In the revelatory Boston Strangler, Matt Ruskin (Crown Heights) flips a well-known saga on its head. The story has been told onscreen many times, first and most famously in a 1968 feature starring Tony Curtis and Henry Fonda. In that movie, released only a few years after a series of murders targeted single women in their Boston-area apartments, the only female characters of note are victims. A select group of upstanding male detectives puzzle over the lurid details of the crimes and wax psychological about the perp. They get their man. Then came the straight-to-video thrillers about Albert DeSalvo, the confessed but not quite proven killer, and the countless episodes of true-crime series. This time around, the investigator played by Fonda has just one scene and a couple of lines; the center instead belongs to the two female reporters who broke the story and, in the process, put the Boston Pd on notice.
- 3/16/2023
- by Sheri Linden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bleak atmosphere and a David Fincher-inspired aesthetic are the first things that audiences will notice when watching “Boston Strangler.” Writer-director Matt Ruskin pulls us into this true-crime tale, centered on the dedicated reporters determined to solve Boston’s serial killings in the early 1960s, using similarly desaturated color, frame composition and camera movements. A distant cousin to “Zodiac,” with splashes of “Seven” mixed into its homages, this thriller falls short of its influences yet carves out a small space of its own. It makes a searing indictment of the sloppy, sexism-laced police work that might’ve resolved the case, and pays tribute to the two women who broke the investigation wide open.
Happily married mom of three Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) is a lifestyle reporter at the Record American, a newspaper continually scooped by its competitors. Hoping to break out of the staff role she’s relegated to and into the homicide beat,...
Happily married mom of three Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) is a lifestyle reporter at the Record American, a newspaper continually scooped by its competitors. Hoping to break out of the staff role she’s relegated to and into the homicide beat,...
- 3/16/2023
- by Courtney Howard
- Variety Film + TV
Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? is a documentary directed by Anne McCabe and Eric Maldin. It will be released on Disney+ on Janaury 20, 2023
A documentary rich in details which is an experience in the Disney spirit and will be able to attract adults and children with the great singer that immortalized Let It Go in Frozen and whose voice has reached millions of people.
This time, we get a closer look at this phenomenal star her most human side.
Enjoy.
Idina Menzel is a legendary Broadway and film star, best known for her roles in Rent and Wicked, as well as her iconic voice performance as Elsa in the Disney classic Frozen. Now Disney+ is releasing a documentary about Idina’s life and career, entitled ‘Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?’. This candid look at the life of a Broadway star will explore Idina’s journey from...
A documentary rich in details which is an experience in the Disney spirit and will be able to attract adults and children with the great singer that immortalized Let It Go in Frozen and whose voice has reached millions of people.
This time, we get a closer look at this phenomenal star her most human side.
Enjoy.
Idina Menzel is a legendary Broadway and film star, best known for her roles in Rent and Wicked, as well as her iconic voice performance as Elsa in the Disney classic Frozen. Now Disney+ is releasing a documentary about Idina’s life and career, entitled ‘Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?’. This candid look at the life of a Broadway star will explore Idina’s journey from...
- 1/20/2023
- by Veronica Loop
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
On Friday, Idina Menzel’s new documentary Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage? released on Disney+.
The film tracks Menzel’s career from her breakout role on Broadway in Rent to realizing her dream of headlining a concert at Madison Square Garden. It also highlights her starring role as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen and its 2019 sequel.
Filmmaker Anne McCabe follows Menzel behind the scenes on her 16-show national tour as she balances being a mother to her 13-year-old son, Walker, and partner to her husband, Aaron Lohr, with a grueling tour schedule.
Menzel told Huff Post, “As much as I want to be in the spotlight, wear sequined outfits, get the accolades and have a crowd cheering for me, it’s just as important for me to be at my son’s basketball game, and go trick-or-treating with him.”
The film also sees Menzel share her personal story...
The film tracks Menzel’s career from her breakout role on Broadway in Rent to realizing her dream of headlining a concert at Madison Square Garden. It also highlights her starring role as Elsa in Disney’s Frozen and its 2019 sequel.
Filmmaker Anne McCabe follows Menzel behind the scenes on her 16-show national tour as she balances being a mother to her 13-year-old son, Walker, and partner to her husband, Aaron Lohr, with a grueling tour schedule.
Menzel told Huff Post, “As much as I want to be in the spotlight, wear sequined outfits, get the accolades and have a crowd cheering for me, it’s just as important for me to be at my son’s basketball game, and go trick-or-treating with him.”
The film also sees Menzel share her personal story...
- 12/12/2022
- by Alex Nguyen
- Uinterview
Disney+ released the official trailer and key art for the upcoming documentary “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” The intimate and inspirational documentary from Disney Branded Television and Ideal Partners follows the beloved actress and singer on her journey to fulfill a lifelong dream to headline Madison Square Garden. Take an in-depth look at Idina Menzel as you’ve never seen her before when the film premieres December 9, only on Disney+. Beloved Tony Award(R) -winning actress and singer Idina Menzel’s many triumphs include iconic Broadway roles in productions of “Rent” and “Wicked” as well as the legendary voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.” Yet one dream goal has evaded her grasp: to headline a concert at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City. “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” filmmaker Anne McCabe captures Menzel on a national tour over the...
- 11/9/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Ten years ago, actresses struggled to find substantial leading parts. Today, they’re increasingly creating their own. “Land” doesn’t just give Robin Wright an enormous canvas on which to prove herself behind the camera, it also offers us another chance to admire her work in front of it.
In her feature directorial debut, Wright plays Edee Holzer, a woman clearly shattered from some overwhelmingly enormous tragedy. As the film begins, she is already leaving her former life behind by purchasing an isolated cabin on a Wyoming mountain, tossing her cell phone in the trash and having her truck towed away as soon as she arrives.
These choices are so irrational that one might assume she’s chosen a spot to conclude her pain. But she’s also brought the sorts of books and camping supplies a city dweller might use to try and survive the unknown. The mountain, of course,...
In her feature directorial debut, Wright plays Edee Holzer, a woman clearly shattered from some overwhelmingly enormous tragedy. As the film begins, she is already leaving her former life behind by purchasing an isolated cabin on a Wyoming mountain, tossing her cell phone in the trash and having her truck towed away as soon as she arrives.
These choices are so irrational that one might assume she’s chosen a spot to conclude her pain. But she’s also brought the sorts of books and camping supplies a city dweller might use to try and survive the unknown. The mountain, of course,...
- 3/5/2021
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
Film editor Anne McCabe and director Marielle Heller “both felt we needed to be incredibly respectful of the real Mister Rogers” when making “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” That courtesy extended to “the people who were involved with” Rogers’s long-running children’s series since “a lot of them were involved in the movie as well.” Watch our exclusive video interview with McCabe above.
The TriStar release is not your typical biographical drama. Instead it’s about the friendship between the beloved Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a fictionalized version of real-life journalist Tom Junod, who profiled him in 1998 for Esquire magazine. Early on in the movie Lloyd’s wife, Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson), begs him not to ruin her childhood by taking down her idol, and McCabe “felt that pressure” as well.
See Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue Interview: ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...
The TriStar release is not your typical biographical drama. Instead it’s about the friendship between the beloved Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), a fictionalized version of real-life journalist Tom Junod, who profiled him in 1998 for Esquire magazine. Early on in the movie Lloyd’s wife, Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson), begs him not to ruin her childhood by taking down her idol, and McCabe “felt that pressure” as well.
See Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue Interview: ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...
- 12/17/2019
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
Fred Rogers was an icon to many. Everyone who met him and knew him says, “He really was like that.” He spoke in a soft voice and he was kind. He believed in doing good to others. He spoke to children in “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” in a soft voice, helping them to process complicated emotions as he spoke directly to the camera.
In the new movie, “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” editor Anne McCabe’s biggest challenge was getting the tone of Fred Rogers right. “The challenge of pacing with the movie is Mister Rogers is someone who took his time. He allowed pauses and he allowed moments of being quiet. We wanted to embrace that and not make the movie four hours long.”
McCabe says she did go back and watch the show itself to understand how to pace the film and in revisiting the original Fred Rogers,...
In the new movie, “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood” editor Anne McCabe’s biggest challenge was getting the tone of Fred Rogers right. “The challenge of pacing with the movie is Mister Rogers is someone who took his time. He allowed pauses and he allowed moments of being quiet. We wanted to embrace that and not make the movie four hours long.”
McCabe says she did go back and watch the show itself to understand how to pace the film and in revisiting the original Fred Rogers,...
- 11/22/2019
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most stomach-wrenching episodes of TV from the past year came right in the middle of the debut season of the HBO series “Succession.” Episode 6, dubbed “Which Side are You On?” is an hour of meticulously crafted dread, culminating in one of the series’ most consequential showdowns.
Though most of the episode centers on Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and his efforts to unseat his father Logan (Brian Cox) from his position at the head of the family business, there’s a tension simmering underneath every single character interaction. From the sting of the opening credits to the use of the folk song at the end that gives the episode its title, there’s a sense of momentum building up to an uncertain “no confidence” vote at the end. Working with the episode’s director Andrij Parekh, editor Anne McCabe was tasked with making sure that climactic boardroom drama felt earned.
Though most of the episode centers on Kendall (Jeremy Strong) and his efforts to unseat his father Logan (Brian Cox) from his position at the head of the family business, there’s a tension simmering underneath every single character interaction. From the sting of the opening credits to the use of the folk song at the end that gives the episode its title, there’s a sense of momentum building up to an uncertain “no confidence” vote at the end. Working with the episode’s director Andrij Parekh, editor Anne McCabe was tasked with making sure that climactic boardroom drama felt earned.
- 5/23/2019
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Dolly Wells, Ben Falcone, Gregory Korostishevsky, Jane Curtin, Stephen Spinella, Christian Navarro, Pun Bandhu, Erik Laray Harvey, Brandon Scott Jones, Shae D’lyn | Written by Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty | Directed by Marielle Heller
Directed by rising star Marielle Heller, her latest offering comes after the 2015 breakout comedic hit film The Diary of a Teenage Girl. Heller turns her attention from a coming of age story to the more overly serious and tonally mature, yet comedically balanced drama, Can You Ever Forgive Me? A film that inhabits a truly outstanding and splendid array of performances. Specifically, that of leading actress Melissa McCarthy, of Bridesmaids and Life of the Party fame, who is terrific and exceptional as subject Lee Israel – fully deserving to be recognised in this year’s awards season with an astonishing dramatic turn.
Heller’s film follows a delightfully simplistic and jaunty template...
Directed by rising star Marielle Heller, her latest offering comes after the 2015 breakout comedic hit film The Diary of a Teenage Girl. Heller turns her attention from a coming of age story to the more overly serious and tonally mature, yet comedically balanced drama, Can You Ever Forgive Me? A film that inhabits a truly outstanding and splendid array of performances. Specifically, that of leading actress Melissa McCarthy, of Bridesmaids and Life of the Party fame, who is terrific and exceptional as subject Lee Israel – fully deserving to be recognised in this year’s awards season with an astonishing dramatic turn.
Heller’s film follows a delightfully simplistic and jaunty template...
