It’s the shock of seeing Norman Bates, knife in hand, clad in his mother’s clothes, grinning maniacally in the swinging lamplight. It’s the realization that Kevin Spacey spun us a bunch of lies, and was actually Keyser Söze the whole time. It’s finally connecting “I see dead people” with Bruce Willis being shot at the beginning of “The Sixth Sense.” When movies pull the rug from under us, it’s one of the greatest thrills that cinema can provide.
As Hollywood continues to reboot countless old properties, it’s easy to think that the days of original and surprising storytelling are long behind us. But these films prove that Hollywood still has a few tricks up its sleeve, ones that have kept us talking for years, and have cemented their place in film history.
Beware of spoilers! Here are the best plot twists of the 21st...
As Hollywood continues to reboot countless old properties, it’s easy to think that the days of original and surprising storytelling are long behind us. But these films prove that Hollywood still has a few tricks up its sleeve, ones that have kept us talking for years, and have cemented their place in film history.
Beware of spoilers! Here are the best plot twists of the 21st...
- 11/3/2017
- by Jamie Righetti, Chris O'Falt, Kate Erbland, Zack Sharf, David Ehrlich, Jenna Marotta, William Earl and Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Hashbrown: adorable!
The star of Netflix’s hit comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and new mom Ellie Kemper has finally revealed a glimpse of her first child James Miller during a visit to Today to promote the show’s third season, out Friday.
And spoiler alert (for the baby, not Kimmy): James is the spitting image of his mama.
“You guys have the right reaction,” the 37-year-old actress told anchors Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer when they commented on how cute her 9-month-old is.
“Now that I’m a mom, when I see a photo of any baby, I...
The star of Netflix’s hit comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and new mom Ellie Kemper has finally revealed a glimpse of her first child James Miller during a visit to Today to promote the show’s third season, out Friday.
And spoiler alert (for the baby, not Kimmy): James is the spitting image of his mama.
“You guys have the right reaction,” the 37-year-old actress told anchors Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer when they commented on how cute her 9-month-old is.
“Now that I’m a mom, when I see a photo of any baby, I...
- 5/19/2017
- by Jen Juneau
- PEOPLE.com
Janet Jackson, Peta Murgatroyd and Irina Shayk are just a handful of celebrity moms that will be celebrating their first Mother's Day with their bundles of joy on May 14. These first-time mommies will no doubt be smothered with gifts and well wishes from their friends and families.
Here are 25 famous ladies who will be having an extra-special Sunday!
17 Celebrity Moms Who Gave Birth in Their 40s
1. Janet Jackson
The pop icon gave birth to her first child, son Eissa Al Mana, with now-ex Wissam Al Mana on January 3. Jackson shared the first picture of her precious babe last month and he couldn't be any cuter.
2. Amanda Seyfried
The Mean Girls actress and husband Thomas Sadoski welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in March. Since her birth, the couple has kept their little one hidden from the limelight.
Getty Images
3. Hoda Kotb
This year, the Today show co-host adopted a daughter, Haley [link=tt...
Here are 25 famous ladies who will be having an extra-special Sunday!
17 Celebrity Moms Who Gave Birth in Their 40s
1. Janet Jackson
The pop icon gave birth to her first child, son Eissa Al Mana, with now-ex Wissam Al Mana on January 3. Jackson shared the first picture of her precious babe last month and he couldn't be any cuter.
2. Amanda Seyfried
The Mean Girls actress and husband Thomas Sadoski welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in March. Since her birth, the couple has kept their little one hidden from the limelight.
Getty Images
3. Hoda Kotb
This year, the Today show co-host adopted a daughter, Haley [link=tt...
- 5/12/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Ellie Kemper wants to make sure the world knows her baby has a name.
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star welcomed son James Miller Koman in early August with husband Michael Koman, but somehow, the baby’s name has never been released — a misunderstanding Kemper finds hilarious.
“Oh no, he has a name! That’s so funny, it’s James!” the star told People on Thursday night after covering her face and laughing when she found out his name wasn’t known.
“What if we were so mortified by his name we were like, ‘Don’t tell anyone!’ ” she jokes.
Appearing...
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star welcomed son James Miller Koman in early August with husband Michael Koman, but somehow, the baby’s name has never been released — a misunderstanding Kemper finds hilarious.
“Oh no, he has a name! That’s so funny, it’s James!” the star told People on Thursday night after covering her face and laughing when she found out his name wasn’t known.
“What if we were so mortified by his name we were like, ‘Don’t tell anyone!’ ” she jokes.
Appearing...
- 11/18/2016
- by russiale93
- PEOPLE.com
Dailies is a round-up of essential film writing, news bits, videos, and other highlights from across the Internet. If you’d like to submit a piece for consideration, get in touch with us in the comments below or on Twitter at @TheFilmStage.
Jessica Chastain, Juliette Binoche, Freida Pinto, Catherine Hardwicke, Amma Asante, Marielle Heller, Ziyi Zhang, Haifaa Al Mansour, and more women have launched the company We Do It Together to produce films and TV that boost the empowerment of women, Variety reports.
Dustin Hoffman discusses his screen test for The Graduate, plus read Frank Rich‘s Criterion essay:
Though The Graduate upholds some of the classic tropes of Hollywood romantic comedy dating back to the 1930s—especially in its climactic deployment of a runaway bride—Benjamin’s paralyzing emotional disconnect from the world around him is what makes his story both fresh and particular to its own time.
The...
Jessica Chastain, Juliette Binoche, Freida Pinto, Catherine Hardwicke, Amma Asante, Marielle Heller, Ziyi Zhang, Haifaa Al Mansour, and more women have launched the company We Do It Together to produce films and TV that boost the empowerment of women, Variety reports.
