TV/Movie Reviews, Podcasts, Interviews, Music Reviews/Suggestions, Giveaways, Entertainment News & more!
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, attends the “Lights Out” press day.
Listen to roundtable discussions with screenplay writerEric Heisserer, producer Lawrence Grey, Director David F. Sandberg, actress and Sandberg’s wife Lotta Listen, actors Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello and Alexander DiPersia.
“Lights Out” opens in theaters July 22.
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actress Maria Ann Russell, who plays Officer Gomez in “Lights Out,” Talks with Jesus, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, about her role.
Russell talks about playing Officer Gomez, horror as her favorite genre and the return of the Latina Christmas Special in 2016.
Russell has been part of theater productions, tv, movies and is a dancer. Find Maria Ann Russell on her Actors Access Profile, IMDB Profile, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Channel.
“Lights Out” opens in theaters July 22.
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, attends “The Infiltrator” press day with director Brad Furman, screen play writer Ellen Brown Furman, book writer and real life undercover agent Robert Mazur, actor Benjamin Bratt and Bryan Cranston.
The cast and crew discuss the importance of this real life story that is told, what it took to bring this story to the screen, some of the challenges and how this story is different from other drug cartel stories.
“The Infiltrator” opens in theaters July 15.
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![fox_logo_1-760x439[1]](https://accordingtokristin.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fox_logo_1-760x4391.jpg?w=720){kind=logo}
Wasup TV fans!! Well – here’s what Jesus (thisfunktional.com) and I did on a Saturday afternoon – – we recorded another podcast. This one got a little interesting. (lol)
We watched and reviewed some trailers of FOX’s new TV lineup.
Which ones will you try out?
Which ones will you say, “Ohhhh helll nawwwwwwww to??”
24: LEGACY
@24fox/ #24Legacy
APB
@APBonFOX / #APB
THE EXORCIST
@TheExorcistFOX / #TheExorcist
KICKING & SCREAMING
@KickScreamFOX / #KickingScreaming
LETHAL WEAPON
@LethalWeaponFOX / #LethalWeapon
MAKING HISTORY
@MakingHistory / #MakingHistory
THE MICK
@TheMickFOX / #TheMick
MY KITCHEN RULES
@KitchenRulesFOX / #MyKitchenRules
PITCH
@PitchonFOX / #Pitch
PRISON BREAK
@PrisonBreak / #PrisonBreak
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
@RockyHorrorFOX / #RockyHorror
SHOTS FIRED
@ShotsFiredFOX / #ShotsFired
SON OF ZORN
@SonOfZorn / #SonOfZorn
STAR
@STAR / #Star
Mike “The Movie Guy” Pierce
@thisfunktional Podcast: Movie Review – INDEPENDENCE DAY RESURGENCE
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, talks about “Independence Day Resurgence.”
This movie definitely has an audience, but not Thisfunktional. Although, as an action movie it did good, there were many parts to the movie that were less than enjoyable.
I give this action movie 2 out of 5 Popcorns. Not my cup of tea at all, Lacked so much that the first part had. Cast, although great, weren’t a good fit.
“Independence Day Resurgence”
opened in theaters June 24
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Jesus (thisfunktional.com) and I recently got some Blu-ray/DVD news for the season 2 release of THE STRAIN. Once we got it – we decided we had to share it. (lol) Enjoy!
The Strain Season 2 Blu-Ray/DVD News
If you’re a fan of THE STRAIN…check out our recap show (podcast) – you can find it at the following spots…
The Strain Season 1 – thevro.com
The Strain Season 2 – audioboom.com/channel/iwatchmike and iTunes search: TALKING THE STRAIN
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
Co-Producer Marco Shepherd, Head of Development for Cineplis, talks to Jesus, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about “Independence Day Resurgence.”
Shepherd talks about his excitement for the movie, his favorite characters and mixing new cast with returning cast.
“Independence Day Resurgence” opened in theaters June 24
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Writer-director Morits Rechenberg, producer Ralf Weinfurtner, and actors Marlene Forte, Gilberto Ortiz and Rick Mancia talk with Jesus, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, about “I am Gangster.”