- 2/5/2019
- by Jak-Luke Sharp
- Nerdly
In Fox Searchlight’s dramedy Can You Ever Forgive Me?, comedy star Melissa McCarthy turns another corner raising her drama game as late curmudgeon and celebrity biographer Lee Israel who when her career went south, she went criminal selling off forged author letters.
Today at Deadline’s Contenders in New York, director Marielle Heller described the challenges of recreating 1991 in the Big Apple, and how such artsy neighborhoods were becoming rare.
“I was trying to capture a New York that is lost, a time when artists lived in New York and bookstores were a really exciting prospect. We were trying to capture lightning in a bottle before it disappeared.” And disappear it did. There were literally bookstores that the production wanted to use as locations that went out of business.
In the movie, Melissa McCarthy’s Israel and Richard E. Grant’s Jack Hock are misfits in the city not...
Today at Deadline’s Contenders in New York, director Marielle Heller described the challenges of recreating 1991 in the Big Apple, and how such artsy neighborhoods were becoming rare.
“I was trying to capture a New York that is lost, a time when artists lived in New York and bookstores were a really exciting prospect. We were trying to capture lightning in a bottle before it disappeared.” And disappear it did. There were literally bookstores that the production wanted to use as locations that went out of business.
In the movie, Melissa McCarthy’s Israel and Richard E. Grant’s Jack Hock are misfits in the city not...
- 12/1/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline’s The Contenders, which began in Los Angeles eight years ago, is expanding to New York for the first time December 1. The awards-season showcase, which had its second-ever London edition in October and another sold-out L.A. event on November 3, will feature more than 20 films from 13 studios in New York.
Clips and onstage conversations will feature actors, directors, producers, writers and other key figures behind the season’s contending films. Academy and guild voters in attendance will get to hear backstories about how the films got made from the people who made them.
Here are the confirmed films and panel participants for the inaugural New York event, to be held at the Director’s Guild Theatre on 57th Street:
Mary Poppins Returns: Rob Marshall (Director/Producer/Writer), Emily Blunt (Actor), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Actor) Incredibles 2: Brad Bird (Director/Writer/Actor) Ben is Back: Peter Hedges (Director/Producer/Writer), Lucas Hedges...
Clips and onstage conversations will feature actors, directors, producers, writers and other key figures behind the season’s contending films. Academy and guild voters in attendance will get to hear backstories about how the films got made from the people who made them.
Here are the confirmed films and panel participants for the inaugural New York event, to be held at the Director’s Guild Theatre on 57th Street:
Mary Poppins Returns: Rob Marshall (Director/Producer/Writer), Emily Blunt (Actor), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Actor) Incredibles 2: Brad Bird (Director/Writer/Actor) Ben is Back: Peter Hedges (Director/Producer/Writer), Lucas Hedges...
- 11/7/2018
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Top Five
Written and Directed by Chris Rock
USA, 2014
Chris Rock has always been one of the most invigorating presences in the comedy scene. His comedy is confrontational, biting and hilarious. Up until this point, his foray into filmmaking has rarely matched his unique and vibrant talents and while there are certainly exceptions, on screen Chris Rock has often been reduced to a much tamer and often much less funny version of himself. With Top Five, however, the gears seems to shift. Chris Rock not only shows off why he is one of the funniest people alive, but blends his humour to a surprisingly daring narrative about the value of laughter and the struggle of being an artist. The film also works as a wonderful metatextual narrative on the state of the current Hollywood system, as well as a touching romance.
Top Five opens up as a fairly straightforward Hollywood comedy.
Written and Directed by Chris Rock
USA, 2014
Chris Rock has always been one of the most invigorating presences in the comedy scene. His comedy is confrontational, biting and hilarious. Up until this point, his foray into filmmaking has rarely matched his unique and vibrant talents and while there are certainly exceptions, on screen Chris Rock has often been reduced to a much tamer and often much less funny version of himself. With Top Five, however, the gears seems to shift. Chris Rock not only shows off why he is one of the funniest people alive, but blends his humour to a surprisingly daring narrative about the value of laughter and the struggle of being an artist. The film also works as a wonderful metatextual narrative on the state of the current Hollywood system, as well as a touching romance.
Top Five opens up as a fairly straightforward Hollywood comedy.
- 9/10/2014
- by Justine Smith
- SoundOnSight
"Argo" remains the Oscar-frontrunner! The Ben Affleck film was the big winner at the recently concluded 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards honoring outstanding editing in nine categories of film, television, and documentaries. "Argo" won the Dramatic category, "Silver Linings Playbook" for Comedy/Musical, "Brave" for Animated, and "Searching for Sugar Man" for Documentary.
Here are the complete list of nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
*** Argo
William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Life of Pi
Tim Squyres, A.C.E.
Lincoln
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Skyfall
Stuart Baird, A.C.E.
Zero Dark Thirty
Dylan Tichenor, A.C.E. and William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Chris Gill
Les Misérables
Melanie Ann Oliver & Chris Dickens, A.C.E.
Moonrise Kingdom
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
*** Silver Linings Playbook
Jay Cassidy,...
Here are the complete list of nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
*** Argo
William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Life of Pi
Tim Squyres, A.C.E.
Lincoln
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Skyfall
Stuart Baird, A.C.E.
Zero Dark Thirty
Dylan Tichenor, A.C.E. and William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Chris Gill
Les Misérables
Melanie Ann Oliver & Chris Dickens, A.C.E.
Moonrise Kingdom
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
*** Silver Linings Playbook
Jay Cassidy,...
- 2/18/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
“Argo” (edited by William Goldenberg, A.C.E.) and “The Silver Linings Playbook” (edited byJay Cassidy, A.C.E. and Crispin Struthers) won Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) and Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy/Musical) respectively at the 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards tonight where trophies were handed out in ten (10) categories of film, television and documentaries.