Dustin Hoffman discusses his screen test for The Graduate, plus read Frank Rich‘s Criterion essay:
Though The Graduate upholds some of the classic tropes of Hollywood romantic comedy dating back to the 1930s—especially in its climactic deployment of a runaway bride—Benjamin’s paralyzing emotional disconnect from the world around him is what makes his story both fresh and particular to its own time.
The...
- 2/25/2016
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
Hamilton Richard Rogers Theatre, NYC
Few shows have arrived on Broadway with the hype that accompanies Hamilton, the new musical inspired by author Ron Chernow's biography of one of America’s instrumental founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who immigrated from the West Indies as a teenager; the contribution of immigrants to the young country is a key theme in the musical, and one which obviously is still making headlines today. The musical begins in the 1770s, after Hamilton’s arrival in America, and the first act mostly revolves around Hamilton's role as a top aide to Washington in the Revolutionary War, while Act Two covers the early days of the American Republic, including the Washington administration, in which Hamilton was the first Treasure Secretary, and Hamilton’s death in 1804 as the result of his infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
Hamilton was greeted by rave reviews during its sold out run...
Few shows have arrived on Broadway with the hype that accompanies Hamilton, the new musical inspired by author Ron Chernow's biography of one of America’s instrumental founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, who immigrated from the West Indies as a teenager; the contribution of immigrants to the young country is a key theme in the musical, and one which obviously is still making headlines today. The musical begins in the 1770s, after Hamilton’s arrival in America, and the first act mostly revolves around Hamilton's role as a top aide to Washington in the Revolutionary War, while Act Two covers the early days of the American Republic, including the Washington administration, in which Hamilton was the first Treasure Secretary, and Hamilton’s death in 1804 as the result of his infamous duel with Aaron Burr.
Hamilton was greeted by rave reviews during its sold out run...
- 8/4/2015
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Tonight's (May 10) fifth round of Britain's Got Talent auditions included familiar faces, an impressive light display and 'do not try this at home' trampolining.
Judge Alesha Dixon wasn't impressed with Dylan's enthusiastic dance moves but soon cheered up when Lauren Platt's brother Lewis took to the stage with his dance group Entity Allstars.
Alesha thought the act was Golden Buzzer worthy, but did Twitter agree?
Digital Spy rounds up Twitter's reaction to the evening's acts below:
Aaron's Beyoncé impersonation kicked off the show
His Gran's about to have a heart attack! #Bgt
— Craig (@Official_Craig) May 9, 2015
As an ex-police officer, Aaron certainly knows the beat and is thankfully resisting a rest… #Bgt
— Britain's Got Talent (@Bgt) May 9, 2015
Vladimir's trampolining act made a few people wince in pain
Wait how is this not hurting him!!! #Bgt
— Emily [Pb] (@jlsdxyes) May 9, 2015
Thank god my kids didnt see that Russian trampolinist - he just...
Judge Alesha Dixon wasn't impressed with Dylan's enthusiastic dance moves but soon cheered up when Lauren Platt's brother Lewis took to the stage with his dance group Entity Allstars.
Alesha thought the act was Golden Buzzer worthy, but did Twitter agree?
Digital Spy rounds up Twitter's reaction to the evening's acts below:
Aaron's Beyoncé impersonation kicked off the show
His Gran's about to have a heart attack! #Bgt
— Craig (@Official_Craig) May 9, 2015
As an ex-police officer, Aaron certainly knows the beat and is thankfully resisting a rest… #Bgt
— Britain's Got Talent (@Bgt) May 9, 2015
Vladimir's trampolining act made a few people wince in pain
Wait how is this not hurting him!!! #Bgt
— Emily [Pb] (@jlsdxyes) May 9, 2015
Thank god my kids didnt see that Russian trampolinist - he just...
- 5/9/2015
- Digital Spy
Candace Miller wants to set the record straight. Her daughter Lacey Smarr, who died on Feb. 2 of complications related to an eating disorder, was not a victim of body-shaming by her peers as some outlets have reported. "She was not bullied in any way," Miller tells People. "Everybody loved Lacey." The Longview, Texas, teen collapsed of heart failure a day after her 15th birthday. In less than six months, the 5'2" high school freshman went from about 124 lbs. to 98 lbs. at her lowest weight. News outlets reported Lacey had developed an eating disorder because someone made fun of her volleyball...
- 3/10/2015
- by Stephanie Emma Pfeffer, @StephEmmaPfeff
- PEOPLE.com
Sting has come to Broadway, as both composer of the new musical The Last Ship and, more recently, in an effort to improve the show's struggling box office numbers, one of its stars onstage. The show itself, while having some book and story flaws, ultimately emerges as an engrossing, touching musical, with an impressive and melodic score that serves the story and the characters. It is an often stirring tribute to the human spirit.
The musical, inspired by Sting's own experiences growing up, takes place in the streets and shipyard of Wallsend, in the northeast end of England. The town and its residents are having problems, as the shipyard has been closed down. For reasons that don't entirely make sense, the residents are inspired to build one last ship. The Last Ship deals with familiar themes: father/son relationships, an economically depressed town, the lure of the sea, and the...
The musical, inspired by Sting's own experiences growing up, takes place in the streets and shipyard of Wallsend, in the northeast end of England. The town and its residents are having problems, as the shipyard has been closed down. For reasons that don't entirely make sense, the residents are inspired to build one last ship. The Last Ship deals with familiar themes: father/son relationships, an economically depressed town, the lure of the sea, and the...
