In today’s film news roundup, Tom Berenger is starring in a new crime thriller, Freestyle Digital buys “Madhouse Mecca,” and “Sleepless in Seattle” is returning for two nights.
Castings
Tom Berenger (“Platoon”) will star in the independent thriller “Allagash” from writer/director John Barr, Variety has learned.
“Allagash” marks the feature-length directorial debut for Barr following his short film, “His Lover,” adapted from the Andre Dubus short story by the same title. Suza Horvat is producing, and Paul Casale Jr., Jeff Stearns, and Dan Murphy are executive producing.
Berenger will play a retired veteran who, while hunting in the northern territory of Maine, stumbles across a dead woman and a large sum of money. Events spiral out of control when a group of criminals searching for the money encounter him, setting up a test of will and survival. Shooting is slated to begin early next year in northern Maine.
Castings
Tom Berenger (“Platoon”) will star in the independent thriller “Allagash” from writer/director John Barr, Variety has learned.
“Allagash” marks the feature-length directorial debut for Barr following his short film, “His Lover,” adapted from the Andre Dubus short story by the same title. Suza Horvat is producing, and Paul Casale Jr., Jeff Stearns, and Dan Murphy are executive producing.
Berenger will play a retired veteran who, while hunting in the northern territory of Maine, stumbles across a dead woman and a large sum of money. Events spiral out of control when a group of criminals searching for the money encounter him, setting up a test of will and survival. Shooting is slated to begin early next year in northern Maine.
- 11/7/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Horror-comedy dud Transylmania is hitting DVD through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on April 27. Special features include a filmmaker and cast commentary, an alternate opening and ending (with optional commentary), deleted scenes (with optional commentary), a gag reel, a behind-the-scenes featurette and a "stoner" trailer. Directed by David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand - and starring a cast which features Musetta Vander, James DeBello, Patrick Cavanaugh and Tony Denman - Transylmania opened on just over a 1,000 screens in December and grossed an estimated $397,641. We'll update this spot when cover art comes in.
- 2/17/2010
- shocktillyoudrop.com
This is going to be a great month. No matter whether these big and small movies fall flat on their faces or not there’s going to be plenty to choose from – especially for those who want to keep up with important films.
First up is Avatar, one of the biggest gambles of this decade. Will the same kind of crowd that saw The Dark Knight or Transformers multiple times venture to movie theatres to see a 150-minute-long 3-D film that features tall blue creatures? It’s up in the air.
Which reminds me of a few more titles that should be worth checking out, one of them being Jason Reitman’s new film with George Clooney. The drama-comedy about a man who fires people for a living has been getting great buzz from its successful festival runs, with Oscar talk flying around as smoothly as paper airplanes.
But, Up In the Air...
First up is Avatar, one of the biggest gambles of this decade. Will the same kind of crowd that saw The Dark Knight or Transformers multiple times venture to movie theatres to see a 150-minute-long 3-D film that features tall blue creatures? It’s up in the air.
Which reminds me of a few more titles that should be worth checking out, one of them being Jason Reitman’s new film with George Clooney. The drama-comedy about a man who fires people for a living has been getting great buzz from its successful festival runs, with Oscar talk flying around as smoothly as paper airplanes.
But, Up In the Air...
- 12/3/2009
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
With the latest horror comedy on the block quietly tip-toeing into theatres this Friday, we've got another two clips that will either turn you on or turn you off to seeing it! Behold more of the silliness that is Transylmania.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania - Clip 4
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
Transylmania - Clip 5
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- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
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Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania - Clip 4
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
Transylmania - Clip 5
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows.
- By Uncle Creepy
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- 11/30/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Were you a fan of Kate Beckinsale and her black leather getup in Underworld? If so, you ought to enjoy the latest clip from the new vampiric horror-comedy Transylmania.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania - Clip 3
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows.
- By Uncle Creepy
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Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania - Clip 3
Uploaded by dreadcentral. - Watch feature films and entire TV shows.
- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
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- 11/24/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 25 ‘Transylmania’ Chicago Passes to ‘Twilight’ Meets ‘Scary Movie’ Film
Chicago – In our latest comedy/horror spoof edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 25 admit-two passes up for grabs to the advance Chicago screening of “Transylmania,” which is like “Twilight” meets “Scary Movie”!
“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Irena A. Hoffman, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. The film opens on Dec. 4, 2009.
To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Transylmania” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh.
Image credit: Full Circle Releasing
Here is the “Transylmania” plot description:
A group of American college students travel to Romania on an...
“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Irena A. Hoffman, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. The film opens on Dec. 4, 2009.
To win your free pass to the advance Chicago screening of “Transylmania” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. in downtown Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
“Transylmania” stars Patrick Cavanaugh.
Image credit: Full Circle Releasing
Here is the “Transylmania” plot description:
A group of American college students travel to Romania on an...
- 11/23/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
With Transylmania on the horror horizon (and not much else), vampire fans at least will have something to sink their teeth into. Even if it's the bloodless equivalent of a rubber chicken.
A new clip surfaced today on MySpace. Dig it below.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania Exclusive Clip
Trailer Park | MySpace Video
- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
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A new clip surfaced today on MySpace. Dig it below.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres December 4th.
Transylmania Exclusive Clip
Trailer Park | MySpace Video
- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Get schooled in the Dread Central forums!
- 11/11/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
This holiday season horror is slim, which is why we're going to have to settle for Full Circle Releasing's horror comedy Transylmania on December 5, which I'm sure non of you will see (including me). David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand's flick takes place place deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start. Beyond the break you'll find a new clip featuring a fight for a bike. Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman and Jennifer Lyons all star.
- 11/11/2009
- bloody-disgusting.com
Here's the new Red Band trailer for horror comedy "Transylmania", opening in theaters on December 4. Directed by David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand, the film stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, Irena A. Hoffman, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. In the spoof, a motley group of college students embark on the wildest, sexiest, most outrageous semester abroad ever at Razvan University. Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan isn't your typical institution of higher learning . and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start....
- 10/7/2009
- www.ohmygore.com/
Here comes yet another red band trailer, but this time from the upcoming horror comedy Transylmania. The story revolves around a group of college kids do a semester abroad in Romania and realise that if the partying doesn’t kill them, the vampires just might. The film is directed by David and Scott Hillenbrand and starring James Debello, Patrick Cavanaugh, Jennifer Lyons, Paul H. Kim and Tony Denman. Check out the trailer below from Full Circle Releasing and Hill & Brand Entertainment. The feature opens in theaters on December 4th:
Most Commented PostsKnowing Movie ReviewThe Worst Movies of 2008Push Movie ReviewHannah Montana:The Movie Review...
Most Commented PostsKnowing Movie ReviewThe Worst Movies of 2008Push Movie ReviewHannah Montana:The Movie Review...
- 10/6/2009
- by Melissa Molina
- Atomic Popcorn
You think horror is done with 2009 when this month is over? Think again. There are a few offerings in November, then, come December, there's the genre comedy Transylmania from Full Circle Releasing. The red band trailer is now available for your viewing pleasure below. In addition to that, we now have over 15 hi-res photos in our gallery here ! Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul Kim and Jennifer Lyons star in David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand's film which follows a group of college students running amok in Transylvania. Transylmania opens on December 4.
- 10/6/2009
- shocktillyoudrop.com
We've received the new Red Band trailer for horror comedy Transylmania , opening in theaters on December 4. Directed by David and Scott Hillenbrand, the film stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, Irena A. Hoffman, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. In the spoof, a motley group of college students embark on the wildest, sexiest, most outrageous semester abroad ever at Razvan University. Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan isn't your typical institution of higher learning . and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the...
- 10/6/2009
- Comingsoon.net
Chicago – We just received the new, high-definition movie trailer for “Transylmania” as well as the new, high-resolution movie poster for the horror comedy film, which opens on Dec. 4, 2009.
“Transylmania” from directors David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Irena A. Hoffman, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. You can watch the new, high-definition “Transylmania” trailer now below!
