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Review: 'The Ucb Show' Showcases Promising Comedy, But It Works the Wrong Crowd
4 December 2015 11:16 AM, PST
In the third episode of "The Ucb Show," one of Seeso's (the new comedy streaming service presently in Beta) flagship series, comedian Scott Aukerman does a bit where he uses his stage time as rehearsal for a different, more prestigious show. Aukerman shrugs at the audience, asking, "You guys don't give a shit, right? What did you pay to get in here?" The implied answer is not much, so why not pony up ten minutes for a lark? Read More: Watch: Amy Poehler and the Ucb Team Lead an Underground Society of Comedians in Exclusive Seeso Video Aukerman's is a common, and common sense, approach to live comedy. After all, the audience has gotten out of bed, left home, and, depending on the venue, paid the $12 drink minimum. They want to laugh. It's comedy as a team effort. Yet these qualities that Aukerman takes for granted in a Ucb show's »
- Karen Brill
Field of Vision Announces Four-Part Documentary Series '#ThisIsACoup'
4 December 2015 11:03 AM, PST
Read More: Oscar Winner Laura Poitras on How Field of Vision Will Change Documentary Filmmaking Field of Vision has just announced its latest project: A four-part series telling the story of the European Union's confrontation with the Greek Syriza party. The documentarians gained unprecedented access to key Greek politicians and shine a light on the story of the citizens wrapped up in the debate. Field of Vision, the filmmaker driven film journalism unit co-created by Laura Poitras, Aj Schnack, and Charlotte Cook, is committed to telling important stories from around the globe. Some past subjects have been Lgbt rights, military surveillance, and the ongoing refugee crisis. "#ThisIsACoup" will be released for free in four episodes from December 15-18 on the Field of Vision website. Read More: Meet the New Face of Journalism: Cinema, Powered by Oscar Winner Laura Poitras' Field of Vision »
- Wil Barlow
9 Films That Capture the Power of Artistic Genius
4 December 2015 11:00 AM, PST
Read More: Review: Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel Give Their Best Performances in Years in Sorrentino's Whimsical 'Youth' "Amadeus" (1984)Perhaps the best known prodigy in the history of art, the mad musical genius Mozart was captured in Milos Forman's 1984 film, "Amadeus." Focusing on the rivalry between the young upstart genius and his rival composer, Antonio Salieri, Forman's Mozart is not some reserved classical pianist, but a brash, possibly insane composer with energy pouring out of him through his compositions. Through the caustic relationship between the genius Mozart and his fans, critics and rivals, Forman unearths the fundamental dichotomies of the artistic process on what feels like an epic level: Horror and beauty, love and hate, secrets and truths, agony and ecstasy. "Barton Fink" (1991)Before turning their eyes inward on the filmmaking process in the upcoming "Hail, Caesar!," the Coen brothers dove into the dark and »
- Ryan Anielski
MoMI Announces 5th Annual First Look Festival Lineup
4 December 2015 10:26 AM, PST
The beloved Museum of the Moving Image has just announced the lineup for its fifth annual First Look Festival, a showcase for inventive new international cinema which provides many films their first New York and U.S. premieres. This year's focus will be on the love of cinema, art and the practice of filmmaking. Read More: Watch: Nazi-Occupied Paris Comes Back to Life in 'Francofonia' Trailer A perfect fit for this theme is Alexander Sokurov's "Francofonia," which will provide an "inventive and freewheeling portrait of the Louvre Museum and French and Russian culture." The thematic sibling to his 2002 film "Russian Ark" will open the festival on January 8. "First Look is a festival designed to renew and reinvigorate the audience’s engagement with the moving image art form," said Chief Curator David Schwartz. "The emphasis is on works that cannot be easily defined, that create new cinematic forms, and have a spirit of. »
- Aubrey Page
How 'Chi-Raq' Screenwriter Kevin Willmott Tackled the Epidemic of Gun Violence in Spike Lee's Latest
4 December 2015 9:10 AM, PST
Read More: Spike Lee on His Blistering New Film 'Chi-Raq': "The Goal is to Save Lives" "This is an emergency." That’s what the title card flashing across the opening credits of Spike Lee’s new film "Chi-Raq" tells the audience before detailing how, since 2001, there have been more gun-related homicides in the city of Chicago than American casualties in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined. The film itself is a bold, sexy, sometimes raunchy satire of how a gangster’s girlfriend (Teyonah Parris) leads a sex strike ("no peace, no pussy") against gun violence, complete with dialogue written in verse, a roaming narrator (Samuel L. Jackson) and choreographed dance numbers. While "Chi-Raq" is very much set in the here and now, its origins date back to screenwriter Kevin Willmott acting in the ancient greek play "Lysistrata," which "Chi-Raq" is based upon, back in college and a screenplay he wrote over a decade. »