- 12/20/2014
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Before I met my wife, my longest relationship lasted a span of only three months. I wasn’t afraid of commitment; I was too committed too early. I fell fast and hard. Every time. But that doesn’t mean I never went through the typical relationship bumps in the road. I fought with plenty of exes about normal things – jealousy, dishonesty, etc. And now my wife and I fight about plenty of the same things, but we handle it, just like every other successful couple. In the spirit of tumultuous relationships, this list looks at the definitive relationship dramas. These are films that focus on one or more romantic relationships. These aren’t just “falling in love” movies. These are movies that dissect some side of a relationship that helps to drive the plot. So, without further ado, let’s join hands on this journey together.
50. Wild at Heart (1990)
Directed...
50. Wild at Heart (1990)
Directed...
- 11/30/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Cabaret has always been a groundbreaking musical, dating back to Harold Prince’s original production in 1966. When Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s production opened at Studio 54 in 1998, it built upon what Prince started and pushed the limits even further, creating a much raunchier, seedier, darker, and more dangerous trip to the cabaret. Mendes and Marshall have once again brought their Cabaret back to Studio 54, and it remains a brilliant production of a great musical, one that manages to be hugely entertaining, funny, charming, and moving, while at the same time threatening in its depiction of the growing storm created by the rise of the Nazis in Berlin in 1930. Dominated once again by the exceptional performance of Alan Cumming as the Emcee, Cabaret is a welcomed addition to any Broadway season, and it was great to have the chance to revisit this bold production.
Cumming has lost none of his mischievous edge on stage.
Cumming has lost none of his mischievous edge on stage.
- 5/29/2014
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Stephen Sondheim Theatre, NYC
Describing Beautiful by comparing it to Jersey Boys seems unfair. Jersey Boys, of course, is a long running smash hit musical, and holding any new musical to the high standard of a major hit is asking a lot. But, while watching Beautiful, it is difficult not to think of the new Carole King musical as Jersey Boys Lite. That does not mean Beautiful is lacking in assets -- it has a terrific performance by Jessie Mueller as King and is filled with great songs, written by King and Gerry Goffin, as well as some from the team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The result is an entertaining musical, but one that does not rise to the dramatic or emotional heights desired in a great show.
Beautiful tells Carole King’s story, starting as a successful songwriter while still a teenager,...
Describing Beautiful by comparing it to Jersey Boys seems unfair. Jersey Boys, of course, is a long running smash hit musical, and holding any new musical to the high standard of a major hit is asking a lot. But, while watching Beautiful, it is difficult not to think of the new Carole King musical as Jersey Boys Lite. That does not mean Beautiful is lacking in assets -- it has a terrific performance by Jessie Mueller as King and is filled with great songs, written by King and Gerry Goffin, as well as some from the team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The result is an entertaining musical, but one that does not rise to the dramatic or emotional heights desired in a great show.
Beautiful tells Carole King’s story, starting as a successful songwriter while still a teenager,...
- 3/4/2014
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Pippin has always been a musical where the theatricality and the score compensate for some obvious story issues. So, introducing a circus motif to tell the Pippin story, as Diane Paulus has done in her new, often dazzling revival, proves to be an inspired concept. The result is a musical loaded with treats; the first act soars with razzle-dazzle highlights; Act Two loses some of the momentum, but the love story that develops involving Pippin and the widow, Catherine, does charm. It all culminates in a finale that is properly grand. However muddled the line between the troupe of performers and the characters they play becomes, Pippin nevertheless entertains wonderfully, thanks to its staging and the popular Stephen Schwartz score.
Pippin was a huge hit when it premiered on Broadway in 1972 but has never been revived on Broadway. As directed by Bob Fosse, it was a triumph of imaginative staging,...
Pippin was a huge hit when it premiered on Broadway in 1972 but has never been revived on Broadway. As directed by Bob Fosse, it was a triumph of imaginative staging,...
- 4/27/2013
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Matilda, with a book by David Kelly, music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, is based on the popular children's novel by Roald Dahl. After a brief run in Stratford-upon-Avon in late 2010, it opened in London in November, 2011, going on to win seven Olivier awards, including best musical. In simple terms, Matilda tells the story of a five-year-old girl who loves to read, and, with the help of a supportive teacher, overcomes a dysfunctional, nasty family and obstacles at school to find happiness.
It is always exciting to be in a theater for a preview performance of what is anticipated to be a hit musical; when that new musical has the pedigree of hit status and reviews in London (which was also true of Billy Elliot, a show I loved), the energy level can be even higher. That is how it felt recently at the Shubert Theatre, waiting for the beginning of Matilda.
It is always exciting to be in a theater for a preview performance of what is anticipated to be a hit musical; when that new musical has the pedigree of hit status and reviews in London (which was also true of Billy Elliot, a show I loved), the energy level can be even higher. That is how it felt recently at the Shubert Theatre, waiting for the beginning of Matilda.
- 4/20/2013
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Chaplin Ethel Barrymore Theater, NYC Putting together a new musical is no easy task, and every season we witness shows that demonstrate the difficulties involved. Yet, even when a musical is flawed, it still can have moments that make it worthwhile and leaves one wishing the entire show could have measured up to its best scenes. I was reminded of all this while watching Chaplin, the uneven new musical based on the life of film star Charlie Chaplin, and the first new musical to open this season.
Chaplin starts well, and for its first half hour, as we see a young Charlie get his early entertainment experience in a British music hall, I thought that, perhaps, Chaplin was better than its mixed to negative reviews indicated. And, after he comes to the United States to work for legendary movie producer Mack Sennett, there is a truly magical moment, as we witness Rob McClure,...