The plot description for “Transylmania” is below. The new, high-resolution “Transylmania” movie poster follows the synopsis.
In “Transylmania,” a motley group of college students embarks on the wildest, sexiest and most outrageous semester abroad ever at Razvan University.
Located deep in the heart of the “cursed land” of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan isn’t your typical institution of higher learning. The black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix wielding and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
“Transylmania” from directors David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbrand stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James DeBello, Tony Denman, Paul H. Kim, Jennifer Lyons, Oren Skoog, David Steinberg, Musetta Vander, Irena A. Hoffman, Natalie Garza and Nicole Garza. You can watch the new, high-definition “Transylmania” trailer now below!
The plot description for “Transylmania” is below. The new, high-resolution “Transylmania” movie poster follows the synopsis.
In “Transylmania,” a motley group of college students embarks on the wildest, sexiest and most outrageous semester abroad ever at Razvan University.
Located deep in the heart of the “cursed land” of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan isn’t your typical institution of higher learning. The black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix wielding and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
- 9/20/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The latest vampyric horror-comedy on the block, Transylmania, just got itself a new one-sheet that should appeal to all the ladies who love their brooding lovers long in the tooth as well as fans of pork and chicken.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Check out the poster below courtesy of The Imp Awards, and look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres(!) December 4th.
- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Get schooled in the Dread Central forums!
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
Check out the poster below courtesy of The Imp Awards, and look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres(!) December 4th.
- By Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Get schooled in the Dread Central forums!
- 9/15/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Horror comedies. They either hit the mark or they suck. Some, however, suck on purpose. The latter looks to be the case when talking about David and Scott Hillenbrand's vampire comedy Transylmania, which saw its online trailer debut today.
Check out the trailer below courtesy of Yahoo! Movies by clicking on the image, and look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres(!) December 4th.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Start sucking the Dread Central forums!
Check out the trailer below courtesy of Yahoo! Movies by clicking on the image, and look for the film starring Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman, and Jennifer Lyons in theatres(!) December 4th.
Synopsis
Located deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start.
- Uncle Creepy
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Start sucking the Dread Central forums!
- 8/31/2009
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Arriving in theaters December 4th from Full Circle Releasing is a new horror comedy by the name of Transylmania. Beyond the break you'll find the first official trailer for the film that takes place deep in the heart of the "cursed land" of Transylvania in a centuries-old castle, Razvan University isn't your typical institution of higher learning -- and the black leather-clad professors, three-foot-tall dean, instruction in crucifix-wielding, and topless vampiresses lurking in dark corners are just the start. Directed by David Hillenbrand and Scott Hillenbran, the film stars Patrick Cavanaugh, James Debello, Paul H. Kim, Tony Denman and Jennifer Lyons.
- 8/31/2009
- bloody-disgusting.com
Lots of genre-film news is starting to trickle out of the current American Film Market, including…
• Variety reports that Tim Sullivan is now set to write and direct not one but two follow-ups to his Herschell Gordon Lewis update 2001 Maniacs.
Martin Shore and Christopher Tuffin’s BloodWorks company will produce 2001 Maniacs: Beverly Hellbillys and 2001 Maniacs: The Hellbillys Have Eyes, with Robert Englund and (as the actress previously told us) Lin Shaye (pictured) reprising their villainous roles in at least the first of the two films. Im Global Home Entertainment has picked up the worldwide sales rights to both sequels.
• According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anchor Bay Entertainment has picked up the Kim Basinger-starrer While She Was Out and set a theatrical release for December 12, to be followed by a DVD debut next year. Written and directed by Susan Montford, with Guillermo del Toro as one of the executive producers,...
• Variety reports that Tim Sullivan is now set to write and direct not one but two follow-ups to his Herschell Gordon Lewis update 2001 Maniacs.
Martin Shore and Christopher Tuffin’s BloodWorks company will produce 2001 Maniacs: Beverly Hellbillys and 2001 Maniacs: The Hellbillys Have Eyes, with Robert Englund and (as the actress previously told us) Lin Shaye (pictured) reprising their villainous roles in at least the first of the two films. Im Global Home Entertainment has picked up the worldwide sales rights to both sequels.