The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing. “Brave” (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and “Searching For Sugar Man” (edited by Malik Bendjelloul) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature).
Television winners included ”Nurse Jackie – Handle Your Scandle” (edited by Gary Levy) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, “Breaking Bad – Dead Freight” (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television,...
The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing. “Brave” (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and “Searching For Sugar Man” (edited by Malik Bendjelloul) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature).
Television winners included ”Nurse Jackie – Handle Your Scandle” (edited by Gary Levy) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, “Breaking Bad – Dead Freight” (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television,...
- 2/17/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
‘Argo’ (edited by William Goldenberg, A.C.E.) and ‘The Silver Linings Playbook’ (edited by Jay Cassidy, A.C.E. and Crispin Struthers) won Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic) and Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy/Musical) respectively at the 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards tonight where trophies were handed out in ten (10) categories of film, television and documentaries. The black-tie ceremony was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel with over 1,000 in attendance to celebrate the year’s best editing. ‘Brave’ (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film and ‘Searching For Sugar Man’ (edited by Malik Bendjelloul) won Best Edited Documentary (Feature). Television winners included ‘Nurse Jackie Handle Your Scandle’ (edited by Gary Levy) for Best Edited Half-Hour Series for Television, ‘Breaking Bad ‘ Dead Freight’ (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.) for Best Edited One-Hour Series for Commercial television,...
- 2/17/2013
- by hnblog@hollywoodnews.com (Hollywood News Team)
- Hollywoodnews.com
Drama "Argo" (edited by William Goldenberg, A.C.E.) won again Saturday at the Ace Eddie Awards, along with comedy "Silver Linings Playbook" (edited by Jay Cassidy, A.C.E. and Crispin Struthers). "Searching for Sugar Man" (edited by director Malik Bendjelloul) continued its awards streak, winning the Eddie for documentary. “Brave” (edited by Nicholas C. Smith, A.C.E. & Robert Grahamjones, A.C.E.) won Best Edited Animated Feature Film. It also took home a Cinemas Audio Society Sound Mixing award Saturday. In television, one-hour series "Breaking Bad" (edited by Skip MacDonald, A.C.E.), half-hour series "Nurse Jackie" (edited by Gary Levy) and one-hour commercial TV series "The Newsroom" (edited by Anne McCabe, A.C.E.) took home Eddies. "American Masters - Phil Ochs: There But for Fortune" (edited by Pamela Scott Arnold) won best edited documentary (television). Perhaps mitigating the...
- 2/17/2013
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The American Cinema Editors (Ace) has announced the nominees of the 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards honoring outstanding editing in nine categories of film, television, and documentaries. We'll find out the winners on Saturday, February 16th.
Here are the complete list of nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Argo
William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Life of Pi
Tim Squyres, A.C.E.
Lincoln
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Skyfall
Stuart Baird, A.C.E.
Zero Dark Thirty
Dylan Tichenor, A.C.E. and William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Chris Gill
Les Misérables
Melanie Ann Oliver & Chris Dickens, A.C.E.
Moonrise Kingdom
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
Silver Linings Playbook
Jay Cassidy, A.C.E. & Crispin Struthers
Ted
Jeff Freeman, A.C.E.
Best Edited Animated Feature Film:
Brave -- Nicolas C.
Here are the complete list of nominees; for winners/nominees of other award-giving bodies, click here:
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Argo
William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Life of Pi
Tim Squyres, A.C.E.
Lincoln
Michael Kahn, A.C.E.
Skyfall
Stuart Baird, A.C.E.
Zero Dark Thirty
Dylan Tichenor, A.C.E. and William Goldenberg, A.C.E.
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Chris Gill
Les Misérables
Melanie Ann Oliver & Chris Dickens, A.C.E.
Moonrise Kingdom
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
Silver Linings Playbook
Jay Cassidy, A.C.E. & Crispin Struthers
Ted
Jeff Freeman, A.C.E.
Best Edited Animated Feature Film:
Brave -- Nicolas C.
- 1/12/2013
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The nominees for the 63rd Annual Ace Eddie Awards was announced today. Ace, the American Cinema Editors, is an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950. Film editors are voted into membership on the basis of their professional achievements, their dedication to the education of others and their commitment to the craft of editing. Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic): Argo William Goldenberg, A.C.E Life of Pi Tim Squyres, A.C.E. Lincoln Michael Kahn, A.C.E. Skyfall Stuart Baird, A.C.E. Zero Dark Thirty Dylan Tichenor, A.C.E. & William Goldenberg, A.C.E. Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical): The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Chris Gill Les Misérables Melanie Ann Oliver & Chris Dickens, A.C.E. Moonrise Kingdom Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E. Silver Linings Playbook Jay Cassidy, A.C.E. & Crispin Struthers Ted Jeff Freeman, A.C.E. Best Edited...
- 1/11/2013
- by hnblog@hollywoodnews.com (Hollywood News Team)
- Hollywoodnews.com
"What a glorious mess!" exclaims Keith Uhlich in Time Out New York. "Kenneth Lonergan's long-delayed follow-up to 2000's revered brother-sister drama You Can Count On Me finally arrives in theaters with little fanfare and the bitter air of failure around it. Don't believe the scuttlebutt… This is frayed-edges filmmaking at its finest."
"The last hour is a fiasco, full of mismatched shots, subplots from nowhere, and 360-degree pans that make you want to ship the director to film school," writes David Edelstein in New York. "But the first hour and change is jaw-dropping in a good way — that distinctive Lonergan way, the characters given their tongues and allowed to go wherever their fancies (and neuroses) take them, story structure be damned."