Chaplin starts well, and for its first half hour, as we see a young Charlie get his early entertainment experience in a British music hall, I thought that, perhaps, Chaplin was better than its mixed to negative reviews indicated. And, after he comes to the United States to work for legendary movie producer Mack Sennett, there is a truly magical moment, as we witness Rob McClure,...
- 11/23/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
The Mystery of Edwin Drood The Roundabout Theatre, NYC
I was a real fan of the 1985 Broadway production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and have been eagerly looking forward to the Roundabout revival. For the most part, it did not disappoint.
Drood, of course, is based on Charles Dickens's final, unfinished novel.
To tell the story onstage, composer/author Rupert Holmes has devised an ingenious conceit. The show takes place in 1895 in a British music hall, called London's Music Hall Royale. The troupe is giving a performance of its new musical production based on the Dickens novel. It allows a delightful mix of a dark, Gothic, melodramatic story along with the boisterous comedy of the British music hall. The results are highly atmospheric and great fun. Since the Dickens novel was never finished, the ending of the show is determined by audience votes on several matters, another nifty idea from Holmes,...
I was a real fan of the 1985 Broadway production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood and have been eagerly looking forward to the Roundabout revival. For the most part, it did not disappoint.
Drood, of course, is based on Charles Dickens's final, unfinished novel.
To tell the story onstage, composer/author Rupert Holmes has devised an ingenious conceit. The show takes place in 1895 in a British music hall, called London's Music Hall Royale. The troupe is giving a performance of its new musical production based on the Dickens novel. It allows a delightful mix of a dark, Gothic, melodramatic story along with the boisterous comedy of the British music hall. The results are highly atmospheric and great fun. Since the Dickens novel was never finished, the ending of the show is determined by audience votes on several matters, another nifty idea from Holmes,...
- 11/17/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Giant Public Theater, NYC
Giant, the new musical based on the Edna Ferber novel and now playing at the Public Theater, is a major achievement. No, it is not perfect, and it probably won't please everyone. There are no show-stopping production numbers that we are so used to in most musicals. However, I found its ambitious attempt to tell a sprawling, epic story -- one that encompasses two generations over twenty-five years and deals with themes ranging from family to racism to loving the Texas land to an evolving America -- to be wonderfully fulfilling.
Giant has a strong, dramatic book by Sybille Pearson, a superb cast, and a rich, melodic, surprisingly accessible score by Michael John Lachiusa that features a number of appropriate musical styles, including Mexican folk, rock, jazz, and country. It grabbed me from the opening moments and, while there were a couple minor bumps in the road,...
Giant, the new musical based on the Edna Ferber novel and now playing at the Public Theater, is a major achievement. No, it is not perfect, and it probably won't please everyone. There are no show-stopping production numbers that we are so used to in most musicals. However, I found its ambitious attempt to tell a sprawling, epic story -- one that encompasses two generations over twenty-five years and deals with themes ranging from family to racism to loving the Texas land to an evolving America -- to be wonderfully fulfilling.
Giant has a strong, dramatic book by Sybille Pearson, a superb cast, and a rich, melodic, surprisingly accessible score by Michael John Lachiusa that features a number of appropriate musical styles, including Mexican folk, rock, jazz, and country. It grabbed me from the opening moments and, while there were a couple minor bumps in the road,...
- 11/16/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
February House Public Theater, NY
In a theater season dominated by musicals adapted from movies, it is nice to see an original new musical, but originality alone is no guarantee of a fully realized and satisfying entertainment. February House, the new musical opening at the Public Theater, is indeed original. It has its assets, including intelligence and an impressive score, but it is also uneven. While the musical has moments that are close to magical, it ultimately left me wishing it had delivered more than it did.
February House is inspired by real-life events. In 1940, flamboyant editor George Davis took a house in Brooklyn and turned it into a bohemian commune for writers and artists, including such icons as Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, W.H. Auden, and Gypsy Rose Lee. The musical depicts life at what was called February House -- because so many of those artists had February birthdays --...
In a theater season dominated by musicals adapted from movies, it is nice to see an original new musical, but originality alone is no guarantee of a fully realized and satisfying entertainment. February House, the new musical opening at the Public Theater, is indeed original. It has its assets, including intelligence and an impressive score, but it is also uneven. While the musical has moments that are close to magical, it ultimately left me wishing it had delivered more than it did.
February House is inspired by real-life events. In 1940, flamboyant editor George Davis took a house in Brooklyn and turned it into a bohemian commune for writers and artists, including such icons as Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, W.H. Auden, and Gypsy Rose Lee. The musical depicts life at what was called February House -- because so many of those artists had February birthdays --...
- 5/26/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
by Vadim Rizov
Much of what's been written about Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy dilates on the question of whether an afternoon's worth of Italian countryside sparring between "She" (Juliette Binoche) and writer James Miller (William Shimmell) is actually a married couple role-playing a first-time meeting, or if the two are strangers playing a very strange game. Various third options consider the possibility of a film that can't be trusted (Last Year at Marienbad is frequently cited), a mutant text whose every moment must be unceasingly subjected to rigorous questioning to form a remotely plausible hypothesis.
Continued reading DVD Of The Week: Certified Copy...
Much of what's been written about Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy dilates on the question of whether an afternoon's worth of Italian countryside sparring between "She" (Juliette Binoche) and writer James Miller (William Shimmell) is actually a married couple role-playing a first-time meeting, or if the two are strangers playing a very strange game. Various third options consider the possibility of a film that can't be trusted (Last Year at Marienbad is frequently cited), a mutant text whose every moment must be unceasingly subjected to rigorous questioning to form a remotely plausible hypothesis.
Continued reading DVD Of The Week: Certified Copy...
- 5/25/2012
- GreenCine Daily
Dappy was told off twice by a judge in court yesterday (24.05.12). The 24-year-old rapper - whose real name is Costadinos Contostavlos - is charged with affray along with three fellow defendants, and the quartet were told to be quiet as they tutted and talked during evidence at Guildford Magistrates Court, Surrey, according to The Sun newspaper. Dappy has been hit with the charge along with the trio - Kieran Patrick Vassell, 24, Kalonji David Stewart, 31, and Alfred James Miller, 27 - after the group allegedly got involved in a brawl at a Shell petrol station in Guildford last month, leaving three men with 'serious facial injuries'. The 'No Regrets' hitmaker and a friend are said...
- 5/25/2012
- Monsters and Critics
I probably speak for most theater fans in saying I was excited when I read about Smash before its premiere on NBC in February. The idea of a weekly network series depicting the development of a new Broadway musical was irresistible. The fact that so many theater people -- both on and off camera -- were involved in the show added to the anticipation. Executive producers included Craig Zadan and Neil Meron who, among other things, have produced film versions of Broadway hits Chicago and Hairspray, along with television movie adaptations of The Music Man, Annie, and Gypsy. Original songs were written by the team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who won the Tony award for their Hairspray score, and also wrote the fine score for last year's Catch Me If You Can. Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening and American Idiot) directed the pilot. And, while not a theater name,...
- 5/22/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Ghost Lunt-Fontaine Theatre, NY
Avid fans of Broadway musicals love nothing more than a thrilling, exhilarating show, but we also realize that isn't going to be the case all that often. While we love it when a musical strives for and achieves brilliance, sometimes we know going in that a show is not going to redefine the genre. In those cases, we can often be content with an evening of good entertainment. We can still analyze what was good and what wasn't, but if the show ultimately works for you, it would have succeeded. It is the Broadway equivalent of a popular popcorn movie or a good summer beach read. That was the case when I saw Ghost, the new Broadway musical, adapted from the hugely successful 1990 movie that starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The movie won two Academy Awards and grossed over $500 million worldwide. The musical...
Avid fans of Broadway musicals love nothing more than a thrilling, exhilarating show, but we also realize that isn't going to be the case all that often. While we love it when a musical strives for and achieves brilliance, sometimes we know going in that a show is not going to redefine the genre. In those cases, we can often be content with an evening of good entertainment. We can still analyze what was good and what wasn't, but if the show ultimately works for you, it would have succeeded. It is the Broadway equivalent of a popular popcorn movie or a good summer beach read. That was the case when I saw Ghost, the new Broadway musical, adapted from the hugely successful 1990 movie that starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg.
The movie won two Academy Awards and grossed over $500 million worldwide. The musical...
- 4/27/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Peter and the Starcatcher Brooks Atkinson Theater, NYC
Just about everyone knows the Peter Pan story. But how did Peter, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and Captain Hook happen to end up in Neverland? That story is told in Peter and the Starcatcher, a new play that gives us the Peter Pan back story and is opening on Broadway. The show, which is based on a 2004 best-selling children's novel, had a successful and highly praised two-month run off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop a year ago. I wish I could share the enthusiasm that was expressed about the off-Broadway run. While Peter has its assets, including an imaginative production and a good deal of theatricality, much of it, unfortunately, played out in a manner that seemed more tedious than enchanting.
The twelve hard-working cast members all play multiple roles, and the story-telling technique develops slowly. It took me a long...
Just about everyone knows the Peter Pan story. But how did Peter, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and Captain Hook happen to end up in Neverland? That story is told in Peter and the Starcatcher, a new play that gives us the Peter Pan back story and is opening on Broadway. The show, which is based on a 2004 best-selling children's novel, had a successful and highly praised two-month run off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop a year ago. I wish I could share the enthusiasm that was expressed about the off-Broadway run. While Peter has its assets, including an imaginative production and a good deal of theatricality, much of it, unfortunately, played out in a manner that seemed more tedious than enchanting.
The twelve hard-working cast members all play multiple roles, and the story-telling technique develops slowly. It took me a long...
- 4/16/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Newsies The Nederlander Theatre, NYC
The new Disney Broadway musical Newsies, adapted from the 1992 movie of the same name, tells a fictionalized story, but it is based on real events: the 1899 strike by New York newsboys against publishers including Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The 1992 movie, which starred Christian Bale, was a flop, grossing less than $3 million, but it developed a cult following. The show arrived on Broadway after a successful Fall run, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, that received rave reviews.
Disney originally planned to make the stage musical available for licensing in regional productions after the Paper Mill mounting, but, because the response was so strong, they decided to bring it to Broadway for what was initially announced as a limited engagement. It opened to strong reviews and looks like it will be a big hit, so it has already been extended, and it...
The new Disney Broadway musical Newsies, adapted from the 1992 movie of the same name, tells a fictionalized story, but it is based on real events: the 1899 strike by New York newsboys against publishers including Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. The 1992 movie, which starred Christian Bale, was a flop, grossing less than $3 million, but it developed a cult following. The show arrived on Broadway after a successful Fall run, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, that received rave reviews.
Disney originally planned to make the stage musical available for licensing in regional productions after the Paper Mill mounting, but, because the response was so strong, they decided to bring it to Broadway for what was initially announced as a limited engagement. It opened to strong reviews and looks like it will be a big hit, so it has already been extended, and it...
- 4/1/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
Once Bernard Jacobs Theatre, NYC
Adapting movies to stage musicals has become a staple on Broadway. The latest example is Once, based on the well-regarded 2006 low-budget film that had success both at the Sundance Film Festival and with art-house audiences. But Once is not your typical movie turned into a musical. It is an intimate, delicate piece, as opposed to flashy, big-budget musicals such as Sister Act or Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Once has a different feel than those, or almost any other Broadway musical. While I didn't totally respond to its story and its music, it is hard not to admire the musical's warmth, sweetness, and artistry.