“I AM GANGSTER” tells the story of three young men in East Los Angeles trying to survive on a daily basis. David, an idealistic correctional officer able to keep his family safe, deals with excessive use-of-force incidents at the jail and is challenged to make a fateful decision between the lesser of two evils.
At the same time, hardcore gang member Lito seeks retaliation for the shooting of a fellow gang member by the police, while gang matriarch Tia refuses to let him do so and rejects his request for more organizational responsibility.
This pressures Lito to begin seeking more power on his own. Meanwhile, rebellious and easily influenced teenager Rio faces bullies at school and pressure at home, when he meets up with his old childhood friend who is an active gang member.
Now, Rio could be easily swayed to enter the dangerous life that looks so inviting.
“I AM GANGSTER” was birthed from a collaboration with members the Teen Club of Hazard Park in East Los Angeles, when Rechenberg and these teenagers created a short film called TICKED back in 2008.
And now, eight years later he’s come full circle with this powerful feature length film that comes straight from the heart.
Rechenberg was inspired by their stories, as well as by legendary Los Angeles filmmaker Charles Burnett and his classic KILLER OF SHEEP.
“I AM GANGSTER” brings a non-judgmental/non-apologetic portrait of life on the streets of the City of Angels.
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus, Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, talks to actor Al Coronel about joining the cast of “The Last Ship” for Season 3 as Politician Manuel Castillo. TNT’s “The Last Ship” season 3 premieres with a special two-hour premiere on June 19.
New to this season is Al Coronel, who plays the role of antagonist Manuel Castillo in six episodes throughout the summer.
Coronel is no rookie when it comes to the limelight, as he can be seen in plenty of other shows including CBS’ “Rush Hour”, ABC’s “Secrets and Lies”, NBC’s “Heist”, and Telemundo’s “Sin Verguenza.”
He is also in the upcoming film The Darkness, starring Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell and has also just been casted in the new Wolverinefilm alongside Hugh Jackman.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the bilingual actor currently resides in his hometown.
A military veteran himself, Coronel continues to support vets through the Veterans in Film and Television program, participating in many events for the members.
Coronel is very involved with Children’s Hospital LA as he is a co-host of their annual December blood drive.
“The Last Ship” season 3
two-hour premiere on June 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
The original “Ghostbusters” from 1984 holds up the test of time.
It was fantastic to sit in a theater for a special Fathom Events movie screening for a movie that came out the year I was born.
There are a few Fathom events coming up, check out FathomEvents.com to see a listing of the ones which will be available close to you.
“Ghostbusters” has been a movie which I’ve seen on VHS, DVD and Blu-Ray and is a part of my collection.
Getting to see it on the big screen was surreal and fantastic to hear children laughing at the jokes.
The fantastic look of film could be seen and the well developed story entertained.
Three former parapsychology professors set up shop as a unique ghost removal service.
The supernatural comedy has a magnificent plot with a spectacular cast.
Dr. Peter Venkman, played by Bill Murray, Dr. Raymond Stantz, played by Dan Aykroyd, and Dr. Egon Spengler, played by Harold Ramis and later they are joined by Winston Zeddmore, played by Ernie Hudson.
Aykroyd and Ramis wrote “Ghostbusters” and with Murray and Hudson completed a stellar leading cast.
With Sigourney Weaver playing Dana, who is haunted by Zuul, Annie Potts playing the Ghostbuster’s receptionist Janine Melnitz and Rick Moranis playing Louis Tully the cast is just beyond belief.
There’s so many movies coming out with such talented casts, but not only are all these cast members talented, they work great together and combined to make this movie a classic.
With the remake of “Ghostbusters” coming up, catching up on the original, and the sequel “Ghostbusters 2,” is a must.
The screening ended with a sneak peek of the new “Ghostbusters.”
“Ghostbusters,” the original from 1984, and “Ghostbusters 2” are available 4K HD Blu-ray
The “Ghostbusters” remake opens in theaters July 15.
Thisfunktional: Interview with Luis Guzman for PUERTO RICANS IN PARIS
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Veteran actor Luis Guzman’s first producer credit comes in “Puerto Ricans in Paris,” which he also stars in, opening on June 10.
Listen to Thisfunktional Podcast for full audio interview.