Alison Willmore in Movieline: "Margaret is the story of Lisa Cohen (Anna Paquin), who belongs squarely to two groups known for their capacity for noisy self-centeredness and unthinking entitlement — New Yorkers and teenagers.
"The last hour is a fiasco, full of mismatched shots, subplots from nowhere, and 360-degree pans that make you want to ship the director to film school," writes David Edelstein in New York. "But the first hour and change is jaw-dropping in a good way — that distinctive Lonergan way, the characters given their tongues and allowed to go wherever their fancies (and neuroses) take them, story structure be damned."
Alison Willmore in Movieline: "Margaret is the story of Lisa Cohen (Anna Paquin), who belongs squarely to two groups known for their capacity for noisy self-centeredness and unthinking entitlement — New Yorkers and teenagers.
- 9/30/2011
- MUBI
Kenneth Lonergan‘s Margaret feels both incomplete and uncut. What lives on the screen arrives like the bullet points of a much larger, much grander, impossibly longer version of the same basic story: a pseudo-intellectual teenage girl whose life, full of adolescent semi-dramas, is turned upside down when she witnesses/causes a tragic bus accident that takes a life. In the aftermath of the incident, she makes a mistake she’ll spend the rest of the film trying to reconcile. With everyone. The bus driver (Mark Ruffalo); her mother (J. Smith-Cameron); her amiably neglectful father (Lonergan); the victim’s best friend Emily (Jeannie Berlin); her young, attractive private school teacher (Matt Damon) and so on and so on.
Most all of these adults see an over-privileged, over-dramatic teenager and, to that point, a lot of this film feels like the work of an over-privileged, over-dramatic filmmaker. Scenes in upper west...
Most all of these adults see an over-privileged, over-dramatic teenager and, to that point, a lot of this film feels like the work of an over-privileged, over-dramatic filmmaker. Scenes in upper west...
- 9/29/2011
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
"The Social Network" editors, Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter, won the Ace Eddie Award for Best Edited Dramatic Feature at the 61st Annual Ace Eddie Awards. The David Fincher film beat "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "Inception," and "The King's Speech." We'll see if "The Social Network" will beat those movies (except for "Inception" which was not nominated in favor of "127 Hours") at the upcoming 83rd Academy Awards.
In the feature category for Musical or Comedy, Chris Lebenzon of "Alice in Wonderland" took home the trophy, winning over "Easy A," "The Kids Are All Right," "Made in Dagenham," and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World."
In the Best Edited Animated Featuer Film category, surprise, surprise, "Toy Story 3" won over "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Despicable Me."
Tom Fulford & Chris King of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" won for Best Edited Documentary beating "Inside Job" and "Waiting for Superman."
The 61st Annual...
In the feature category for Musical or Comedy, Chris Lebenzon of "Alice in Wonderland" took home the trophy, winning over "Easy A," "The Kids Are All Right," "Made in Dagenham," and "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World."
In the Best Edited Animated Featuer Film category, surprise, surprise, "Toy Story 3" won over "How to Train Your Dragon" and "Despicable Me."
Tom Fulford & Chris King of "Exit Through the Gift Shop" won for Best Edited Documentary beating "Inside Job" and "Waiting for Superman."
The 61st Annual...
- 2/21/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The American Cinema Editors announced their nominees for the 61st Annual Ace Eddie Awards today. The awards ceremony will be held Feb. 19. Among the nominated films are Black Swan, The King’s Speech, Inception, The Social Network, The Kids Are All Right, How To Train Your Dragon, and Toy Story 3. The nominees are:
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Black Swan — Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
The Fighter — Pamela Martin
Inception — Lee Smith, A.C.E.
The King’s Speech — Tariq Anwar
The Social Network — Angus Wall, A.C.E., & Kirk Baxter
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical...
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Black Swan — Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
The Fighter — Pamela Martin
Inception — Lee Smith, A.C.E.
The King’s Speech — Tariq Anwar
The Social Network — Angus Wall, A.C.E., & Kirk Baxter
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical...
- 1/14/2011
- by Margaret Lyons
- EW - Inside Movies
hollywoodnews.com: The American Cinema Editors announced the nominees for the 61st annualL Ace Eddie awards. They recognize the best editing of the year.
Ace, the American Cinema Editors, is an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950. Film editors are voted into membership on the basis of their professional achievements, their dedication to the education of others and their commitment to the craft of editing.
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Black Swan
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
The Fighter
Pamela Martin
Inception
Lee Smith, A.C.E.
The King’s Speech
Tariq Anwar
The Social Network
Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
Alice in Wonderland
Chris Lebenzon, A.C.E.
Easy A
Susan Littenberg
The Kids Are All Right
Jeffrey M. Werner
Made In Dagenham
Michael Parker
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss
Best Edited...
Ace, the American Cinema Editors, is an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950. Film editors are voted into membership on the basis of their professional achievements, their dedication to the education of others and their commitment to the craft of editing.
Best Edited Feature Film (Dramatic):
Black Swan
Andrew Weisblum, A.C.E.
The Fighter
Pamela Martin
Inception
Lee Smith, A.C.E.
The King’s Speech
Tariq Anwar
The Social Network
Angus Wall, A.C.E. & Kirk Baxter
Best Edited Feature Film (Comedy Or Musical):
Alice in Wonderland
Chris Lebenzon, A.C.E.
Easy A
Susan Littenberg
The Kids Are All Right
Jeffrey M. Werner
Made In Dagenham
Michael Parker
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss
Best Edited...