I never saw the movie, so I went into Once not fully knowing what to expect. The musical takes place in Dublin; it tells the rather slight story of a down-on-his-luck Irish street musician and the blunt Czech immigrant he meets...
Adapting movies to stage musicals has become a staple on Broadway. The latest example is Once, based on the well-regarded 2006 low-budget film that had success both at the Sundance Film Festival and with art-house audiences. But Once is not your typical movie turned into a musical. It is an intimate, delicate piece, as opposed to flashy, big-budget musicals such as Sister Act or Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Once has a different feel than those, or almost any other Broadway musical. While I didn't totally respond to its story and its music, it is hard not to admire the musical's warmth, sweetness, and artistry.
I never saw the movie, so I went into Once not fully knowing what to expect. The musical takes place in Dublin; it tells the rather slight story of a down-on-his-luck Irish street musician and the blunt Czech immigrant he meets...
- 3/21/2012
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
It’s that time of year again, and as fans will know, I am not a fan of lists. They’ve become a necessity, and they at least serve the purpose of providing readers with a kind of barometer of a critic, but they give less and more information than they seem to, and at some point the organization of them strikes me as rather crazy.
You’ve got The Artist, Source Code, and Hugo, now figure out what order those go in, and which is the “better” film. Then throw in Drive, Shame, and Martha Marcy May Marlene.
The ultimate comparison inherent in any best list makes less sense as you become more serious about it.
Thus, most years I ramble on about lists in general. This year, I’m more interested in the year itself. It was a year that kicked off with me thinking it was going...
You’ve got The Artist, Source Code, and Hugo, now figure out what order those go in, and which is the “better” film. Then throw in Drive, Shame, and Martha Marcy May Marlene.
The ultimate comparison inherent in any best list makes less sense as you become more serious about it.
Thus, most years I ramble on about lists in general. This year, I’m more interested in the year itself. It was a year that kicked off with me thinking it was going...
- 2/22/2012
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Last year, James Miller reviewed War Horse for CultureCatch. Now, with interest in the show growing after the recent release of the movie, which is up for six Oscars, C. Jefferson Thom weighs in with a dissenting opinion.
What is it about animals that pulls on our sense of compassion? An invading alien army can spend the better part of a disaster film evaporating countless numbers of people, but as long as a single dog escapes its death rays there’s a collective sign of relief. Are animals somehow easier to love and care for? War Horse would certainly suggest that this is the case.
Letting it all ride on its horses, the creators of War Horse have underestimated the importance of a good story and solid characters, transfusing every ounce of development and significance from the speaking Homo sapiens to their silent equine counterparts. This gamble seems inspired by...
What is it about animals that pulls on our sense of compassion? An invading alien army can spend the better part of a disaster film evaporating countless numbers of people, but as long as a single dog escapes its death rays there’s a collective sign of relief. Are animals somehow easier to love and care for? War Horse would certainly suggest that this is the case.
Letting it all ride on its horses, the creators of War Horse have underestimated the importance of a good story and solid characters, transfusing every ounce of development and significance from the speaking Homo sapiens to their silent equine counterparts. This gamble seems inspired by...
- 2/20/2012
- by C. Jefferson Thom
- www.culturecatch.com
Best of Year Pt 1: Thirty-two flavors and then some. 2011 Treasures, guilty and otherwise.
Best of Year Pt 2: Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, Young Adult, Pariah, The Housemaid, Shame.
Nathaniel's Top Ten Of 2011
And so we reach the top ten list about which I endured my usual personal angst until I finally gave up the flip flopping, the future hindsight worrying and all the old ways and accepted the new sabremetrics of the game since I had accidentally shoved 11 films in. I ran out of time outs and it was either hit publish or forfeit my chance to play this beloved listing game.
Moneyball (Bennett Miller)
Columbia Pictures. September 23rd.
Who knew that a film about sports strategies and mathematic calculations -- two things I personally find enormously difficult to understand and care about even less -- could be so stirring? Thank the typically sharp writing of Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian,...
Best of Year Pt 2: Tree of Life, Midnight in Paris, Young Adult, Pariah, The Housemaid, Shame.
Nathaniel's Top Ten Of 2011
And so we reach the top ten list about which I endured my usual personal angst until I finally gave up the flip flopping, the future hindsight worrying and all the old ways and accepted the new sabremetrics of the game since I had accidentally shoved 11 films in. I ran out of time outs and it was either hit publish or forfeit my chance to play this beloved listing game.
Moneyball (Bennett Miller)
Columbia Pictures. September 23rd.
Who knew that a film about sports strategies and mathematic calculations -- two things I personally find enormously difficult to understand and care about even less -- could be so stirring? Thank the typically sharp writing of Aaron Sorkin and Steve Zaillian,...
- 1/4/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
As I reported back in September, a drama professor at a campus in the University of Wisconsin System appeared to be in danger of losing his job for two posters he had placed outside his door. The first poster included a quote from the beloved yet short-lived science-fiction classic Firefly. The second warned the university against acting like a bunch of fascists for tearing down the first poster and threatening the professor with potential criminal charges. The university reacted to the posters by stating that the professor was a threat to the school, reporting him to the "threat assessment team," and instructing him to meet with the dean. What should have been a non-incident was spiraling out of control, and the professor, James Miller, feared for his job.
That is when Miller contacted my organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (Fire). Here is a video about what happened next.
That is when Miller contacted my organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (Fire). Here is a video about what happened next.
- 12/29/2011
- by Greg Lukianoff
- Aol TV.
