Someone Who'll Watch Over Me @ Canal Park Playhouse

The TRUF and The Canal Park Playhouse present a new production of Frank McGuiness' Tony Award nominated play Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. The play involves three Westerners--an American, Irishman, and Englishman--imprisoned as hostages in Lebanon, whose constant seesaw between hope and fear are revealed in their conversations and storytelling.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me captures the duality and reciprocity of both faith and communication; with each conversation had and story told, the characters grow to feel responsible for each other, while the audience is tied to them as the ultimate watchers of their tale. Directed by Justin Lauro, this intimate and well-paced production features Lauro, Timothy Riley, and Alex Teachey who all wonderfully capture the intensity of their characters' circumstances, while keeping the audience invested in their emotional turmoil and wondering about their futures.

Someone Who'll Watch Over Me is paired with the play Sarazad and The Monster-King, a retelling of the frame tale of Arabian Nights, which also deals with themes on the power of storytelling. Both can be seen at Canal Park Playhouse.




Someone Who'll Watch Over Me
Written by: Frank McGuinness
Directed by: Justin Lauro
Featuring: Justin Lauro, Timothy Riley, and Alex Teachey


Running now until July 20th
Wednesday-Saturday, 8PM

Canal Park Playhouse
508 Canal Street (between Greenwich and West St)

For tickets go here

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Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Prize Pack! WE LOVE CONTESTS!

We're contest FIENDS at this point!

So what's this one?!

You know the drill! Enter the handy dandy rafflecopter and win a prize pack!

One (1) winner will receive:

·         $25 Visa

·         Official Soundtrack (CD)

·         T-Shirt

·         Tote Bag

·         Lip Balm

·         Shot Glass

·         Glow Stick & Bracelet

·         Key Chain

One (1) additional winner will receive the official Soundtrack, T-shirt, Tote Bag, Lip Balm, Shot Glass, Key Chain, Glow Stick & Bracelet

"Seeking a Friend For The End Of the World.", directed by Lorene Scafaria, previously best known for writing the charming "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," rather than the raunchy comedy marketing suggests, is in fact very much a romantic drama, littered with comedic moments. The film follows Dodge (Steve Carell), a corporate drone whose wife leaves him the moment it's announced that an asteroid is headed straight for Earth and everyone has three weeks left to live. He soon encounters his free spirited neighbor Penny (Keira Knightly in full Manic Pixie Dreamgirl mode), who herself has just left her simpering wannabe musician loser of a boyfriend. The two strike up an unlikely friendship as they try to help the other, getting Dodge to "the one that got away" who recently wrote him a letter professing her love, and getting Penny back to family across the pond, who she hasn't been very good at keeping in touch with while playing records and wrecking havoc on men's hearts across the US. The film shows how even in the face of The End, when people primarily cling to a pointless routine or revel in rallying against it, two souls can still find each other and that fulfillment they always dreamed of, but gave up on long ago. "Seeking a Friend..." is extremely sweet, perhaps to his detriment, as at times it is primarily ruled by a sentimentality some may find inauthentic, though it spoke greatly to me. As Knightly and Carrel don't have a sexual chemistry per se, the audience must do some reaching to fully buy their burgeoning romance, but I wouldn't go so far as to say it doesn't work on its face. These are lonely people who find each other in the heightened emotional landscape of a disaster. If you connect to that and to them, the film works. If you don't, I can feel you wincing already. Still, the script is strong and accomplishes what it sets out to do, paying off everything it sets up in unpredictable, if not slightly schmaltzy ways. "Seeking a Friend..." certainly won't be for everyone, and succeeds far more as a romantic drama than a comedy, but it will no doubt find an audience who connects with its message.

Enter here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link Up!

Visit the Official website         

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"Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World" Soundtrack Tracklisting

1. Wouldn't It Be Nice (The Beach Boys)

2. Devil Inside (INXS)

3. Sex Tourists (French Kicks)

4. In The Time Of My Ruin (Frank Black)

5. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss (Radio Edit) (P.M. Dawn)

6. The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) (The Walker Brothers)

7. The Air That I Breathe (The Hollies)

8. Dance Hall Days (Wang Chung)

9. Ooh (Scissor Sisters)

10. This Guy's In Love with You (Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass)

11. Stay With Me (The Walker Brothers)

12. Dodge Walks Home/The Beach (Rob Simonsen & Jonathan Sadoff)

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EPIC ALERT: Support Hell Walk 2012 And Win Cool Ass Geek Shit

GUYS!

