film is sheer poetry, weaving words and emotions together seamlessly, creating a love letter for the whole world to read.

Director Drake Doremus, who also co-wrote the script with screenwriter Ben York Jones, delved deep within to create such a moving piece of film. Directed with such tenderness and affection, it is perfectly directed without you realizing it. But the best part of the film is Jones, who turns it an Oscar- worthy performance as Anna. She is just absolutely spellbinding! A captivating performance, realistic and grounded. She really does deserve an Oscar nomination for this film!

LIKE CRAZY is just a beautiful film, touching and riveting, the best romance film for all time!! For fans of THE NOTEBOOK,  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER and BLUE VALENTINE, the film is required viewing! Go see this film and get ready to fall in love all over again! Five out of five stars!!!

LIKE CRAZY is currently playing in select theaters, including the CineArts Theatre here in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil goes Bollywood: Phil sees ROCKSTAR at the BIG Cinemas Towne 3-November 12, 2011

After seeing my first Bollywod film this past Wednesday, I can honestly say that I am hooked on these films! When I went to see RA.ONE on Wednesday, I saw a trailer for a film that really looked promising. Lucky for me, it was to be released on Friday. So today I went back to the BIG Cinema Towne 3 and saw the new Eros International film ROCKSTAR.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film focuses on Janardan (Ranbir Kapoor), a young, naive college student who is also a talented musician who dreams of becoming a famous rock star just like Jim Morrison. However, nobody will take his music (or himself) seriously. Also he lacks the ability to write songs, seeing how he has never experienced any sort of tragedy; suffering from painful heartbreaks, sordid upbringings and whatever the case may be that made them the stars they are. Enter the love of his life; Heer (the enchanting Nargis Fakhri), a tough and beautiful young woman who at first dismisses Janardan's advances. Eventually she gives him a chance and soon the two become the best of friends. However, she is to be married in a couple of months. Soon their feelings for one another surface, but Heer goes through with her marriage and Janardan is left completely devastated. A few months later he is signed to a record label and becomes the rock star named Jordon. But his erratic behavior and bad bay image is fueled for his lost of Heer and only she can help save him from self-destruction.

The ultimate love letter for hopeless romantics, the film really focuses on the forbidden passion between Janardan and Heer. We the audience are sympathetic to Janardan and his quest for not only to win the heart of Keer, but his desire to become a famous rock star. Both Kapoor and Fakhri have great chemistry on screen, and their acting is honest and believable. Also worth noting is director Imtiaz Ali's superb job at keeping the camera focused on the story. Amazing shots, clean sweeps, using fast and slow motion are some of the tools he uses to tell the story of longing love.

The music of the film was created by AR Rahman and it is incredible! His music alone is worth going to see the film. When we hear the song "Saddha Haq" in the film, you too will be pumping your fist in the air with Jordan as well. This awesome soundtrack is woven perfectly within the film!

 ROCKSTAR is a dynamic, rockin', emotionally charged love film that couples everywhere should see! Leave it to Bollywood to create a fantastic and entertaining work of true art! Highly recommended!!

ROCKSTAR is currently playing at the BIG Cinemas. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://us.bigcinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil reviews ELENA UNDONE-April 6, 2011

For the past several decades, Hollywood has been cranking out the same old contrived, mundane, romance films that are both light on story and romance. Quite frankly, it's been far too long since I've seen a film that treated the topics of love, sex, and relationships on an intelligent, adult level. Recently, queer cinema has been exploring these subjects with the utmost care. It is here that I saw an amazing, heartfelt, romantic film that I have ever seen. One that, in my opinion should be ranked with some of the best romance films of all time. The film I am talking about is entitled ELENA UNDONE.

The film tells the story of two women from two very different worlds. Actress Necar Zadegan portrays Elena, a mother and wife of a pastor. Traci Dinwiddie plays Peyton, a well-known lesbian author. Soon, their paths cross several times, and they strike up a friendship. However, what starts off as platonic soon turns into forbidden desires. Peyton tries to reign in her feelings for Elena, while Elena, never having any thought of being with another women, reveals that she cannot live her life without Peyton in it. Elena pushes their friendship into  full blown affair, without thinking of the ramifications of her choice. For the first time in her life, Elena is happy and in love, but how will she explain to her pastor husband of her sinful decision?

This was a thoughtful and insightful film about love, life, and finding yourself in a world that tells you what is acceptable and what isn't. Through it all, Elena pushes herself to come to grips with what her heart desires the most: unconditional love. And that love comes in a very beautiful form of Peyton. We see from the very beginning that Elena wants something more that what life has offered her. She's searching for something that will make her feel alive, and what's better than unconditional love? Something we all wish to have, but only a few have been fortunate to have and to keep.