- 1/14/2011
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Magma Films' latest project, an adaptation of Ken Bruen's 'The Guards', has begun shooting today, October 27th, in Co. Galway. The film is directed by Stuart Orme (Inspector Morse, Merlin) with Iain Glen (Song for a Raggy Boy, Tara Road) leading the cast. Produced by Ralph Christians (Niko and the way to the Stars) and Clodagh Freeman (Summer of the Flying Saucer), the script was adapted from Bruen's novel by Anne McCabe, Tom Collins and Ralph Christians. Other crew involved includes Director of Photography John Conroy (The Bourne Ultimatum) and Production Designer Derek Wallace (Triage). Iain Glen (Tara Road) leads the cast as disgraced ex-cop Jack Taylor whilst Ralph Brown (The Boat that Rocked) stars as his sidekick Sutton. The female leads are played by Irish actresses Tara Breathnach (The Tudors) and Nora-Jane Noone (Savage).
- 10/27/2009
- IFTN
Editfest, a weekend seminar focusing on the craft and business of editing, which first took place last year in Los Angeles, is expanding to New York, where it will take place Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13 at the Directors Guild of America at 110 W. 57th Street.
American Cinema Editors and Manhattan Edit Workshop are co-producing the two-day event.
"One of Ace's highest priorities is to help educate and mentor the next generation of editors," Ace president Randy Roberts said. "Editfest is a unique opportunity for attendees to spend time with some of the most accomplished editors working in film and television today."
Confirmed panelists include: Michael Berenbaum; Scott Brock; Robert Eisenhardt; Ken Eluto; Alexander Hall; Tom Haneke; Brian Kates; Anne McCabe; Craig McKay; Bill Pankow; Lee Percy; Sam Pollard; Jay Rabinowitz; Meg Reticker; Stephen Rotter; Kate Sanford; Karen Schmeer; Larry Silk; Tim Squyres; Kate Sanford; Thelma Schoonmaker; Troy Takaki; Chris...
American Cinema Editors and Manhattan Edit Workshop are co-producing the two-day event.
"One of Ace's highest priorities is to help educate and mentor the next generation of editors," Ace president Randy Roberts said. "Editfest is a unique opportunity for attendees to spend time with some of the most accomplished editors working in film and television today."
Confirmed panelists include: Michael Berenbaum; Scott Brock; Robert Eisenhardt; Ken Eluto; Alexander Hall; Tom Haneke; Brian Kates; Anne McCabe; Craig McKay; Bill Pankow; Lee Percy; Sam Pollard; Jay Rabinowitz; Meg Reticker; Stephen Rotter; Kate Sanford; Karen Schmeer; Larry Silk; Tim Squyres; Kate Sanford; Thelma Schoonmaker; Troy Takaki; Chris...
"Adventureland" is around the corner. The Greg Mottola directed and written film finds theatres on April 3rd. Mottola is responsible for "Superbad," one of the funniest films in recent times. A talented cast works their magic in "Adventureland" including Jesse Eisenberg of "The Hunting Party," "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds ("Smokin' Aces"), Kristen Wiig ("Forgetting Sarah Marshall") and Bill Hader who also notched up laughs in "Superbad" alongside Seth Rogen. For the sake of interest, we've briefly compiled a list of amusement park scenes from films we found most memorable. These can be found after you read what "Adventureland" is all about. What's "Adventureland" about? It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little...
- 3/26/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park. Forget about German beer, world-famous museums and cute French girls-James' summer will now be populated by belligerent dads, stuffed pandas, and screaming kids high on cotton candy. Lucky for James, what should have been his worst summer ever turns into quite an adventure as he discovers love in the most unlikely place with his captivating co-worker Em (Kristen Stewart), and learns to loosen up.
The film stars Jesse Eisenberg ("The Squid and the Whale"), Kristen Stewart ("Twilight, "Into the Wild"), Ryan Reynolds ("Just Friends," "Van Wilder"), Martin Starr ("Knocked Up," "Superbad"), and "Saturday Night Live...
The film stars Jesse Eisenberg ("The Squid and the Whale"), Kristen Stewart ("Twilight, "Into the Wild"), Ryan Reynolds ("Just Friends," "Van Wilder"), Martin Starr ("Knocked Up," "Superbad"), and "Saturday Night Live...
- 2/16/2009
- by Leigh
- Latemag.com/film
Check out the new features on the official "Adventureland" site where one can meet the cast, check out new photos of "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart and the rest of the cast. Not enough? Try entering to win a trip to Europe! The film stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Release date is on the 27th of March. Check out the official site here. What's this all about? It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park. Forget about German beer, world-famous museums and cute French girls-James' summer will now be populated by belligerent dads, stuffed pandas,...
- 2/11/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
With release date confirmed for March 27 (wide) this year, we are pleased to give you some new clips from Miramax Films' "Adventureland" at this year's Sundance Film Festival! The comedy stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Greg Mottola, director of the uproariously funny "Superbad," directs from his own screenplay. Stewart is fresh off the success of "Twilight" and should command a strong audience pull just from that. Multi-talented Eisenberg's last film was 2007's "The Hunting Party" alongside Terrence Howard and Richard Gere. See the gallery now! What's it about? It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park.
- 1/23/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Check out these new Sundance Film Fest pics from Miramax's "Adventureland" starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Greg Mottola directs the comedy based on his own screenplay. Producing are Anne Carey, Ted Hope and Sidney Kimmel. Naturally, Stewart's off a fresh success with "Twilight." She's in post production for "Welcome to the Rileys" alongside James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo. Check out the new images here and the trailer here. Also, see the official site here - http://adventurelandthefilm.com/ What's it about? It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has little choice but to take a lowly job at a local amusement park. Forget about German beer,...