Remember Hell Walk 2011??

Well it's back for round two next Saturday, June 30th-July 1st when Bad Robot employee and all around awesome dude Josh Tate will walk 100 miles around Los Angeles before concluding with a giant party in Santa Monica. But more on that when we post a full interview later in the week.

For now, I want to draw your attention an event happening tomorrow night in LA to support Hell Walk being held at Hell Walk birthplace Sonny McLean's in Santa Monica. I went last year, had a great time, won awesome stuff, met great people, danced to fantastic music, and now you can do the same!

So what makes this fundraiser so great? It's free to attend, but once inside you have the option of buying raffle tickets that can win you some of the following BEYOND EPIC ITEMS AHH

• Silent Auction Item: Signed hockey stick by the entire 2012 LA Kings Stanley Cup Winning Team
• Signed Dark Knight script by Christopher Nolan and Jonah Nolan
• Signed Star Trek poster by J.J. Abrams
• Signed Super 8 poster by J.J. Abrams
• Signed Star Trek poster by Leonard Nimoy
• Signed Avengers poster by Stan Lee
• Signed MIB3 poster by Rick Baker
• Signed Iron Man poster by Jon Favreau
• (4) Field-level tickets to an LA Dodgers game + VIP Parking + Batting Practice
• Box set of LOST
• Box set of Alias
• Box set of Felicity
• Seasons 1, 2, 3 of Fringe
• Bad Robot Movies DVD Collection including Star Trek, Super 8, Mission Impossible: III, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Cloverfield, Morning Glory
• Bowling pin signed by NBA superstar Chris Paul
• Two gift certificates from A.O.C. Winebar
• Two gift certificates from True Food Daily
• Gift certificate for 3-course dinner for four prepared by Chef Mike Doutt (who makes Bad Robot's amazing food)
• CDs and sheet music signed by Michael Giacchino
• SO MUCH MORE

Yeah. You don't wanna miss this. I WANT TO WIN ALL OF THE THINGS AHHHHH!!!!

RSVP on Facebook here. More info on the event below!

Holy Slapstick Batman! Hell Walk 2 Fundraiser Raises the Bar with Geek-tastic Raffles! 

Santa Monica, CA (June 21, 2012) - After walking around a 100-foot circle for 24 consecutive hours and succeeding in raising $25k for Children's Hope Chest for Hell Walk 1, Co-creator, and "Hell Walk-er", Josh Tate has a mission to push himself even further for Hell Walk 2. On June 30, 2012, instead of walking for 24 hours around a 100-foot circle, he's going to walk for 100 miles throughout Los Angeles and then end up at the Hell Walk 1 site: Dirt Cheap Soundstage (3019 Olympic Stage B, Santa Monica, CA) to conclude Hell Walk 2.  Josh will be walking with a goal to raise $50k to create scholarships for Special Operations Warrior Foundation. This organization (www.SpecialOps.org) benefits the children of military personnel who have lost parents in combat. 

Prior to the start of Hell Walk 2, a fundraiser, with a raffle & silent auction items, will be held on Saturday, June 23^rd at Sonny McLean's (2615 Wilshire Boulevard) in Santa Monica, CA. Raffle tickets can also be purchased online or in-person at the event. It will be a fantastic night of live music, great food, cold drinks and AWESOME PRIZES so please come on by starting at 6 pm! The list of raffles keeps growing, so check out the updated page onwww.HellWalk.com/Fundraiser/ to find out what items are available.  

