2007 Wrap Party

I hope you had as much fun as I did at the festival. Hope to see you next year!

Eagle vs Shark

Not that this movie needs any more press since it's already got quite a fair amount. Not to mention that it's already been picked up by a big studio. So I'll try and make this quick.

I saw this film tonight. It was an entirely sweet love story between two social misfits, Jarrod and Lilly.

In addition to the obvious theme, the movie explores themes such as a son attempting to win his father's approval too.

And of course, what would an already bizarre romantic comedy be without a tale of revenge to boot?

It goes without saying that Eagle vs Shark is not by any means the greatest love story ever filmed. Nor the greatest offbeat love story ever filmed -- which at any rate, for my money, would go to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. In fact, it's eccentric enough that it might not appeal to some people at all (e.g. comparisons have been made to a more adult or mature Napoleon Dynamite).

Anyway, you can probably figure out if it'll be to your liking simply by watching the trailer. It captures enough of the film's quality without giving away too many of the funny and endearing bits.

I should also note that there's a parallel stop-motion animation alongside the main story that's quite neat to watch. Personally, I'm not sure it was entirely relevant, or necessarily added to the story, but it was still neat to watch. I don't think it hurt the film.

Speaking of which, maybe the filmmakers should've titled it Apple vs. Apple or Apple vs. Tangerine (after the song) instead? Just kidding.

And as a Yank, I gotta say, I love those accents from Down Under! The accents definitely made the movie a bit more charming to me.

Overall, I'd give it three out of four stars. Or grade-wise, a solid B or perhaps B+ if you're as fond of quirky flicks as I am.

Eagle vs Shark is not a fight, er, I mean, flick you should miss!

Although I won't mind if you miss this review. It's pretty poor. But in my defense, I just got back from the after-party, it's late, and I'm a volunteer. You get what you pay for.

I have a bad feeling about this

Yikes! It looks like our director of programmers, Jason Marsh, while attending the premiere of Heart of an Empire, has somehow got himself surrounded by both the Sith Lord himself as well as one of his storm trooper minions! All I can say is, "Use the force, Jason, use the force!"

Film Festival Outtakes

Whoa, this is so cool.

Richard Chang himself -- of The OC Register -- has started a weblog called Film Festival Outtakes covering the Newport Beach Film Festival!

It's a shame I only found out about it today, though, since he's been covering it from the get-go. As usual, I'm a step or two behind, but fortunately, columnists extraordinaire-cum-bloggers extraodinaire like Richard are on top of the game. Not only do they cover the festival, but they also cover me! :-)

Anyway, mucho gracias, Richard, your blog is definitely going on the right sidebar as well.

Oh, and don't forget about The OC Register's excellent resource guide either.

Three cheers for the cheerleader!

Three cheers for the cheerleader of NBC's hit TV show Heroes, Hayden Panettiere! Why? Well, 'cos it's currently 8pm, Saturday, and Hayden is here in Newport Beach, California for the premiere of her film Shanghai Kiss. Hip, hip, hooray!

If you'd like to see her, it's not too late. She'll be at the Edwards Lido. And, presumably, for the after-party as well.

Hope you can make it! :-)

SqueezeOC

Be sure to check out the SqueezeOC's fantastic -- and I mean fantastic -- coverage of the Newport Beach Film Festival (with photos)! Truly wonderful stuff (and staff). Special kudos to Jit Fong Chin. :-)

And in case you're wondering, yes, I'm saying such nice things in the hopes of landing a gig with them after the NBFF is over.

Just kidding. ;-)

Honestly, SqueezeOC is a really fun and entertaining publication, and we appreciate them very much.

I've added them in the right sidebar.

Tier three

James Berardinelli has some nifty thoughts on film festivals.

Although we tried to get a particular celeb reviewer out to our film festival this year, it didn't quite work out. Well, who knows? Maybe next year.

If I had my druthers, however, I would love to have Berardinelli over to do his version of what Ebert does for whatever film he'd like.

Russia's answer to Ahnuld

Alexander Nevsky (left; but seriously, was it really necessary to point out?)

I just wanted to say a few words about Alexander Nevsky, who is currently starring in Treasure Raiders, and who is apparently known as Russia's "Arnold Schwarzenegger."

OK, my first question is, if Alexander Nevsky is Russia's Arnold Schwarzenegger, then is Nevsky Austrian, too? Or does he at least speak Russian with a thick Austrian accent?

Next, who (if anyone) is Austria's Arnold Schwarzenegger?

But, seriously, with all this talk about who is who, will the real Alexander Nevsky please stand up?

Anyway, just check out the film.

Treasure Raiders plot

By day, Michael (Steven Brand) is an American professor who teaches history at Moscow University. Between sundown and the first light of day, however, he secretly races his Porsche through the dimly lit streets of Moscow, going up against the best competitive street racers in the world. But Michael’s reasons for street racing are not limited to his need for speed and danger: This risky pursuit helps to fund another of his passions, hunting for ancient treasures.

One day, Michael stumbles upon information leading him to what will become his most dangerous quest yet, a search for an ancient treasure that once belonged to the legendary Order of the Temple. Teaming up with his racing nemesis Wolf (Alexander Nevsky) and a famous historian Pierre (David Carradine), the group sets off on a life or death mission to uncover the treasure. Their quest is complicated by the Moscow Chief of Police, who is determined to arrest Wolf for illegal street racing, and the kidnapping of Wolf’s girlfriend Lena (Sherilyn Fenn).

Ultimately, Pierre and Michael are left to search for the treasure while Wolf attempts to rescue Lena by winning the most dangerous race to ever take place in Moscow. Only if Wolf wins this race will he be able to discover the dark secret of the Order of the Temple. The deadly twists and turns in the streets of Moscow place the trio in the ultimate race for their lives.

Treasure Raiders press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Biggest independent feature in Russian history to have North American premiere at 2007 Newport Beach Film Festival

The action-adventure film gets a fresh Russian twist when “Treasure Raiders” makes its North American premiere at 8:00 PM on Friday, April 20 at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The thrill-packed film features rising star Alexander Nevsky, the first action hero born out of a burgeoning Russian film industry. Nevsky, known as “The Russian Schwarzenegger,” has credits that include Moscow Heat and Undisputed.

“Raiders” also features David Carradine, whose return to big screen success as the eponymous villain of “Kill Bill 1 & 2” won critical accolades and grossed over $330 million worldwide and Sherilyn Fenn (Twin Peaks, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning, Gilmore Girls, etc.). Brent Huff is the Director.

Shot entirely on location in Moscow, the film features dazzling footage of Russia’s capital city, including a breathtaking action sequence in Moscow’s famed Red Square.

The story begins with Michael (Steven Brand), an American professor teaching history at Moscow University, who finances his passion for treasure hunting with competitive street racing. Things become complicated when his racing nemesis, Wolf (Alexander Nevsky), becomes his ally and the two embark on a life or death quest to search for a famous Russian relic.

Czar Pictures, the production company behind Treasure Raiders, also produced another hit independent feature starring Nevsky, Moscow Heat.

Nevsky points out that these films are a dynamic and historic new development in Russian feature film production, “because we know we are competing with Hollywood and other film industries capable of mounting first-rate action productions. With a production budget of over $10 million on ‘Treasure Raiders,’ we were capable of creating big screen sequences that deliver the kind of excitement that world audiences demand.”

One of the keys to the film’s pulse-pushing action is the work of top Hollywood stunt coordinator Patrick Statham, who has worked on nearly 200 productions, including, most recently, Sean Penn’s newest directorial effort, “Into the Wild,” the critically acclaimed Shane Black film “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” with Robert Downey, