Day: November 11, 2016

Movies

Thisfunktional Podcast – Movies – Charlie Heaton SHUT IN

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Thisfunktional Podcast – Movies – Charlie Heaton SHUT IN

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Written by Jesus Figueroa

Actor Charlie Heaton talks to Jesus, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, about playing Stephen Portman in psychological suspense movie “Shut In.”

Heaton discusses the dark role, being a newcomer to an American full length feature film and a bit of what it was like to be on set with the spectacular cast.

“Shut In” opens in theaters Nov. 11.

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Movie Reviews

Phenomenal Movie HACKSAW RIDGE Brings True Hero to Big Screen

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Written by Jesus Figueroa, Thisfunktional.com

Unbelievable true story of non-violent heroism in the midst of one of the most violent battlefields of World War II, “Hacksaw Ridge” shows true heroism can be more surprising than any superhero story.

Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, held true to his beliefs through many trials and opposition to show how his undying trust in his faith could bring him more power than any man made weapon.

Garfield was fantastic in the role. He took on a larger-than-life true-to-life character and with some wit and charm was able to portray him in a truthful and relatable manner.

The movie stays at a steady pace which makes each scene, each test Desmond is put through and each character more intense.

Director Mel Gibson finds a way to contrast a beautiful story of love and faith with the gruesome reality of war.

Gibson truly takes on a monumental story and is able to guide his fantastic cast of actors to give a raw feel to the emotions through subtle dialogue and powerful performances.

Through the story the trials of Desmond seem too hard to go through and at points he becomes a person too selfless to be true, but, through trust in his faith, Desmond takes on all challenges and obstacles head on.

The spectacular true story is adapted for the big screen in a great way, is shown in a realistic manner and can be enjoyed by audiences.

Checkout the highlights from the “Hacksaw Ridge” press conference for some more information on the story, the casts’ reactions to it and how the movie came to be.

I give this war movie 4 out of 5 Popcorns. The movie as a whole shows the power of determination and faith. The acting from all the cast members is phenomenal, from Andrew Garfield as the lead, Teresa Palmer and Vince Vaughn to all the extras in the battlefield.

“Hacksaw Ridge” is in theaters Nov. 4.
Entertainment News

Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in the Holiday Season with GRINCHMAS, Merry Mischievous Minions and Delicious, All-New Hot Butterbeer, as Universal CityWalk Decks the Hall with Free Concerts and Special Appearances by Saint Nick

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Theme Park’s New California Neighbor Pass
Adds Christmas Cheer as Perfect Stocking Stuffers


It’s the most wonderful time of the year at The Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM as Universal Studios Hollywood™ and Universal CityWalk® deck the halls for a wintry calendar of cool holiday activities and scrumptious treats that families and friends far and wide can enjoy.

A grinchy-green “Grinchmas™” returns to Universal Studios Hollywood with a Who-lebration fit for The Grinch, his faithful dog Max and a roster of Who-ville Whos.

Holiday whimsy also will permeate throughout “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and the adjoining “Super Silly Fun Land” as a crew of very merry mischievous Minions spread Christmas cheer to visitors of all ages.

Delectable hot Butterbeer™ will complement the menu at Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head pub when “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” at Universal Studios Hollywood debuts this newest addition of the favorite beverage to its offerings of scrumptious fare.

Like its traditional and frozen counterparts, hot Butterbeer is reminiscent of butterscotch and shortbread that’s been perfectly fine-tuned as a Hogsmeade holiday treat.

Universal Plaza, the elaborate grand piazza at the heart of the theme park, will once againserve as the backdrop for the “Grinchmas” event where the towering 60 foot tall whimsical “Grinchmas” tree will beautifully twist and spiral as the ideal photo opp for guests. “Grinchmas” runs weekends on Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, and daily from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, 2017.

As part of the fab-Who-lous event, Martha May Who-vier and the Who Dolls will take center stage by the “Grinchmas” tree, performing energetic musical sets to usher in the Christmas season in style.

The Who-liday Singers – a hip boy-band ensemble – will perform nightly a cappella concerts featuring a mix of Christmas favorites and pop rock.

The spirited “Grinchmas” event will also capture guests’ imagination with a variety of inspiring activities designed to create long lasting memories. These include:

  • Who-ville Post Office – Visitors will have a chance to partake in the “Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes” campaign when they share their good deeds on a postcard and mail them to The Grinch. In return, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and Random House Children’s Books, the publishers of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, will pay it forward by donating a book to a child in need through First Book on behalf of the sender.
  • Trim up the Tree Lot – Guests can design and personalize their own “Grinchmas” ornaments to help decorate the venue’s other “Grinchmas” trees or take them home as a memorable keepsake.
  • Story Time with Cindy-Lou Who – Cindy-Lou Who and her Who friends will gather guests of all ages – tall and small – for an engaging storytelling show of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The spirit of “Grinchmas” also will come to life aboard the world-famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour with engaging performances by unforgettable Who-ville Whos re-enacting popular scenes and songs from the family favorite at the original film sets from the blockbuster film, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The holidays at Universal Studios Hollywood are included in the price of theme park admission. More information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

The spirit of the season continues with a wintertime transformation of Universal CityWalk, beginning the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 25 through Jan. 1, 2017.

A spectacular 40-foot tall Christmas tree will glisten with 200,000 LED icicles choreographed to the lights and sounds of the season in the “5 Towers” plaza. Santa Claus will make nightly appearances and offer special photo opportunities at “5 Towers.”

The iconic, dancing water fountain situated at the heart of CityWalk also will make a splash this holiday season.

This modern and impressive fountain displaying over 230 individual power jets will project streams of choreographed water into the air complemented by red and green LED lights and an array of holiday-themed music.

Free concert performances at “5 Towers” and an eclectic ensemble of talented street performers will make CityWalk the ultimate L.A. holiday destination.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free.

To learn more about Universal Studios Hollywood and the various Annual Pass options, including the new California Neighbor Pass, please visit UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets. Additional information is available at UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Continue reading “Universal Studios Hollywood Rings in the Holiday Season with GRINCHMAS, Merry Mischievous Minions and Delicious, All-New Hot Butterbeer, as Universal CityWalk Decks the Hall with Free Concerts and Special Appearances by Saint Nick” →

Movies

New Trailer for LIVE BY NIGHT

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New Trailer for LIVE BY NIGHT

Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) directed and stars in the dramatic crime thriller “Live by Night.”

Affleck also wrote the screenplay based on the award-winning best-seller by Dennis Lehane, marking the second collaboration for the fellow Boston natives, following the acclaimed drama “Gone Baby Gone.”

“Live by Night” is set in the roaring `20s when Prohibition hasn’t stopped the flow of booze in an underground network of gangster-run speakeasies.

The opportunity to gain power and money is there for any man with enough ambition and nerve and Joe Coughlin, the son of the Boston Police Superintendent, long ago turned his back on his strict upbringing for the spoils of being an outlaw.

But even among criminals there are rules and Joe breaks a big one: crossing a powerful mob boss by stealing his money and his moll.

The fiery affair ends in tragedy, setting Joe on a path of revenge, ambition, romance and betrayal that propels him out of Boston and up the ladder of Tampa’s steamy rum-running underworld.

“Live by Night” is produced by Leonardo DiCaprio (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Out of the Furnace”) and Jennifer Davisson (“The Ides of March,” “Orphan”), under the Appian Way banner; and Ben Affleck and Jennifer Todd (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Across the Universe”) for Pearl Street Films. Chris Brigham, Chay Carter and Dennis Lehane are serving as executive producers.

Starring with Affleck are Elle Fanning (“Maleficent”), Chris Messina (“Argo,” “The Mindy Project”), Sienna Miller (“American Sniper,” “Foxcatcher”), Zoe Saldana (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avatar”), and Oscar winner Chris Cooper (“Adaptation,” “The Town”). The cast also includes Max Casella, (“Inside Llewyn Davis,” “Blue Jasmine”), J.D. Evermore (“Dallas Buyers Club”), Remo Girone (“Heaven”), Robert Glenister (“Persuasion”), Anthony Michael Hall (“Foxcatcher”), Matthew Maher (“Gone Baby Gone”), Miguel J. Pimentel, Chris Sullivan (“The Drop”) and Titus Welliver (“Argo,” “The Town”).

Behind the scenes, Affleck collaborated with three-time Oscar-winning director of photography Robert Richardson (“JFK,” “The Aviator,” “Hugo”) Oscar-nominated production designer Jess Gonchor (“True Grit,” “Foxcatcher”), Oscar-winning editor William Goldenberg (“Argo”), and Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Argo”). The score is composed by Harry Gregson-Williams (“The Martian,” “Gone Baby Gone”).

Slated for release on Jan. 13, 2017, “Live By Night” is a presentation of Warner Bros. Pictures, to be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Movies

FEARLESS Clip En Espanol for BLEED FOR THIS

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FEARLESS Clip En Espanol for BLEED FOR THIS

Excited to share a clip (en espanol) from Open Road Films’ upcoming movie “BLEED FOR THIS,” in theaters Nov. 18.

“BLEED FOR THIS” is the incredible true story of one of the most inspiring and unlikely comebacks in sports history.

Miles Teller (Whiplash, Divergent) stars as Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, a local Providence boxer who shot to stardom after winning two world title fights.

After a near-fatal car accident leaves Vinny with a severed spine, he is told he may never walk again.

Against all odds and doctor’s orders, renowned trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) agrees to help Vinny return to the ring just a year after the accident for what could be the last fight of his life.

Movies

Exclusive Clip for BLEED FOR THIS

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Exclusive Clip for BLEED FOR THIS

Excited to share a brand new exclusive clip from Open Road Films’ upcoming movie… “BLEED FOR THIS,” in theaters Nov. 18.

“BLEED FOR THIS” is the incredible true story of one of the most inspiring and unlikely comebacks in sports history.
Miles Teller (Whiplash, Divergent) stars as Vinny “The Pazmanian Devil” Pazienza, a local Providence boxer who shot to stardom after winning two world title fights.
After a near-fatal car accident leaves Vinny with a severed spine, he is told he may never walk again.
Against all odds and doctor’s orders, renowned trainer Kevin Rooney (Aaron Eckhart) agrees to help Vinny return to the ring just a year after the accident for what could be the last fight of his life.
Movies

Thisfunktional attends ARRIVAL Press Day

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Thisfunktional attends ARRIVAL Press Day

//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/5273131-thisfunktional-podcast-movies-arrival-press-day/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAE54JVgrdlAAWritten by Jesus Figueroa

Sci-Fi movie “Arrival” finds a way to connect audiences with a story that seems unique, told in a fantastic way and in a less than common way.

These elements brought together screenwriter Eric Heisserer, producer Dan Lavine, producer David Linde and producer Aaron Ryder who all were captivated by the story.

“From one producer meeting to the next, anytime they asked if there was a piece of source material that I wanted and I said this and I said it’s a short it’s the sci-fi movie I’ve been wanting to make all my life,” Heisserer said.

Although the story’s pace is slow, the content of the story is captivating and enticing enough to keep the audiences’ eyes glued to the screen and the time to fly by.

Few stories have such complexity in a universal manner where everyone who watches can take something away from it.

The story and the way it’s told gives the audience a distinct intelligent view into a thought provoking story.

“As a producer or executive or the many hats that I wore in my life, I’m very interested in distinction. I think today I’m very interested in what makes things distinct because audiences demand it,” Linde said. “With the exceptions of Marvel, Star Wars and these big things that are distinct within their own genres, so to speak, I think the audiences demand to know ‘what is it that’s going to be distinct for me.'”

Subtleties in the script keep everything focused on the story and it’s themes.

The producers, writer and director took great care in such a passionate project.

Every part of this project and everyone involved seemed to bring their own ideas which mesh together well in the focus of making this story great.

“I have to give a ton of credit to Eric Heisserer who devised the language being circular. In the story it’s not circular, but he came up with that theme,” Lavine said. “He actually, in all the scripts he had a rudimentary of what the logograms looked like. They were a little bit more techie, but it was the idea that Denis and our production designer Patrice Vermette worked off of. We loved that idea, there are moments where you see the girl with the stick in the water and it’s kind of circular, it’s trough out and it really connected.”

Already this film has been deemed one of the best films of the year so far, with a 100 percent fresh rating on RottenTomatoes.com.

From the adamant insistence from the producers to do justice to such an original, emotional and powerful short story to everyone involved having a focused vision on how to make the movie stand out, even with a limited budget.

“Arrival is one of the most exciting films I’ve ever been involved with, to be honest with you. Here’s what’s exciting about it. It feels perfect for right now,” Ryder said. “It’s a movie about communications in an era when its complicated right now, in a complicated world about communication and miscommunication and misinterpretation, that’s perfect for right now.”

“Arrival” is out in theaters on Nov. 11.

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