About Hell Walk 2Hell Walk is a transparent organization with no bureaucracy. None of the funds raised will go to supporting any infrastructure or pay any salaries or expenses. All funds raised for Hell Walk 2 will go to fund five college scholarships (at $10,000 each) for military children who have lost their parents due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Josh explains, "as the son of an Air Force veteran, I have always understood the immense sacrifices that our servicemen, servicewomen, and their families make every day. Too often, the sacrifice is the ultimate one. I know in my heart, [that raising $50k to go towards scholarships] will be the best thing I have EVER done in my life." Follow Hell Walk 2 on Twitter at @HellWalk2012 and "Like" Hell Walk 2 on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Walk-2/269714799753130.

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Fiona Apple is still fantastic

Fiona Apple's new album, The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, is her most adventurous album yet. And it'll probably be her least profitable album too.



The inaccessibility of her album (to a larger, mainstream audience) is exactly what marks her phenomenal evolution as a musician. Fiona Apple always challenged her listeners with her whimsical yet deep, angry yet tender, and full of archaic diction lyrics. This time, even more so than her last effort, Extraordinary Machine, she confronts listeners with the beautifully subtle yet jarring pace and tone of her music. It is the type of album that invites multiple listens; an album that one sinks into rather than merely floats on top of. Between recordings of screaming schoolyard children ("Werewolf") and decrescendos that sound like complete pauses ("Valentine"), Apple continues to prove that she's still eager to experiment musically rather than rely on her sweeping piano sounds that made her a success at 19 with the release of Tidal. With each album she's experimented with different music, while always finding a fit with her poignant lyrics. On this new album, the music punctuates the themes and mood of her lyrics, rather than harmonize with them. There are no potential single hits on The Idler Wheel..., no catchy melodies (although maybe one could argue that "Hot Knife" has potential to be a Summer jam but I won't make that digression). She sings--with the most unabashed rough and vulnerable vocals I've ever heard from her--about the push and pull of emotions and the need to be loved but also be free in solitude; she wants to feel everything ("Every Single Night") but she doesn't want to talk about anything ("Jonathan"). The album plays like an improvised, deconstructed jazz session where words and music don't always seem to piece together, phrase by phrase, but somehow swirl together cohesively by the end of each song. Even the songs with familiar vocal harmonies and conventional tempos still have a refreshingly offbeat quality. Equally blissful and brooding moments punch out but then fall back again into the strangely subdued intricate flow of the entire album. Her lyrics convey that she's still prone to bouts of anger and sullenness but her music shows signs of growth and maturity because she's not relying on melodic tunes or her long-time collaborator/producer Jon Brion to communicate with her audience.

The Idler Wheel... is whole but fragmented; a beautiful contradiction that sounds raggedly bare and minimalistic at first but peels back to show its smooth complexion beneath its layers. It has what I deem to be imperfections but it feels so authentic to me that I love it despite its flaws (which are just few songs I prefer to skip). It's not an easy listen because Apple is not making perfectly popular, packaged music. But it's a rewarding listen because she's conveying her contradictory nature through her work, while continuing to refuse to conform to anyone's standards or expectations. Although it is a delicate album, it's also her most bold statement since When the Pawn... and it deserves your full attention.

Recently, the debate over illegally downloading music has been re-sparked on the internet. So with that discussion refueled, I urge you to please legally buy Fiona Apple's album! She is an artist that so needs the financial support of her audience, in order to prove to her record company that she's still worth investing in and that her music should never be shelved mid-production or delayed in its release (like it has been on her last two albums). I'd like my prediction that this will be her least profitable album to be proven wrong! I highly recommend buying the deluxe edition of The Idler Wheel... on iTunes because it comes with an awesome digital journal/flipbook with Apple's handwritten lyrics and sketches:

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Moonrise Kingdom Prize Pack Giveaway WHAT!!!!!

Beyond words excited for this one.

We are super duper excited to be giving away two prize packs for one of my favorite movies so far this year, Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. THIS MOVIE MAKES ME SO HAPPY. And aren't Sam and Suzy kind of a little bit alt Sally and Glen from Mad Men? Just a teensy bit? MOONRISE KINGDOM IS ALL OF THE BEST.

One lucky winner will receive:

·         $25 Fandango Gift card

·         T-Shirt

·         Patches (set of two)

·         Cooler

·         Canteen

·         Soundtrack

And an additional winner gets:

         T-Shirt

·         Patches (set of two)

·         Cooler

·         Canteen

·         Soundtrack

Yeah, I KNOW, I want it too.

To enter, just do this Rafflecopter thingie. I love Rafflecopter. They make things easy and awesome. ENTER AWAY!! The contest ends when the film opens nationwide on June 29th.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Top Five Movie Related Games of E3 2012

 Cross-posted on Film.com

This past week E3 returned to our lives, filling our twitter feeds with news about all of the best and worst gaming has to offer. We had the opportunity to check out some of the biggest film related titles on display and narrowed them down to our top five to keep an eye on. Once again, Warner Brothers Interactive takes the big prize, no surprise as it's, you know, Warner Brothers, but every game on this list has the potential to be exceptions to the "any game based on a movie sucks" rule.

5. "Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes"

Following up with the success of the first 'Lego Batman', WB has opened up and expanded the universe to include 50 characters from all across the DC Universe. The open world game even allows characters like Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and Superman the ability to fly, complete with reticle for easy avoidance of Gotham City's architecture! Each character's powers and fighting style reflect them specifically (Wonder Woman throws her tiara like a batarang, Robin fights like the acrobat he is, Green Lantern can manipulate translucent green objects, Superman has heat vision, the Flash is SUPER FAST, which is EPIC FUN etc.) The main storyline involves the Joker and Lex Luthor working together to destroy Gotham City, forcing Batman and Robin to call in some friends to help defend the city. The opening scene, where Joker and Lex meet for the first time, was part of the playable demo. And by scene, I do mean full actual scene where things happen. For the first time ever, a Lego game will feature full voice acting, dialogue and a complete, original story.

Since "Lego Batman 2" is open world, your character is able to explore the city on foot, flying through the air, or via the Batmobile, Batwing or Batboat, following the main storyline, or taking on side missions like solving crimes or completing challenges along the way. While it feels like any other Lego game to play in-level, the new features like flying are a welcome addition, and having such an open world to explore adds a very cool dimension to the experience. Especially for fans of these characters, getting to see a new story and getting to play with all the powers of these beloved superheros should be a blast. The game comes to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS and 3DS June 15th.

More after the jump!

4. "Star Trek"

After being announced at last year's E3, 'Star Trek', based in the rebooted JJ Abrams universe, had a full gameplay demo this year, showcased in 3D. We saw a sequence where Kirk and Spock beamed down to New Vulcan and encountered the  just announced main enemy of the game, the Gorn. The game takes place between 2009's 'Star Trek' and the sequel being released next year, fully in canon, written by the award winning video game scribe Marianna Krawczyk, alongside 'Trek' screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, boasting voice work from the entire cast. I couldn't help but giggle at the enemy reveal, noting that doing the Gorn in the video game bridge between movies was probably a lot cheaper than creating the giant lizard like creatures for the movies themselves.

What makes the game really special is the asymmetrical co-op play between Kirk and Spock. The player has a completely different experience depending on character choice, as Spock will be the one to analyze the scene as Kirk generally takes a more combative approach.  An example of this was shown in the demo where Spock figured out the weak point in the main boss, as Kirk took the offensive in defeating it. But don't worry, we saw Spock to a Vulcan Grip and Mind Meld as well. He's still sufficiently badass. Thanks to the writing, the voice acting, and the all too accurate renderings of the actors, the game feels completely authentic. Especially walking through the Enterprise in 3D, you really feel a part of the crew and like you are immersed in this environment, and the integrative cut scenes create a very cinematic playthrough. Although the world building and asymmetrical co-op concept are all very exciting, the boss battle we saw seemed a little repetitive. Still, we can only hope that if this much energy has gone into making the game an authentic canon experience, that the gameplay will be equally up to par. 'Star Trek' will be available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC and will be released in early 2013.

3. "Injustice: Gods Among Us"

Another offering from Warner Brothers, 'Injustice: Gods Among' us, is as far away from being released as 'Lego Batman 2' is close, and although it features many of the same characters, it is more or less the polar opposite type of game. The genre is fighting, pitting DC characters against each other in various well known DCU environments. The designs of each character have been updated and polished, switching out latex for armor, with special attention paid to lighting and detail. Have you *seen* Harley Quinn's outfit? I know what I'm doing next Halloween! Each hero is equipped with their classic moves and interacts with each combatant and environment uniquely, creating a totally different fighting experience with each combination.

In this game, environment choice is just as important as character choice. Where Batman may Batarang a car till it explodes on you, Soloman Grundy will grab it and throw it at your face. In the Batcave, hitting a stored bat suit may cause grenades to fall out and a big red button may activate the Batmobile to shoot at your enemy. The environment acts as a weapon just as much as heat vision or punching. It also falls apart as the fight goes on, making the surroundings look like a bunch of superheros really did just kick the crap out of each other. Each location also has two-three settings within it, allowing for even more variety, keeping the game fresh and exciting. Although WB couldn't get into specifics, there will be a story framing the brawl, from comic book writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, who also wrote 'Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe', and while 24 characters doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the DC Universe, it's still a healthy number that will provide endless options for unique battle. For you DC fans out there who turn your nose up at the Lego games, this will be the choice for you.

2. Lego Lord of the Rings

I know, another Lego game in the top five what am I, 10? But hear me out. 'Lego Lord of the Rings' takes the lego video game franchise to a whole new level. First, rather than have divided levels, the whole game plays out uninterrupted as you quest through Middle Earth. You can still jump to other levels if you need to, and go back to other levels to do things like buy special items you couldn't afford the first time around, but in general, the game plays out like the movies. Even cooler, the game uses the exact dialogue track from the films, but without losing the Lego humor and quirk in the silent moments. It creates an experience that really feels like controlling aspects of the film, just in Lego form, moreso than any of the previous titles. You play as the entire fellowship all at once, so you and your co-op partner can switch to anyone at will, depending on what the puzzles and challenges call for. When the fellowship divides, something called Palantier Mode pops up. I saw this in action as I played Gandalf fighting the Balrog while falling in the Mines of Moria. A Palentir comes up and my co-op partner then controlled the action still happening on the bridge with the rest of the Fellowship. When playing solo, you simply play that part of the level after defeating the Balrog as Gandalf, so you can either follow the exact timeline of the film, or use the magic of an interactive, dynamic platform to act out events that took place at the same time, at the same time.

The game is also RPG-lite, each character with a wheel containing 8 slots for collected items (like Elyvin rope) and various weapons that come in handy at different times. In this game you also have the ability to upgrade weapons, and and can use Mithril to forge some yourself. The powers of each minifig, like in all great lego games, mirror the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. Legolas has his bow and arrow and can jump higher than everyone, Gimli can be tossed, Frodo's sword glows when Orcs are near, and so on.  With 80 playable characters, the possibilities seem endless. This game is also the best looking of the Lego series, as not everything is made from Legos, and all of the background art looks intricate and authentic to the world of Middle Earth. Expect to see the game released for all major platforms this Fall.

1. "Star Wars 1313"

The top secret LucasArts game was shown off behind closed doors during E3, in a room designed to look and feel like a spaceship, readying us for what could be a breakout hit next year. '1313' will be the first Mature minded 'Star Wars' video game, as you play the part of a lethal Bounty Hunter, taking place between 'Revenge of the Sith' and 'A New Hope'. The character and world graphics were the most impressive of the entire show and for good reason. LucasArts, ILM, Skywalker Sound and LucasFilm Animation all partnered together on the various aspects of the game including lighting, camera (the lead artist was on camera during 'Return of the Jedi!'), physics, performance capture and more. Speaking of which, the performance capture aspect is truly remarkable. The actors were in full suits, allowing their faces, bodies and voices to be captured all at once, even allowing room for improv and the result is stunning almost-photorealism with a side of uncanny valley. Additionally impressive, following in the footsteps of something like 'Uncharted', '1313' features completely seamless transitions from cinematics to gameplay, and everything exists on the same graphical plane.