Countdown to Top Ten 2K11 is a column with one simple goal: to help you decide what films you need to see before making your end of the year top ten list. Each installment features my thoughts on a critically acclaimed 2011 movie, a sampling of other critics' reactions, the odds of the film making my own list, and the reasons why it might make yours.
This time we're covering "Certified Copy," the acclaimed new film from Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami. But is it a genuine work of art? Let's find out.
Movie: "Certified Copy"
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
Plot Synopsis: The author of a new book about the meaning and importance of authenticity in art (William Shimell) joins a fan (Juliette Binoche) for a tour of the Italian countryside. But their relationship might not be as simple or as casual as it first appears.
What the Critics Said: "[Like] a middle-aged 'Before Sunrise,...
This time we're covering "Certified Copy," the acclaimed new film from Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami. But is it a genuine work of art? Let's find out.
Movie: "Certified Copy"
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
Plot Synopsis: The author of a new book about the meaning and importance of authenticity in art (William Shimell) joins a fan (Juliette Binoche) for a tour of the Italian countryside. But their relationship might not be as simple or as casual as it first appears.
What the Critics Said: "[Like] a middle-aged 'Before Sunrise,...
- 12/16/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
My friend and I found ourselves discussing Jesse Eisenberg's new play, Asuncion, for a good half hour after we recently saw it. That says something for the play; while slight and not fully realized, I found Asuncion to be amusing, fairly entertaining, and, obviously, based on our post-play conversation, thought-provoking. And, yes, this is the same Jesse Eisenberg who is better known as an actor and was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in The Social Network. With Asuncion, Eisenberg shows he has some talent as a playwright. Nevertheless, Asuncion is not quite funny enough for a flat-out comedy and not dramatic or powerful enough for a fully satisfying drama. Still, I'm glad I saw it.
Eisenberg not only wrote the play, he is its star. He plays Edgar, an aimless slacker who lives in the apartment of Vinny, played by Justin Bartha. Vinny is a pothead...
Eisenberg not only wrote the play, he is its star. He plays Edgar, an aimless slacker who lives in the apartment of Vinny, played by Justin Bartha. Vinny is a pothead...
- 11/18/2011
- by James Miller
- www.culturecatch.com
In News of the Truly Unbelievable, theater professor James Miller, of the University of Wisconsin -- Stout, hung a Firefly poster on his door. And that's not the unbelievable part! The Chief of Campus Police, Lisa Walter, saw this poster, decided that it was 'unacceptable' in that it referenced killing, and had the poster removed.
Just a quick analysis: this is actually Mal's response to the question, "How do I know you won't kill me in my sleep?" While it does 'reference killing' (the police chief's complaint against it), the quote actually speaks to Mal's high moral fiber and standards of fair play. Had this been intended as a threat, it would have been a pretty lame one. Also, I have much higher standards of threats from professors, and people in authority. You only really get the chills from a threat you respect, and how are you going to respect...
Just a quick analysis: this is actually Mal's response to the question, "How do I know you won't kill me in my sleep?" While it does 'reference killing' (the police chief's complaint against it), the quote actually speaks to Mal's high moral fiber and standards of fair play. Had this been intended as a threat, it would have been a pretty lame one. Also, I have much higher standards of threats from professors, and people in authority. You only really get the chills from a threat you respect, and how are you going to respect...
- 10/3/2011
- Shadowlocked
A University of Wisconsin–Stout theater professor, James Miller,has come under fire after putting up a poster for the Joss Whedon sci–fi western cult classic, Firefly, on his office door.
The poster (seen here) included one of Captain Malcolm Reynolds' (Nathan Fillion) many classic quotes: "You don't know me, son, so let me explain this to you once: If I ever kill you, you'll be awake. You'll be facing me. And you'll be armed." But apparently there's a lot of very stupid people involved with monitoring the happenings of The University of Wisconsin–Stout, because campus police saw the poster, blindly only saw the words "kill you," and removed it because clearly some kid was going to wander by, see it, and kill someone.
Chief of Police Lisa A. Walter e–mailed Miller, informing him that they had removed the poster and that "it is unacceptable to...
The poster (seen here) included one of Captain Malcolm Reynolds' (Nathan Fillion) many classic quotes: "You don't know me, son, so let me explain this to you once: If I ever kill you, you'll be awake. You'll be facing me. And you'll be armed." But apparently there's a lot of very stupid people involved with monitoring the happenings of The University of Wisconsin–Stout, because campus police saw the poster, blindly only saw the words "kill you," and removed it because clearly some kid was going to wander by, see it, and kill someone.
Chief of Police Lisa A. Walter e–mailed Miller, informing him that they had removed the poster and that "it is unacceptable to...
- 9/27/2011
- by The Movie God
- Geeks of Doom
At the heart of Certified Copy is evidently a ‘philosophical’ idea – ill thought out – about the distinction between copy and original being nebulous. Miller and the woman begin by enacting the role of husband and wife – just as a copy would begin by ‘enacting’ an original – but soon get so taken up by their roles – as a copy would get immersed in its subject – that they ‘become’ husband and wife.
Abbas Kiarostami is the best known of Iranian filmmakers and it will not be out of place to assert that he put Iranian cinema on the world map. Yet, a careful viewing of his films raises questions about the validity of his methods. To put is plainly, Kiarostami’s best films erase the distinction between documentary and fiction apparently by having his actors (or non-actors) playing themselves in partly fictional situations.
To illustrate with perhaps his best film Through the Olive Trees...
Abbas Kiarostami is the best known of Iranian filmmakers and it will not be out of place to assert that he put Iranian cinema on the world map. Yet, a careful viewing of his films raises questions about the validity of his methods. To put is plainly, Kiarostami’s best films erase the distinction between documentary and fiction apparently by having his actors (or non-actors) playing themselves in partly fictional situations.