- Chris O'Falt
The Best 15 Movies of 2015 According to Indiewire's Film Critic
4 December 2015 9:00 AM, PST
Read More: Podcast: Our Favorite Movies of 2015 Every year, the complaints are the same: Too many movies and not enough great ones. The big tentpoles dominate the public's awareness and television is king. Awards season cannibalizes serious discourse and distributors struggle to make adventurous work stand out. Oh, and who needs feature-length content when you have cat videos on YouTube? You know the drill: Brace for the end of the cinema. Same time next year? Some or all of these variables may contain kernels of truth, but they collectively distract from more valuable conversations about so many rich cinematic experiences of recent note. As usual, anyone who thinks this was a bad year for movies simply hasn't seen enough. Since January 2015, I have attended close to a dozen film festivals and watched hundreds of titles (I stopped keeping count at some point over the summer). However, the following list sticks »
- Eric Kohn
All 14 Songs & Performances from 'A Very Murray Christmas,' Ranked
4 December 2015 8:50 AM, PST
While it's pretty much impossible to spoil a Christmas special that's 90 percent musical numbers, we will be digging into the nitty gritty details of "A Very Murray Christmas" below. So do yourself a favor and first watch the 55-minute special on Netflix if you're at all worried about which celebrities sing what songs, when George Clooney shows up or how often Bill Murray goes solo. Now then, from worst to best, the best of "A Very Murray Christmas": "Let It Snow!" (Version 1) - Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, Julie White, Paul Shaffer, Dimitri DimitrovA brief, faux-joyous transitionary number actually feels as light and fun as fans are hoping for from these fine folks. But Murray & Co. are just getting warmed up for his holiday special as they walk down the stairs and are rudely interrupted by Michael Cera's pushy manager (who never returns after a brief, somewhat inexplicable cameo »
- Ben Travers
Watch: Meet the Real-World Indiana Jones in 'Hidden Idols' Short Documentary
4 December 2015 8:46 AM, PST
The new installment in Espn Films and FiveThirtyEight's "Signals" series is the latest documentary from award-winning filmmaker Jason Kohn. "Hidden Idols" uncovers the story behind the largest bust of stolen and smuggled antiques in U.S. history. Read More: Indiewire's Ultimate Guide to Documentary Filmmaking Jason Kohn's previous documentary, "Manda Bala," won at Sundance for its outstanding work in nonfiction, and "Hidden Idols" is a followup in the same fascinating vein of its predecessor. The short doc chronicles the fascinating mind of Brent Easter, a man whose lifelong fascination with Indiana Jones has extended to his professional life in exciting and important ways. Watch the engrossing short documentary above, courtesy of Espn Films and FiveThirtyEight. Read More: 2016 Oscar Predictions: Best Documentary Feature »
- Aubrey Page
Here Are All the Movies Opening Today, December 4; What Will You See?
4 December 2015 8:41 AM, PST
Here are the films opening theatrically in the U.S. the week of Friday, December 4. All synopses provided by distributor unless listed otherwise. Wide Chi-Raq Director: Spike Lee Cast: Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Teyonah Parris, D.B. Sweeney, Harry Lennix, Steve Harris, Angela Bassett, John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Piven, Common Synopsis: "After the murder of a child by a stray bullet, a group of women led by Lysistrata organize against the on-going violence in Chicago’s Southside creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex and violence in America and around the world." Criticwire Grade Average: A- (4 reviews) Krampus Director: Michael Dougherty Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Allison Tolman, David Koechner, Emjay Anthony, Stefania Lavie Owen, Queenie Samuel Synopsis: "A horror comedy based on the ancient legend about a pagan creature who punishes children on Christmas." The Letters Director: William »
- Steve Greene
Watch: Chris Hardwick Launches 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Recap Show During 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
4 December 2015 8:17 AM, PST