- 1/15/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have new images as well as the first trailer from "Adventureland" starring Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds, Martin Starr, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Greg Mottola, helmer of the successful "Superbad" starring Michael Cera and Jonah Hill, helms and writes this time around. He's in pre-production for 2010's British comedy "Paul" starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost of "Shaun of the Dead" and "Hot Fuzz" fame. Stewart is enjoying her shining time with "Twilight" hitting the top spot and pulling in over $70 million on its first weekend at play. Hader was in "Superbad" as well. See the new images here! So what's this film about? It's the summer of 1987, and James Brennan (Jesse Eisenberg), an uptight recent college grad, can't wait to embark on his dream tour of Europe. But when his parents (Wendie Malick and Jack Gilpin) announce they can no longer subsidize his trip, James has...
- 11/24/2008
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY -- "Maria Full of Grace" is a modern-day version of "The Bicycle Thief". In this gripping competition entry, a desperate 17-year-old girl travels as a mule, smuggling drugs to the United States to pay for her mother and sister's upkeep.
Maria Catalina Sandino Moreno) is a likable, spirited Colombian girl. To bring money to her family, she risks becoming a mule for a drug ring: Maria swallows packets of cocaine, traveling to New York. It's a harrowing journey and a frightful experience for small-town Maria.
An inherently intense story, "Maria" is told with a sympathetic eye. Although it's somewhat predictable, writer-director Joshua Marston has crafted a compelling portrait of the desperation of poverty. Throughout, we're constantly rooting for Maria, aware of her underlying decency and protective of her missteps. Ultimately, the ending is a bit of a cop-out, but that's a small criticism for a film with such decent perspectives.
This HBO Films presentation (in Spanish with subtitles) jells largely because of Moreno's endearing, forceful performance. Bolstering our involvement are the succinct technical contributions: Jim Denault's vivid cinematography as well as editors Anne McCabe and Lee Percy's pulsating cuts heighten this humane story's considerable jeopardy.
Maria Full of Grace
HBO Films presents in association with Tucan Producciones Altercine
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Joshua Marston
Producer: Paul Mezey
Co-producer: Jaimes Osorio Gomez
Associate producers: Orlando Tobon, Rodrigo Guerrero
Line producer: Becky Glupczynski
Director of photography: Jim Denault
Production designers: Monica Marulanda, Debbie De Villa
Editors: Anne McCabe, Lee Percy
Costume designers: Lauren Press, Sarah Beers
Composers: Jacobo Lieberman, Leonardo Heiblum
Music supervisor: Lynn Fainchtein
Casting directors: Maria E. Nelson, Ellyn Long Marshall
Cast:
Maria: Catalina Sandino Moreno
Blanca: Yenny Paola Vega
Juan: Wilson Guerrero
Franklin: Jhon Alex Toro
Javier: Jaime Osorio Gomez
Lucy: Guilied Lopez
Carla: Patricia Rae
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY -- "Maria Full of Grace" is a modern-day version of "The Bicycle Thief". In this gripping competition entry, a desperate 17-year-old girl travels as a mule, smuggling drugs to the United States to pay for her mother and sister's upkeep.
Maria Catalina Sandino Moreno) is a likable, spirited Colombian girl. To bring money to her family, she risks becoming a mule for a drug ring: Maria swallows packets of cocaine, traveling to New York. It's a harrowing journey and a frightful experience for small-town Maria.
An inherently intense story, "Maria" is told with a sympathetic eye. Although it's somewhat predictable, writer-director Joshua Marston has crafted a compelling portrait of the desperation of poverty. Throughout, we're constantly rooting for Maria, aware of her underlying decency and protective of her missteps. Ultimately, the ending is a bit of a cop-out, but that's a small criticism for a film with such decent perspectives.
This HBO Films presentation (in Spanish with subtitles) jells largely because of Moreno's endearing, forceful performance. Bolstering our involvement are the succinct technical contributions: Jim Denault's vivid cinematography as well as editors Anne McCabe and Lee Percy's pulsating cuts heighten this humane story's considerable jeopardy.
Maria Full of Grace
HBO Films presents in association with Tucan Producciones Altercine
Credits:
Screenwriter-director: Joshua Marston
Producer: Paul Mezey
Co-producer: Jaimes Osorio Gomez
Associate producers: Orlando Tobon, Rodrigo Guerrero
Line producer: Becky Glupczynski
Director of photography: Jim Denault
Production designers: Monica Marulanda, Debbie De Villa
Editors: Anne McCabe, Lee Percy
Costume designers: Lauren Press, Sarah Beers
Composers: Jacobo Lieberman, Leonardo Heiblum
Music supervisor: Lynn Fainchtein
Casting directors: Maria E. Nelson, Ellyn Long Marshall
Cast:
Maria: Catalina Sandino Moreno
Blanca: Yenny Paola Vega
Juan: Wilson Guerrero
Franklin: Jhon Alex Toro
Javier: Jaime Osorio Gomez
Lucy: Guilied Lopez
Carla: Patricia Rae
Running time -- 110 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 1/22/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wil Conroy's debut feature is the latest in a long line of fish-out-of-water movies in which a self-absorbed yuppie learns the error of his ways by immersing himself in a different, laid-back culture.
Although not exactly surprising in its plot developments, the film -- which recalls such efforts as "Local Hero" and the indie "Sweet Lorraine" -- makes the formula work yet again. "Catalina Trust" was a crowd-pleaser at the Nantucket Film Festival, where it received its world premiere.
The protagonist is Marshall (Jay Harrington), an up-and-coming Manhattan marketer who's about to marry a rich debutante, the beautiful Kitty (Erica Shaffer), and move into a luxury apartment. The death of his grandfather, the proprietor of an old-fashioned inn in Arizona, derails his plans. Informed that he's due for a rich inheritance on the condition that he travel to Arizona to settle his grandfather's affairs, Marshall reluctantly makes the trip, accompanied by his jovial foster brother Freddie (David Vegh), who has only recently graduated from law school.