Although a film with Puerto Ricans in the title and Latino actors, “Puerto Ricans in Paris” is a comedy which everyone can enjoy.
“I did not make this movie, or go about making this movie, even though the title is ‘Puerto Ricans in Paris,’ I did not make this movie for Puerto Ricans,” Guzman said. “I’ve always said, ‘I made this movie for the universe.’ That’s what I’m so proud of.”
The comedic elements in the movie are things that many people can relate to.
The comedy is well made with many funny moments, which made it appealing to Focus World to distribute.
Still, the Latino part of the movie keeps it from being widely covered by the entertainment media.
“I do still struggle with, and I don’t have any problem saying this, I do still struggle with the fact that, ok here we have this movie, and I’m still waiting to also do interviews with general market,” Guzman said. “The problem I’ve always found with Latino movies, you know, that people make for the universe, it’s like why are we only being interviewed by Latino markets? When Spike Lee does a movie he’s not just being interviewed by the (African-American market)…and so I think that’s something we have to break through.”
This movie goes from New York to Paris with many French actor involved in roles in the movie.
The barrier is not Hollywood, but what mainstream media decides to cover.
“I don’t think it’s Hollywood that puts a barrier anymore. I think that’s something that we psychologically put as a block,” Guzman said. “My thing is that we are talented but at the same time, taking it to the next level, who’s going to be that person that’s going to write that check. There are Latinos that are multimillionaires and billionaires, where are they?”
Check out “Puerto Ricans in Paris” which opens June 10.
Share the trailer on social media and your reaction with the film using #PuertoRicansInParis.
Check out some awesome shirts with Luis Guzman’s face at: in-theindustry.com/.
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Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of thisfunktional.com, talks with comedian George Lopez about his new show TV Land’s “Lopez.”
New episodes of TV Land’s “Lopez” air Wednesdays at 10 p.m.
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Jesus, @thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, talks with entrepreneurr Rosie Rivera and designer Diego Mendel about the special edition “Alice Through the Looking Glass” boots from the Jenni Rivera Footwear line.
Rivera talks about the opportunity to collaborate with Disney and Mendel, Mendel talks about the inspiration behind the design of the boot and the several concepts he came to Rosie Rivera with.
“Alice Through the Looking Glass” Opens in theaters May 27.
Visit JenniRiveraFashion.com for “Alice Through the Looking Glass” Boots contest details.
For months, bad reviews of “The Boy” made the movie seem like a horrible movie that should have never been made, then it comes out on DVD/Blu-ray and I find it delightful.
“The Boy” tells a fantastically twisted story which, even when knowing the ending, jars the mind and fools audiences.
American nanny Greta Evans, played by Lauren Cohan, travels to England for a baby position taking care of Brahms, a doll.
Cohan is fantastic in swaying the audience with her emotion. The ability to subtly change the feel of the character in such a natural way helps bring forth a human aspect which can be identified with.
As she comes to be aware that what she thought was a child the child is actually a doll, she is introduced to local market delivery boy Malcolm, played by Rupert Evans, and the Brahms parents.
Evans can come off as oblivious and frightened, but that just may be what someone in his character’s position would be. Not the best of this movie, but an enjoyable addition.
As Greta neglects the doll supernatural occurrences begin, which are unexplained.
The manner in which this is all treated leads one way just to be jolted in a different direction and leaves the audience jumping in their seat.
The brilliant part of the film is that time and time again it plays on the human appeal and on the unexplained.
There are many movies which have a possessed doll and rely on jump scares to bring enjoyment, but what this movie does is play on the gullibility of humans to keep the scenes moving forward with the audience interest.
Before this sounds like an overly glorifying review, all the trouble happens starting with the big twist reveal. It gets to the point where it turns from a well anchored psychological thriller to a cheesy payoff.
The ending is jumbled to the point where it because confusing.
The manner in which Greta resolves the conflict just haunt the movie enough to be cliche and the plot’s downfall.
I give this horror movie a 4 out of 5 Popcorns. The acting is good, the story is great, but it loses what makes the movie great as it gets to the end. It’s definitely a movie to watch because it is by far entertaining and one of the most chilling movies to come out in 2016 thus far.
– Jesus Figueroa
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| Click for Thisfunktional Team Page |
Written by Jesus Figueroa
It’s that time of year again to start the fundraising for the 2016 Walk to End Lupus.
I just created Thisfunktional’s team page and after reading up a bit and seeing everything that the Lupus Foundation of America does Team Thisfunktional will be having a goal of becoming a Trailblazer to End Lupus.
To become a Trailblazer means the team is dedicated to trying to raise $1,000 or more to help research the cause of and hopefully prevention or treatment of Lupus.
This will be the third year Thisfunktional is doing the Walk to End Lupus and through the years I’ve met some amazing people who donate and fundraise year-after-year to help family members, friends or co-workers who live with Lupus and some who have had family members, friends or workers who have passed away because of this mysterious autoimmune disease.
For me, my twin brother was diagnosed and I have seen how Lupus affects a person diagnosed with Lupus. The person may not always show symptoms, but when Lupus flares up it can cause an energetic, strong person to be bedridden, tired or in pain from doing common every day activities which were once easy to do.
The biggest fear for someone living with Lupus and the family members and friends is that Lupus can lead to organ failure and death.
Lupus is a mysterious disease because there still hasn’t been any explanation or cause to how people get it and there hasn’t been any medication found that can cure or prevent it.
Many with Lupus take medication which help reduce the affects of flare ups and after 50 years of research a second treatment option has be introduced, but still there’s very little known of the disease.
Please help spreading the word about the dangers of Lupus or by donating, joining the team or sharing the team page: support.lupus.org/goto/ThisfunktionalTeam.
“OLD 37” is revved up to return to Long Island, NY where it was filmed entirely.
After previously premiering in theaters on Long Island for a week-long special event, the horror flick is gearing up to screen as an official selection at the Macabre Faire Film Festival.
Fans will have a chance to watch “OLD 37” on Jan. 16 at midnight in the Amphitheater Room of the UPsky Hotel.
Since its formation in 2012, the festival has established a reputation for showcasing films with a focus on horror, sci-fi, fantasy and all things macabre in a respectful and nurturing environment for film junkies and critics alike.
For more information on the Macabre Faire Film Festival and to purchase tickets, please visit: macabrefairefilmfest.com.
Festival Name: Macabre Faire Film Festival
Festival Date: Saturday, January 26th
Location: Amphitheater Room at UPsky Hotel | 110 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway | Hauppauge, NY
Time: 12 a.m.
Festival Website: http://www.macabrefairefilmfest.com
Dubbed as new and noteworthy on iTunes, indie-horror film OLD 37 is officially available for purchase on DVD (via Epic Pictures & Anchor Bay Canada).
Thrill-seekers can pick up a personal copy in-store at over 2,400 Wal-Mart locations across the US.
Alternatively, the film can be purchased on demand via Dish, Verizon Fios, Charter, Sudden Link, Media Com and many more to come.
“OLD 37” is also available to stream via iTunes (New & Noteworthy), Amazon Instant, Google Play (Top Horror Releases), Vudu, Vimeo, FlixFling, Xbox,and Playstation.
For more information, please visit: old37themovie.com.
“OLD 37” is the last ambulance ride you’ll ever take.
The film takes you on a journey through the lives of careless selfish teens and how two psychotic brothers (Kane Hodder + Bill Moseley) intercept emergency calls in their father’s old ambulance to perform their own heinous medical procedures.
The two worlds collide. When a shy girl-next-door becomes their latest target, she turns the tables on her captors to fight for her survival.
Fast paced and blood soaked, “OLD 37” taps into the most basic human fear, vulnerability.
The words “don’t worry I’m a paramedic” will make you think twice before dialing 9-1-1.
Fans can take their first look into the film by watching the official trailer now, here: bit.ly/OLD37_Trailer.
Already featured by Fangoria, MTV, The Insider, J14 Magazine, DreadCentral, BloodyDisgusting, IHorror, HorrorHound and more, the star cast also includes Brandi Cyrus, (Hannah Montana, Zoey 101), Caitlin Harris (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), Olivia Alexander (Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader, Killer Eye), Maxwell Zagorski, Maggie Williams (Audition), Ben Schneider, Mindy White (States, Lydia), Sascha Knopf (Shallow Hal, Expiration Date), Ken Simmons (Kick Ass), and more.