Read More: Watch: Hipsters Clash in Gentrified Brooklyn For Jimmy Kimmel's 'Do The Right Thing' Sequel You know that friend who always asks you about your day, just so that they can tell you about their day? Chris Hardwick appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Thursday, using it as a platform to launch his own new series "KiMiddle," a "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" recap show that airs during "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" On the debut episode of "KiMiddle," Hardwick takes a reflective look at the night's monologue and taped segment. Initially, it seems like "The Taking Dead" host's booking people couldn't do better than sidekick Guillermo, but then Hardwick gets a glimpse of his white whale, the big kahuna, Jimmy Kimmel. Sorry Jimmy, corporate synergy comes for us all. Watch "KiMiddle," and stick around for Guillermo's "Middle KiMiddle," above. Read More: Watch: 'Low Speed Chase' with Keanu Reeves and Jimmy Kimmel Proves. »
- Karen Brill
Watch: Exclusive 'Almost There' Clip Teases an Eight-Years-in-the-Making Documentary
4 December 2015 8:03 AM, PST
Read More: Watch: Exclusive Trailer for 'Almost There,' an Unconventional Documentary About An Aging Artist In this clip from the documentary "Almost There," two filmmakers go inside the life of an aging artist living in squalid conditions to lend a helping hand. The filmmakers befriended Peter Anton and shot the documentary over a period of eight years, during which Peter had his first major exhibition and caused controversy in his community. The film will have its December 5 premiere at Cinema Village in New York City, and will be released at the Siskel Film Center in Chicago and Arena Cinema in Los Angeles on December 11. It will be available on Fandor and Vimeo in the weeks following. Read More: Reality Checks: How to Avoid Exploiting the Disenfranchised in Your Documentary »
- Wil Barlow
Watch: Meet the Mouse That Started it All in Exclusive 'Walt Before Disney' Clip
4 December 2015 8:02 AM, PST
Much is known about Walt Disney, the creator of the omnipotent Disney brand that has begat countless films and become a veritable force of nature in the years since its inception. And though its storied founder is a legend in his own right, much less is known about his early years, before the creation of his iconic Mickey Mouse. Read More: Exclusive: Skyway Film Festival Announces 'Walt Before Mickey' and 'No Stranger Than Love' as Opening and Closing Night Films Coming just in time for the creative maverick's birthday, the biopic "Walt Before Disney" chronicles Walt Disney's early years that led to the creation of the Mickey Mouse character. Based on a book of the same name by Timothy S. Susanin, "Walt Before Mickey" stars Thomas Ian Nicholas, John Heder and Jodie Sweetin and was helmed by first-time feature director Khoa Le. The film was written by writer/producer Armando Gutierrez. »
- Aubrey Page
Oscar Isaac's 7 Best Roles
4 December 2015 8:00 AM, PST
Read More: Cannes: Why 'Inside Llewyn Davis' Isn't the Minor Coen Bros. Movie It Looks Like Editor's Note: This post is presented in partnership with Directv and the thriller, "Mojave," which is available now, exclusively on Directv. "W.E.," 2011 Although his performance in this drama is partially obscured by an overwrought narrative that flits between equally ill-fated love affairs in different times and places, Madonna's "W.E." did afford Isaac an early romantic role as the sweet and well-meaning Evgeni. The film, which chronicles the infamous romance of King Edward VII and Wallis Simpson, juxtaposes it with the "modern" love trials and tribulations of Abbie Cornish, torn between a jerky husband and a sweet security guard (guess which one Isaac plays). At turns pragmatic and just plain appealing, it's one of of Isaac's most overlooked parts to date. "Sucker Punch," 2011 Zack Snyder's critically maligned »
- Indiewire Staff
Harvey Weinstein Slams Industry and Critics in a 2016 Awards Season Nightmare
4 December 2015 7:57 AM, PST
Read More: The Weinstein Company Scaling Back on Indie Films to Focus on Television Although Harvey Weinstein has heavyweight awards contenders under his wing with Todd Haynes' "Carol" and Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight," the year hasn't been easy for the veteran indie producer. Amidst boycotts, company layoffs and output reduction and box office disasters, Weinstein has taken to The Hollywood Reporter to pen a guest column in which he criticizes the industry and critics for marginalizing movies outside of awards season. He cited the issue as a "pet peeve," though the failure of Weinstein Company films like "Woman in Gold" and "Southpaw" to remain in the awards conversation after being released in the spring and summer, respectively, renders the matter closer to home. "The fall has become so dominated, so top-heavy with adult-driven awards releases that it has made it almost impossible for quality films to reach their. »
- Zack Sharf
Vote for Project of the Week: Will It Be 'The Secret Life of Lance Letscher,' 'All Exchanges Final,' 'Selling Our Daughters,' or 'Haveababy'?