The film was directed by Nicole Conn, whose first film CLAIRE OF THE MOON, became a classic in the lesbian film world. Now it would seem that Conn has offered the world yet another classic with this, her fourth movie. With outstanding performances by Zadegan and Dinwiddie and a great script by Conn, this what a romance film should be. The film press also states that it contains the longest kiss in cinema history. After reviewing it, I can honestly say that it lives up to its statement, which by the way, is one of the most delicious kisses that I have ever witnessed in a film before.

ELENA UNDONE is a marvelous film that treats its viewers with a simple story about a subject that we can all relate to. Regardless if you're gay or straight, love is still spelled the exact same way, with the same four letters. Love doesn't care who or what you look like, nor does it care if you're gay or straight. It's a powerful emotion that we cannot live without. A famous singer once said, "All you need is love." And of course he was correct. We all struggle with finding our other half, so we may feel complete. After viewing this film, I hope someday that I will find the kind of love that both Elena and Peyton have. In the meantime, I'll just watch the movie over and over again.

ELENA UNDONE is now available on DVD. To purchase a copy visit http://www.wolfevideo.com/

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil reviews A MARINE STORY-March 10, 2011

For over 17 years, the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy restricting openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual people from serving caused over 13,500 people to be discharged from the service. Many of these brave and closeted men and women fought in The Gulf Wars during that time frame, and some have died in combat to protect our rights and freedoms that many of us here have taken for granted. While the policy was recently abolished, there are thousands of stories of people who's lives were affected by its discriminating words. It is within this political climate that director Ned Farr’s A MARINE STORY tells one of those stories.

The film stars Dreya Weber as Alexandra Everett, a decorated Marine officer who was discharged when her sexuality became known. Returning to her hometown and trying to adjust to civilian life, she is immediately recruited to help out troubled teen Saffron Snow (Paris Pickard) to train for boot camp. All the while Alexandra also struggles with her sexuality and her role in society as a civilian. Eventually, the truth of why Alexandra was discharged is revealed and threatens her friendship with Saffron as well as with everyone in town.

Writer, editor, and director Farr made a name for himself with his first feature film THE GYMNAST, which also starred Weber in the lead role. That film garnered him acclaim and the film would go on to win 12 awards from festivals ranging from San Francisco’s Frameline Film Festival to L.A.’s Outfest.  Farr once again teams up Weber (who is also one of the producers) to tell a true story, one that has affected so many lives. Farr has written a beautiful, tight script that grips you from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go until the end credits roll. Strong performances by Weber and her co-star Pickard (who also co-producer) lift the story by infusing raw emotions and tenderness to their respected characters.

Stars Paris Pickard (Left) and Dreya Weber

While it’s interesting to view Alexandra’s love and her wishing to return to the military, it is the military’s way of discharging Alexandra that is so alarming. It is this contradiction that really stops and makes you think. While it is known that many gays and lesbians are willing to die for their country (even though they still are denied their basic civil rights such as marriage), has anyone wondered just how absurd and behind the times the military’s mentality is? These people, who are treated like second-class citizens, love their country so much that they, just like their straight counterparts, are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for us. Alexandra is just one of the many casualties that the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy caused.

A MARINE STORY first debuted at L.A.’s Outfest in June 2010 and won both the Audience and Grand Jury awards and Weber also won Best Actress. Since then it has gone on to win sixteen awards at film festivals around the country. Just like THE GYMNAST, Farr once again crafted a film that transcends boundaries and blurs the line between gay and straight films. It is a film about human interest.

The film was recently released by San Jose based distributor Wolfe Video, but what makes this event even more important is that it is the very first Blu-Ray release for the company. The Hi-Def transfer looks flawless and crisp. The extras are the same as on their DVD release: behind the scene feature, director's commentary, deleted scenes, theatrical trailer, closed captioned, stereo 5.1 and 2.0, and 16x9 anamorphic widescreen.

Actress/Producer Dreya Webber

We all know someone who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual. They might be someone in your family, or someone you go to school with. They might be a co-worker you’ve known for years, or your neighbors who you have BBQ’s with every holiday weekend. It doesn’t really matter who they choose to be with. What matters is are they a nice person? Are they are there to help you if you’re sick and they go get medicine for you? Will they lend you their hand in a crisis? They’re always be there when you need a friend, because they are your friends and you’re good friends with them as well. We all bleed red, white and blue. We are all Americans fighting for the same American Dream. For some reason though, the American Dream is a lot harder to achieve for some. A MARINE STORY reminds us that we all have the same right: to serve our country if we want to, and to fight, protect, and die for our country. But being gay shouldn’t interfere in showing how proud you are to be an American.

To purchase your copy of A MARINE STORY on Blu-Ray and DVD, visit http://www.wolfevideo.com/ 

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