Further stepping far away from former 'Star Wars' games, in '1313', there is no Force, just agile combat and death defying platforming as your bounty hunter travels to subterranean metropolis of 1313, many levels below Coruscant. Developers promise sinister characters, darker stories and shades of grey whereas past Star Wars titles stayed very black and white. Although the hero (or rather, anti-hero) of the game has yet to be revealed, fans across the world are crossing their fingers for a Boba Fett origin story. Currently, the game will only be available for PC, but I can't see any reason why it won't end up on Xbox 360 and PS3 (or Xbox 720 and PS4 according to rumors) when it's released within the next two years.

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June at the Movies

Now that we are officially entrenched in Summer Movie season, it's time for the weekend battles for #1 to truly begin. After a May dominated by the Avengers until Men in Black III naturally progressed into the top slot weeks later, in June we will see major film after major film hitting theaters every week, each one hoping to reign supreme. I would be extremely surprised to see any one movie stay at #1 for more than a week during June, as while these films are huge, there is no Avengers-like Spiderman or Batman juggernaut until July. So what should we expect? Let's break it down!


For The Family


Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (June 8)

Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent - Madagascar style.

I have yet to see a film from the Madagascar franchise (or Ice Age. Or Happy Feet.), but from what I can gather, the films are pretty good and especially beloved by the younger set, so expect it to do fairly well next weekend.
When am I seeing it? One day when I have kids of my own? I'm in no rush. Am I a bad person?


Brave (June 22)

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

It's a good year for chicks wielding a bow and arrows. This newest Pixar joint and the first have a female lead already has fantastic buzz after screening a half hour for critics earlier this year. I saw a bunch of footage at D23 way back when and although the somewhat tred storyline has never struck me as anything special, the film has always looked beautiful, with comedy and heart that work, from what I've been able to glean. I'm hoping it's a huge success, proving once and for all that animated films starring women can still be box office bonnanzas they once were.
When am I seeing it? Opening weekend, if not before. 


Indie Fare


Bel Ami (June 8)

A chronicle of a young man's rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city's most influential and wealthy women. 

Also known as the incomprehensible movie in which Robert Pattinson has sex with everyone. I can't necessarily say the movie is good, or makes much sense, but it was kind of fun to see Kristen Scott Thomas play bats**t and RPatz play an insanely handsome miserable bastard. The faces he makes alone may be worth the cost of a ticket. Maybe. 
When am I seeing it? I saw it. Meh.


Lola Versus (June 8)

Dumped by her boyfriend just three weeks before their wedding, Lola enlists her close friends for a series of adventures she hopes will help her come to terms with approaching 30 as a single woman.

Daryl Wein's follow up to the beloved Breaking Upwards, also co-written by Zoe Lister-Jones is definitely one of my most anticipated of the month.. I was excited for this movie initially just based on the subject matter - Greta Gerwig always seems to play women dealing with problems a few years away from me, but that still scare the bejesus out of me - but then I found out it's another collaboration between Wein & Lister-Jones, alums of the same NYU program as I am, and am now easily thrice as excited. Plus, Hamish Linklater! aka the best Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night I've ever seen! Can't wait. 
When am I seeing it? Opening week

More after the jump!

Safety Not Guaranteed (June 8)
Three magazine employees head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel.
My most anticipated film of June. Yeah, I know I'm weird. But it's a time travel comedy! Starring Jake Johnson! And Aubrey Plaza! IT MUST BE THE BEST! It also won the Screenwriting Award at Sundance and was nominated for Grand Jury Prize. 
When am I seeing it? Opening weekend


Your Sister's Sister  (June 15)

Iris invites her friend Jack to stay at her family's island getaway after the death of his brother. At their remote cabin, Jack's drunken encounter with Hannah, Iris' sister, kicks off a revealing stretch of days.

This film, which debuted at TIFF, then made appearances at Sundance and a slew of smaller festivals, it currently boasting 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with 12 reviews. Lynne Shelton's first feature film since Humpday stars Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt, two actresses I adore, and Mark Duplass, who I've oddly never really seen act, but damnit if I don't love his directorial work. Plus, I have a soft spot for indie romance, so sue me.
When am I seeing it? Opening month


Kumare (June 20)

A documentary about a man who impersonates a wise Indian Guru and builds a following in Arizona. At the height of his popularity, the Guru Kumaré must reveal his true identity to his disciples and unveil his greatest teaching of all.