4 December 2015 7:03 AM, PST
[Editors Note: Project of the Week is presented in partnership with Blackmagic Design, one of the world's leading innovators and manufacturers of creative video technology.] The winning filmmaker will become a candidate for December Project of the Month. That winner will receive a Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 12 License and will be in the running for Project of the Year, where the prize will be a Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4k camera. The four projects up for this week's Project of the Week are listed below (with descriptions courtesy of the filmmakers). You can vote at the bottom of the page. The Secret Life of Lance Letscher: A portrait of collage artist Lance Letscher, as he segues from intricate colorful paper collages to a large outdoor metal mural in one of Austin’s most recognizable business districts, South Congress Ave. All Exchanges Final: With her sister hours from being removed from life support, a young mother is offered an unexpected opportunity to »
- Indiewire
Podcast: Our Favorite Movies of 2015
4 December 2015 7:00 AM, PST
Read More: Why We're Excited About the Spirit Awards Nominations Top 10 lists are always a limited perspective on the year in film. So for this week's episode of Screen Talk, co-hosts Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson share their favorites in a countdown that finds a lot of differences between the two — not to mention a few surprising overlaps. Before they get there, however, the pair talk through this week's busy week for awards season, which includes prizes handed out by the Gothams, the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review. Listen to the full episode above. Screen Talk is available on iTunes. You can subscribe here or via RSS. Share your feedback with Thompson and Kohn on Twitter or sound off in the comments. Browse previous installments here, review the show on iTunes and be sure to let us know if you'd like to hear the »
- Indiewire
The Coen Brothers' 'Hail, Caesar!' to Open 2016 Berlin International Film Festival
4 December 2015 6:54 AM, PST
Joel and Ethan Coen are heading back to the Berlinale. Their upcoming Hollywood-set comedy, Hail, Caesar! has been selected to open the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival. In 1998, the Coen Brothers' "The Big Lebowski" played in the Berlinale Competition program, while their dramatic western "True Grit" opened the 61st Berlin International Film Festival in 2011. "Hail, Caesar!" follows a studio fixer in Hollywood's Golden Age. The star-packed cast includes George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill. The film takes place over a single day, during which Brolin's fixer must deal with Hollywood hiccups like a pregnant leading lady and a movie star, played by Clooney, who gets kidnapped. "It’s wonderful that Joel and Ethan Coen are once again opening the »
- Zack Sharf
Watch: 'The Returned' Threatens Bedroom Bloodshed in Exclusive Video
4 December 2015 6:00 AM, PST
As "The Returned" nears the end of its haunting second season, the stakes are higher than ever as Virgil and Camille's relationship begins to grow and with it, the dark secrets that lie underneath. Read More: Toronto Review: With Season 2 of 'The Returned,' the Best Mystery on TV is Back The series, which premiered in 2012, follows the mysterious reappearance of townspeople once believed to be dead and the encroaching darkness and labyrinthine mysteries that surround them. "Esther," the sixth installment of the show's second season, promises to dig even deeper into the show's enigmas as Claire is confronted with forces beyond her control and Julie makes a devastating discovery. Watch the exclusive clip for the upcoming episode above, which will premiere Saturday, December 5 at 10pm. Read More: Podcast: How 'American Horror Story' and 'The Returned' Define The State of Modern TV Horror »
- Aubrey Page
Infographic: Why Some TV Shows Succeed While Others Crash and Burn
4 December 2015 6:00 AM, PST
In an era where long-cancelled shows like "Arrested Development" and "Mr. Show" (now living on as "W/ Bob and David") can suddenly be revived for a new season alongside their contemporary counterparts, it's clear the key to television success is as difficult to suss out as ever. And while some critically derided shows linger on air for nine seasons or more and beloved niche shows often get the ax early in their formative seasons, it's hard to say what the secret formula for a long-lasting and well-respected show is. Read More: Infographic: When Filmmakers Turn Their Shorts Into Features Helping to cut through the confusion is a new infographic, breaking down the secret life of some of your favorite shows and sharing some fun facts about your favorite shows, like "Mr. Robot" and "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," in the process. Scroll down for the infographic to unlock some of the »
- Aubrey Page
MPAA Rejects Michael Moore's 'Where to Invade Next' Ratings Appeal
3 December 2015 2:53 PM, PST
Read More: Review: Michael Moore's Changes His Tune With 'Where to Invade Next' After the MPAA branded Michael Moore's "Where to Invade Next" with an R rating in early November, the outspoken director made it clear he would do everything he could to appeal the decision so that the film could play in front of as wide an audience as possible. Unfortunately, Moore's attempts have been blocked. According to a decision made by the appeals board of the Classification & Ratings Administration in Los Angeles earlier today, "Where to Invade Next" will remain rated R for language, some violent images, drug use and brief graphic nudity. Moore was in attendance for the decision. "It’s amazing how 25 years have passed — we invented the internet, gay marriage is legal and we elected an African American President of the United States, but the MPAA is still intent on censoring »
- Zack Sharf
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