Musicians featured within “OLD 37” include The Used, Circa Survive, Night Riots, States, Death On Two Wheels, Sheppard, Survival Guide, DariusTX, and Emii.
“OLD 37” was written and produced by Paul Travers, stemming from a nightmare he had. With music composed by Darius Holbert (Hobo With A Shotgun, World’s Greatest Dad, Cedar Rapids), and blood, guts and scares provided by Brian Spears and Pete Gerner (We Are What We Are, Late Phases, VHS), this team is ready to bring the sirens
What The Press Is Saying About OLD 37…
“A blood-soaked, slasher fan’s wet dream that promises to satiate every hardcore horror aficionado to the core.”
– Matt Boiselle, Dread Central
“It’s a match made in Hell when Bill Moseley and Kane Hodder team up to play barbaric brothers.”
-Michael Gingold, Fangoria
“OLD 37 is a frightening and effective piece of independent horror cinema.”
-Timothy Rawles, iHorror
“OLD 37 is a welcomed addition to the Horror genre. It stays true to a classic ’80s Slasher with a gritty feel and has enough brutality to please gorehounds whiles stimulating viewers looking for something more.”
– Frank Malerba, Cryptic Rock
“The choice of music throughout was outstanding and sometimes it was like watching one big masochistic music video. The use of heavy-duty industrial tunes was a perfect accompaniment in watching a pair of psycho paramedics finishing off casualties.”
– Amanda Hunt, Scream Horror Magazine
“OLD 37 will make you think twice about dialing 911.”
– James Shotwell, UnderTheGun
“OLD 37 comes through with in-your-face visceral horror.”
-Jason Hignite, HorrorHound
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Actor Julio Cedilla played Fausto Alarcon in a climactic scene in “Sicario” where main character Alejandro, played by Benicio del Toro.
Although it is just once scene for Cedilla, its a scene that held much importance and that the entire story less up to.
“You don’t over think it. It’s a piece of composition,” Cedilla said. “I was very fortunate to be cast in this film. I had originally said no because it was a different kind of scene.”
The role was re-written for Cedilla to accept it.
Director Denis Villeneuve wanted Cedilla to play the role and called Cedilla to find out why he didn’t want to play him.
Cedilla said the scene which he originally read was more violent, more bloody and there was no redeeming quality to Fausto.
“I didn’t want to be a token Mexican, playing a Mexican role, in a film where Mexicans get it in the end,” Cedilla said.
Villeneuve understood the concerns and was able to modify the role to take it away from a cliché climax.
Cedilla went to shoot the scene and felt he had walked into something special.
Working with Villeneuve and del Toro made the scene to him that much more glorified.
“Every one was very thoughtful and respectful,” Cedilla said. “Benecio is very inclusive. He makes you feel like you are part of the team.”
The scene was re-written and became something that Cedilla could really feel comfortable to be a part of.
“The feeling that got to me when we did the first take was ‘oh shit, this is intense,’ you feel whats going on,” Cedilla said.
Cedilla was able to feel the scene unfold and become the character.
The scene was directly with del Toro and Cedilla was able to react off the incredible acting talent.
“With actors like Benicio, you don’t have to imagine anything. It feels real,” Cedilla said.
The scene comes late in the film, but for those who follow the storyline it all comes down to what happens in that one scene.
The scene culminates the intense scenes throughout the film into this confrontation.
It is never clear if this is where the story will lead, but coming to this scene seems like a logical transition.
It plays out and feels very real.
“I’m only shooting part of the puzzle. I don’t know in the end how it’s going turn out,” Cedilla said. “Leaving the scene after we shot it was no big deal. Leaving the theater after I saw it that is what you were feeling and I was feeling. That’s a collective experience., that’s a testament to the people who are nurturing and taking care of the story all the way through.”
– See more at: http://www.thevro.com/2016/01/06/thisfunktional-talks-with-sicario-actor-julio-cedilla/#sthash.LUsgSV0s.dpuf
According to Kristin 