• According to The Hollywood Reporter, Anchor Bay Entertainment has picked up the Kim Basinger-starrer While She Was Out and set a theatrical release for December 12, to be followed by a DVD debut next year. Written and directed by Susan Montford, with Guillermo del Toro as one of the executive producers,...
- 11/7/2008
- Fangoria
The noble tradition of men in drag hits an all-time low in "Sorority Boys", whose makers apparently believe that women's clothing can cover up any deficiency in acting, writing or direction. A bare-bones script by Joe Jarvis and Greg Coolidge steals from all the obvious sources -- most notably, "Tootsie" and "Some Like It Hot" -- but leaves untouched the wit and sparkling dialogue that makes those films so memorable.
Thrown together in a slapdash manner, where gags lack logic or continuity, Touchstone Pictures' "Sorority Boys" will draw a young crowd for this opening weekend but is unlikely to develop legs any more attractive than those belonging to its three frat boys in drag. Prospects in cable and video appear brighter.
The filmmakers hustle these three male chauvinists into high heels as quickly as possible so they can learn how the other half lives. All three are members of the K.O.K. fraternity house. The theft of the house's money, for which they are unjustly blamed, forces them to hide out in drag at a nearby sorority for losers, the D.O.G. house. Now if you think those Greek acronyms make weak jokes, be forewarned that those are among the comic highlights.
There is little if any connection between the boys putting on makeup and pantyhose and uncovering the true culprit behind the embezzlement. This simply sets up a series of gags in which three men, who have spent their college careers mistreating women, get paid back in kind.
None of the three looks the least bit like a woman. If the men of the K.O.K. house truly don't recognize their frat brothers dressed in drag, then the house is deeper into drugs and liquor than even the "Animal House"-style party scenes portray.
Dave (Barry Watson), posing as Daisy, comes closest to passing. But he risks exposure when he falls for the sorority's most ardent feminist, Leah (Melissa Sagemiller). Daisy finds herself taking nightly showers with Leah, which renders her nearsightedness closer to legal blindness.
Adam (Michael Rosenbaum) looks very butch as Adina and constantly falls off his heels. Roberta, aka Doofer (Harland Williams), is a complete mess, with body parts flying off in all sorts of inappropriate if not anatomically impossible directions.
Nevertheless, one K.O.K. brother, pint-size Jimmy (Tony Denman), lusts after Adina, a chase highly reminiscent of the diminutive bellboy's pursuit of Tony Curtis in "Some Like It Hot". Meanwhile, the ungainly Roberta bonds with the D.O.G. house's "freaks," these being women with builds too tall or voices too shrill.
Under the sluggish direction of TV writer Wally Wolodarsky, the pacing and payoffs of the gags are haphazard affairs, making laughs far too scattered to sustain the anemic comedy. One senses genuine desperation when the filmmakers resort to a catfight between Daisy and Adina in which the weapons of choice are rubber dildos.
Technical credits in "Sorority Boys" barely rise to the level of adequate for a studio-produced film.
SORORITY BOYS
Buena Vista Pictures
Touchstone Pictures
Producers: Larry Brezner, Walter Hamada
Director: Wally Wolodarsky
Screenwriters: Joe Jarvis, Greg Coolidge
Executive producer: Michael Fottrell
Director of photography: Michael D. O'Shea
Production designer: Edward T. McAvoy
Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Costume designer: Melinda Eshelman
Editor: Richard Halsey
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dave: Barry Watson
Adam: Michael Rosenbaum
Doofer: Harland Williams
Leah: Melissa Sagemiller
Jimmy: Tony Denman
Spence: Brad Beyer
Patty: Kathryn Stockwood
Katie: Heather Matarazzo
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
Thrown together in a slapdash manner, where gags lack logic or continuity, Touchstone Pictures' "Sorority Boys" will draw a young crowd for this opening weekend but is unlikely to develop legs any more attractive than those belonging to its three frat boys in drag. Prospects in cable and video appear brighter.