In Tucson, Ariz., the two young men are introduced to the luxurious hotel and its staffers, including Siobhan (Arabella Holzbog), the grandfather's beautiful and strong-willed Irish secretary. Needless to say, the employees and longtime guests are a colorful lot (a chef who rebels against making club sandwiches and a trio of dotty old ladies, among others), and the inn is a magnificent, old-fashioned establishment based on traditional rules of service.
Marshall, aided by a smooth-talking lawyer (John Shea), attempts to take over the place so it can be torn down for a shopping mall -- and soon finds himself haunted by the ghost of his grandfather. You can well imagine the remaining plot developments.
Director-screenwriter Conroy is clearly working from the heart and has filmed his tale at the Arizona Inn, a real hotel that in fact has been in his family for decades. The atmosphere of the establishment and the picturesque Arizona locations add greatly to the film's impact, which is otherwise marred by a tentativeness and unevenness in its storytelling. The filmmaker is perhaps so close to his story that he has neglected to fill it in with the proper texture.
We never clearly see why Marshall falls in love with the hotel or with the fiery Siobhan, for example, and the lack of delineation in his transformation -- the central element of the story -- reduces the film's impact greatly. And the melodramatic plot developments involving the lawyer's shady manipulations and the true relationship between the foster brothers are awkwardly handled and staged.
To its credit, the film doesn't take itself too seriously, and like its central location, it possesses a great deal of charm. Harrington and Holzbog are an attractive romantic team, and Vegh is a consistent delight as the wisecracking brother. Shea brings a smooth charm to the role of the lawyer, and Shaffer is so appealing as Kitty that she almost throws the film's romantic triangle off balance.
Some notable progeny are involved here. Director-screenwriter Conroy is the son of famed novelist Pat Conroy ("The Prince of Tides"), while one of the executive producers, Michael Mailer, is the son of Norman.
CATALINA TRUST
A Bigel/Mailer Films production
Credits: Writer-director: Wil Conroy; Producers: Todd Hagopian, David Kohner-Zuckerman; Executive producers: Michael Mailer, Dan Bigel, Mary Anne Page; Director of photography: David Parker; Editors: Anne McCabe, Ben Desousa; Music: Ed Grenga. Cast: Marshall: Jay Harrington; Offerman: John Shea; Siobhan: Arabella Holzbog; Freddie: David Vegh; Kitty: Erica Shaffer. No MPAA rating. Color/stereo. Running time -- 90 minutes.
Although not exactly surprising in its plot developments, the film -- which recalls such efforts as "Local Hero" and the indie "Sweet Lorraine" -- makes the formula work yet again. "Catalina Trust" was a crowd-pleaser at the Nantucket Film Festival, where it received its world premiere.
The protagonist is Marshall (Jay Harrington), an up-and-coming Manhattan marketer who's about to marry a rich debutante, the beautiful Kitty (Erica Shaffer), and move into a luxury apartment. The death of his grandfather, the proprietor of an old-fashioned inn in Arizona, derails his plans. Informed that he's due for a rich inheritance on the condition that he travel to Arizona to settle his grandfather's affairs, Marshall reluctantly makes the trip, accompanied by his jovial foster brother Freddie (David Vegh), who has only recently graduated from law school.
In Tucson, Ariz., the two young men are introduced to the luxurious hotel and its staffers, including Siobhan (Arabella Holzbog), the grandfather's beautiful and strong-willed Irish secretary. Needless to say, the employees and longtime guests are a colorful lot (a chef who rebels against making club sandwiches and a trio of dotty old ladies, among others), and the inn is a magnificent, old-fashioned establishment based on traditional rules of service.
Marshall, aided by a smooth-talking lawyer (John Shea), attempts to take over the place so it can be torn down for a shopping mall -- and soon finds himself haunted by the ghost of his grandfather. You can well imagine the remaining plot developments.
Director-screenwriter Conroy is clearly working from the heart and has filmed his tale at the Arizona Inn, a real hotel that in fact has been in his family for decades. The atmosphere of the establishment and the picturesque Arizona locations add greatly to the film's impact, which is otherwise marred by a tentativeness and unevenness in its storytelling. The filmmaker is perhaps so close to his story that he has neglected to fill it in with the proper texture.
We never clearly see why Marshall falls in love with the hotel or with the fiery Siobhan, for example, and the lack of delineation in his transformation -- the central element of the story -- reduces the film's impact greatly. And the melodramatic plot developments involving the lawyer's shady manipulations and the true relationship between the foster brothers are awkwardly handled and staged.
To its credit, the film doesn't take itself too seriously, and like its central location, it possesses a great deal of charm. Harrington and Holzbog are an attractive romantic team, and Vegh is a consistent delight as the wisecracking brother. Shea brings a smooth charm to the role of the lawyer, and Shaffer is so appealing as Kitty that she almost throws the film's romantic triangle off balance.
Some notable progeny are involved here. Director-screenwriter Conroy is the son of famed novelist Pat Conroy ("The Prince of Tides"), while one of the executive producers, Michael Mailer, is the son of Norman.
CATALINA TRUST
A Bigel/Mailer Films production
Credits: Writer-director: Wil Conroy; Producers: Todd Hagopian, David Kohner-Zuckerman; Executive producers: Michael Mailer, Dan Bigel, Mary Anne Page; Director of photography: David Parker; Editors: Anne McCabe, Ben Desousa; Music: Ed Grenga. Cast: Marshall: Jay Harrington; Offerman: John Shea; Siobhan: Arabella Holzbog; Freddie: David Vegh; Kitty: Erica Shaffer. No MPAA rating. Color/stereo. Running time -- 90 minutes.
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