To illustrate with perhaps his best film Through the Olive Trees...
- 9/14/2011
- by MK Raghvendra
- DearCinema.com
Filed under: Reality-Free, TV Replay
'Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live' was an oral history of the late night staple, and turned out to be very compelling reading.
More surprising was that James Miller and Tom Shales' follow-up book about Espn was just as riveting, and even led to a movie deal. So Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick decided to cast it on 'Countdown' (Weeknights, 8Pm Et on Current TV).
'Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of Espn' went just as deep into the inner workings of the little cable network that could, and because it's players aren't big celebrities, it makes sense that this one was optioned for film over 'Live from New York.'
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
'Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live' was an oral history of the late night staple, and turned out to be very compelling reading.
More surprising was that James Miller and Tom Shales' follow-up book about Espn was just as riveting, and even led to a movie deal. So Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick decided to cast it on 'Countdown' (Weeknights, 8Pm Et on Current TV).
'Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of Espn' went just as deep into the inner workings of the little cable network that could, and because it's players aren't big celebrities, it makes sense that this one was optioned for film over 'Live from New York.'
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
- 7/29/2011
- by Jason Hughes
- Aol TV.
Durham, N.C. - During lunch a filmmaker tells me that of all the festivals he’s attended with his movies, the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival is the only one he wants to attend as a spectator. He enjoys how the various screens and activities aren’t spread all over the city. There’s a relaxed atmosphere as the festival-goers aren’t hustling hard to get tickets to sold out screenings. It’s a sweet Southern festival in the middle of Tobacco Road. Even the world’s biggest superstar just hangs out with the festival goers inside of hiding behind a wall of security.
Who is the superstar? Elmo! And we have an exclusive chat with him at the end of this column.
The film selection was once more top notch. An ample number of documentaries received their world debut in Durham. There were a few films that had built a buzz at Sundance,...
Who is the superstar? Elmo! And we have an exclusive chat with him at the end of this column.
The film selection was once more top notch. An ample number of documentaries received their world debut in Durham. There were a few films that had built a buzz at Sundance,...
- 5/20/2011
- by UncaScroogeMcD
Few documentaries focused entirely on one man’s ambitious journey to achieve his dream come off as charming and endearing as Constance Marks’ Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’S Journey. The film about the man behind that lovable furry red monster left few eyes dry and all hearts full as the Opening Night screening for this year’s Dallas International Film Festival. The next day, I had the chance to sit down with director Marks and her producer (and husband) James Miller to discuss the film’s star Kevin Clash, his ambition, and why his story needed to be told.
Read more on Diff 2011 Video Interview: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’S Jounrey director Constance Marks and producer James Miller...
Read more on Diff 2011 Video Interview: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’S Jounrey director Constance Marks and producer James Miller...
- 4/5/2011
- by Gwen Reyes
- GordonandtheWhale
IFC Films recently debuted an official Us trailer on Apple for Abbas Kiarostami's new film Certified Copy, starring the lovely Oscar winning French actress Juliette Binoche, as well as William Shimell as James Miller. This romantic drama premiered in Cannes last year to rave reviews, although I didn't personally see it while I was there. It's a very charming introduction to the film, so I highly suggested watching the trailer. The film has a solid B+ on criticWire, with stellar reviews like this from Guy Lodge calling it a "gorgeous, funny, subtly probing film [that] promises further revelations and interpretations on a repeat viewing." Watch the official Us trailer for Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy: [flv:http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/CertifiedCopy-officialUStrailer.mp4 http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/CertifiedCopy-officialUStrailer.jpg 596 320] You can also watch the Certified Copy trailer in High Definition on Apple In Tuscany to promote a book, an English writer meets a French woman who leads him to a small village. Certified Copy,...
- 2/21/2011
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The Guardian have obtained an exclusive UK trailer for Certified Copy. The film, directed by Abbas Kiarostami, premiered earlier this year at Cannes Film Festival to glowing reviews from critics. Juliette Binoche (Hidden) went on to win the Best Actress award for her performance as the elusive Elle. William Shimell (L’enfance du Chris) stars alongside Binoche as the British opera singer James Miller.
Synopsis: In Italy to promote his latest book, a middle-aged English writer (Shimell) meets a young French woman (Binoche) and jets off to San Gimignano with her.
Certified Copy certainly looks very interesting The trailer displays incredible performances, stunning mise-en-scene and a glimpse at a narrative that’s sure to encapsulate audiences attention for the entire duration. It was hailed by critics at Cannes, and looks set to propel Binoche’s career to yet another high.
Click here to watch the exclusive UK trailer.
Certified Copy...
Synopsis: In Italy to promote his latest book, a middle-aged English writer (Shimell) meets a young French woman (Binoche) and jets off to San Gimignano with her.
Certified Copy certainly looks very interesting The trailer displays incredible performances, stunning mise-en-scene and a glimpse at a narrative that’s sure to encapsulate audiences attention for the entire duration. It was hailed by critics at Cannes, and looks set to propel Binoche’s career to yet another high.
Click here to watch the exclusive UK trailer.
Certified Copy...
- 7/27/2010
- by Jamie Neish
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
An 18-year-old student who was dressed as a breathalyser for Halloween has been charged with drink-driving. James Miller was arrested in Oxford, Ohio after being spotted driving the wrong way down a one-way street, The Smoking Gun reports. He was found to have a blood alcohol content of .158, twice the state's legal limit. The police report read: "Subject was driving the wrong way out of the entrance to a one-way (more)...
- 11/4/2009
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
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