I know very little about this film, except that Movies.com's David Ehrlich said it would make a great double feature with Sound of my Voice, so consider me sold! But really, it sounds fascinating and provides a nice alternative to the rest of June's offerings.
When am I seeing it? Most likely DVD, but I wouldn't say no to opening week


To Rome with Love (June 22)

A story about a number of people in Italy, some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors, and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into.

Yes, yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Woody Allen continues his recent trend of basing each of his films in a different foreign country (see: Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Midnight in Paris) with his new film set in Rome. The film, starring Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Penelope Cruz, Alison Pill, Alec Baldwin, Greta Gerwig, Roberto Benigni, Judy Davis, and Allen himself, premieres opening night of the Los Angeles Film Festival. 
When am I seeing it? As soon as physically possible


Beasts of the Southern Wild  (June 29)

Faced with her father's fading health and environmental changes that release an army of prehistoric creatures called aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy leaves her Delta-community home in search of her mother.

It won the Grand Jury Prize and the Cinematography Award at Sundance and the Camera d'Or for Best First Feature at Cannes (recent winners also include Miranda July and Steve McQueen) and is now finally hitting theaters. I can't believe I haven't seen it yet. AUGH. My expectations, they are high.
When am I seeing it? Opening weekend


Neil Young Journeys  (June 29)

This past May, Neil Young brought his solo tour to Toronto's Massey Hall, an iconic venue in the city of his birth.

Music docs are always very hit or miss, in my opinion. They can be transdencent or they can be like a concert, but not, so eh. But this one is directed by Jonathan Demme, so it's gotta be great, right? Plus, it's Neil effing Young, who incorporates so much story telling into his music anyway. 
When am I seeing it? LA Film Festival, hopefully!


Take This Waltz  (June 29)

A happily married woman falls for the artist who lives across the street.

Sarah Polley's next film which I've been dying to see since it's fantastic showing at the Toronto International Film Fest last year. It stars Michelle Williams (and Seth Rogen going dramatic!) and is actually available on VOD now if you're so inclined. 
When am I seeing it? If not on VOD before June 29th, then opening week


Thrills & Chills




Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1)

In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

Siiiigh. This movie should have been so much better than it is. Visually, it's all there - production design, costumes and special effects are all stunning. For the most part even the performances are top notch, Charlize Theron having a great time chewing all of the scenery in the land, and Chris Hemsworth charming my face off, but everything falls apart with the bland script and a miscast Kristin Stewart. Her dour default face inspires me to cross my arms and pout, not rise against and evil queen and take back the kingdom. And as great as Theron and Hemsworth are, they barely have anything to do. Same with the dwarves - a stellar line up of actors not getting to do much of anything. Hopefully director Rupert Sanders will get another go soon, but this time with a script worthy of his visual skills.
When am I seeing it? Saw it. Won't be seeing it again.


Piranha 3DD (June 1)

After the events at Lake Victoria, the pre-historic school of blood-thirsty piranhas make their way into a newly opened waterpark.

Did anyone even see the first one? I mean, I wanted to, but couldn't find a single person on earth who shared my bridging on sick interest. But this one takes place in a waterpark, which means NOTHING is stopping me from getting to theaters this time around. Piranhas in a waterpark?! In 3D?! Why am I so excited for this?! What is wrong with me?! WHAT IS HAPPENING?! 
When am I seeing it? Probably never wahhhhhh, but not because I don't want to! Because no one else wants to! Horror loving friends, find me!


Prometheus (June 8)

A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

Finally, the is-it-or-isn't-it prequel to Alien, from maestro Ridley Scott comes to theaters. I have been attempting to avoid all reviews of the film whatsoever, but as most of the press saw it last night, you'd best be avoiding the internets just like I am if you want to go in fresh. I've also tended to avoid the viral marketing, which many have loved, and any news or footage beyond the trailer. I was sold long ago and have been in full No Spoilers zone for months now.
When am I seeing it? Tuesday. Oh god oh god oh god SO CLOSE.


Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (June 22)

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.

The movie that made a huge splash at Wondercon and confused the hell out of lots of older people at CinemaCon will finally found out if its audience is actually large enough to make a dent at the box office. I'm insanely excited for it, but anyone I talk to who isn't a fellow geek doesn't understand why it was made, doesn't know it is based on a book, has no idea Benjamin Walker is so talented, and all in all just doesn't really care. But whatever. I do.
When am I seeing it? Opening weekend


Comedy Central


Rock of Ages (June 15)

A small town girl and a city boy meet on the Sunset Strip, while pursuing their Hollywood dreams.

Small town girl and city boy. I get it. While I've never seen the hit Broadway show, I am extremely familiar with the music it features, ranging from Journey to Night Ranger to Bon Jovi to Joan Jett. Supposedly the film version will make Diego Boneta a star, and make us all love Tom Cruise again, though I am skeptical on both of those fronts. Still, it's sure to be fun no matter what. 
When am I seeing it? Opening week


That's My Boy  (June 15)

While still in his teens, Donny (Adam Sandler) fathered a son, Todd (Andy Samberg), and raised him as a single parent up until Todd's 18th birthday. Now, after not seeing each other for years, Todd's world comes crashing down.

Finally, Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler are teaming up! No, I sort of mean that genuinely! It's what everyone's been saying since Samberg joined the cast of SNL years ago, and seems so natural, it's kind of crazy it hasn't happened already. I saw some footage at CinemaCon that was funny enough, certainly better than other recent outings from Sandler, so there is a chance the movie won't suck. Slim chance. But a chance! 
When am I seeing it? And after all of that, to be honest, probably never. Or like, on TV one day. Unless it gets amazing reviews. 


Ted  (June 29)

A story centered on a man and his teddy bear, who comes to life as the result of a childhood wish.

Another comedy I saw footage from at CinemaCon, but this one completely stole the show, the easy favorite of the whole shindig. Seth MacFarlane's first live action big screen extravaganza will be silly, offensive, dumb, and probably kind of awesome, at least for the Family Guy faithful. I am lukewarm on both Mark Wahlberg and the work of Seth MacFarlane, but I'll be surprised if this movie doesn't end up the talk of the last week of June, so I'll make a point to catch it.
When am I seeing it? Opening week


Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection  (June 29)

A Wall Street investment banker who has been set up as the linchpin of his company's mob-backed Ponzi scheme is relocated with his family to Aunt Madea's southern home.

The fifth theatrical Madea movie from Tyler Perry that yes, will make a ton of money. This one co-stars Eugene Levy and Denise Richards. I don't really have much more to say about this one, I've never seen a Madea movie and I'm not positive seeing one is in my future? I mean, the highest rating any Madea film has gotten is 38%. So. That's that.
When am I seeing it? I'm probably....not




On the Dramatic Side


Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (June 22)

As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

Hooray! Can't wait for this one, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist scribe Lorene Scafaria's directorial debut starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightly that looks sweet and funny and wonderful! Please oh please be sweet and funny wonderful!
When am I seeing it? Hopefully during LA Film Fest, if not, then opening weekend.


Magic Mike (June 29)

A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

The most anticipated movie of the entire summer for a giant bulk of my friends and the chance for Channing Tatum to prove once and for all that he has acting chops and everyone should shut up. This Soderbergh flick loosely based on Tatum's time as a male stripper also stars Matt Bomer, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer and it will be amazing.
When am I seeing it? LA Film Fest or opening weekend!


People Like Us  (June 29)

A man is tasked with delivering $150,000 of his deceased father's fortune to the sister he has never met.

Alex Kurtzman's directorial debut and major departure from his normal work, this film stars Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks as siblings who never knew each other, and while I don't believe it goes full incest, expect some uncomfortable moments. As far as I can tell, this is Kurtzman's first non science fiction screenplay, unless there is something the logline isn't telling us, and I'm very interested in seeing how this experiment pays off.
When am I seeing it? To be totally honest, probably on DVD.

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