The filmmakers hustle these three male chauvinists into high heels as quickly as possible so they can learn how the other half lives. All three are members of the K.O.K. fraternity house. The theft of the house's money, for which they are unjustly blamed, forces them to hide out in drag at a nearby sorority for losers, the D.O.G. house. Now if you think those Greek acronyms make weak jokes, be forewarned that those are among the comic highlights.
There is little if any connection between the boys putting on makeup and pantyhose and uncovering the true culprit behind the embezzlement. This simply sets up a series of gags in which three men, who have spent their college careers mistreating women, get paid back in kind.
None of the three looks the least bit like a woman. If the men of the K.O.K. house truly don't recognize their frat brothers dressed in drag, then the house is deeper into drugs and liquor than even the "Animal House"-style party scenes portray.
Dave (Barry Watson), posing as Daisy, comes closest to passing. But he risks exposure when he falls for the sorority's most ardent feminist, Leah (Melissa Sagemiller). Daisy finds herself taking nightly showers with Leah, which renders her nearsightedness closer to legal blindness.
Adam (Michael Rosenbaum) looks very butch as Adina and constantly falls off his heels. Roberta, aka Doofer (Harland Williams), is a complete mess, with body parts flying off in all sorts of inappropriate if not anatomically impossible directions.
Nevertheless, one K.O.K. brother, pint-size Jimmy (Tony Denman), lusts after Adina, a chase highly reminiscent of the diminutive bellboy's pursuit of Tony Curtis in "Some Like It Hot". Meanwhile, the ungainly Roberta bonds with the D.O.G. house's "freaks," these being women with builds too tall or voices too shrill.
Under the sluggish direction of TV writer Wally Wolodarsky, the pacing and payoffs of the gags are haphazard affairs, making laughs far too scattered to sustain the anemic comedy. One senses genuine desperation when the filmmakers resort to a catfight between Daisy and Adina in which the weapons of choice are rubber dildos.
Technical credits in "Sorority Boys" barely rise to the level of adequate for a studio-produced film.
SORORITY BOYS
Buena Vista Pictures
Touchstone Pictures
Producers: Larry Brezner, Walter Hamada
Director: Wally Wolodarsky
Screenwriters: Joe Jarvis, Greg Coolidge
Executive producer: Michael Fottrell
Director of photography: Michael D. O'Shea
Production designer: Edward T. McAvoy
Music: Mark Mothersbaugh
Costume designer: Melinda Eshelman
Editor: Richard Halsey
Color/stereo
Cast:
Dave: Barry Watson
Adam: Michael Rosenbaum
Doofer: Harland Williams
Leah: Melissa Sagemiller
Jimmy: Tony Denman
Spence: Brad Beyer
Patty: Kathryn Stockwood
Katie: Heather Matarazzo
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: R...
- 3/22/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Officially kicking off the second annual Method Fest -- an international independent film festival showcasing "breakout" acting performances -- Michael Addis' "Poor White Trash" is like a string of Jeff Foxworthy's "You might be a redneck if ..". jokes, without the funny parts at the end.
With its bargain-basement lineup of crass, cartoony characters, there's scant evidence of any kind of method to be found in this lamebrained caper, other than a general tendency to go full-
throttle over the top.
And while the cast, which includes Sean Young, William Devane and Tim Kazurinsky, appears to be having a blast, it's a mood that will unlikely be shared by the hapless viewer.
Set in a quaint southern Illinois town, the uninspired satire concerns the plight of Mike Bronco (Tony Denman), whose dreams of leaving his trailer park home behind for a college degree are dashed when a prank orchestrated by his goofball buddy Lenny (Jacob Tierney) ends up leaving both of them with a criminal record.
Determined to clear her son's name, Mike's mom, Linda (Young), whose husband just abandoned her to chase a pro wrestling career, helps set up a legal/college fund through illegal means, like robbing the local fast food joint.
Ultimately, their case is taken by the oily Ron Lake (Devane), a shady ex-con-turned-lawyer with his own agenda who also happens to be Lenny's grandfather. He also happens to be married to the much younger Sandy (Jaime Pressly), who still has a thing for former beau Brian (Jason London), son of the local sheriff and a former high school bully who, in turn, is having a thing with Linda.
Let the gunshots and car chases begin!
There's very little that's clever or amusing about director-screenwriter Addis' feature debut and his garden variety assortment of Jerry Springer rejects. The characterizations, meanwhile, run from the blandly forgettable to the cringingly hammy. Only London manages to pull off a self-mocking performance that shows any spark of originality.
Give Young credit for going seriously trashy, sporting some severely unflattering wigs and a nasty thrift shop wardrobe (compiled by costume designer Luellen Harper Thomas) that leaves her old "No Way Out" sexpot image literally in the dust.
Still, one suspects this isn't exactly the Method that Mr. Stanislavski originally had in mind.
POOR WHITE TRASH
Kingsize Entertainment
Director: Michael Addis
Screenwriters: Michael Addis, Tony Urban
Producers: Mark Roberts, Lorena David
Executive producer: Michael Lawrence
Director of photography: Peter Kowalski
Production designer: Clare Brown
Editor: Tom McArdle
Costume designer: Luellen Harper Thomas
Color/stereo
Cast:
Linda Bronco: Sean Young
Ron Lake: William Devane
Brian Ross: Jason London
Mike Bronco: Tony Denman
Lenny Lake: Jacob Tierney
Sandy Lake: Jaime Pressly
Judge Pike: M. Emmet Walsh
Carlton Rasmeth: Tim Kazurinsky
Running time -- 85 minutes
No MPAA rating...
With its bargain-basement lineup of crass, cartoony characters, there's scant evidence of any kind of method to be found in this lamebrained caper, other than a general tendency to go full-
throttle over the top.
And while the cast, which includes Sean Young, William Devane and Tim Kazurinsky, appears to be having a blast, it's a mood that will unlikely be shared by the hapless viewer.
Set in a quaint southern Illinois town, the uninspired satire concerns the plight of Mike Bronco (Tony Denman), whose dreams of leaving his trailer park home behind for a college degree are dashed when a prank orchestrated by his goofball buddy Lenny (Jacob Tierney) ends up leaving both of them with a criminal record.
Determined to clear her son's name, Mike's mom, Linda (Young), whose husband just abandoned her to chase a pro wrestling career, helps set up a legal/college fund through illegal means, like robbing the local fast food joint.
Ultimately, their case is taken by the oily Ron Lake (Devane), a shady ex-con-turned-lawyer with his own agenda who also happens to be Lenny's grandfather. He also happens to be married to the much younger Sandy (Jaime Pressly), who still has a thing for former beau Brian (Jason London), son of the local sheriff and a former high school bully who, in turn, is having a thing with Linda.
Let the gunshots and car chases begin!
There's very little that's clever or amusing about director-screenwriter Addis' feature debut and his garden variety assortment of Jerry Springer rejects. The characterizations, meanwhile, run from the blandly forgettable to the cringingly hammy. Only London manages to pull off a self-mocking performance that shows any spark of originality.
Give Young credit for going seriously trashy, sporting some severely unflattering wigs and a nasty thrift shop wardrobe (compiled by costume designer Luellen Harper Thomas) that leaves her old "No Way Out" sexpot image literally in the dust.
Still, one suspects this isn't exactly the Method that Mr. Stanislavski originally had in mind.
POOR WHITE TRASH
Kingsize Entertainment
Director: Michael Addis
Screenwriters: Michael Addis, Tony Urban
Producers: Mark Roberts, Lorena David
Executive producer: Michael Lawrence
Director of photography: Peter Kowalski
Production designer: Clare Brown
Editor: Tom McArdle
Costume designer: Luellen Harper Thomas
Color/stereo
Cast:
Linda Bronco: Sean Young
Ron Lake: William Devane
Brian Ross: Jason London
Mike Bronco: Tony Denman
Lenny Lake: Jacob Tierney
Sandy Lake: Jaime Pressly
Judge Pike: M. Emmet Walsh
Carlton Rasmeth: Tim Kazurinsky
Running time -- 85 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 6/16/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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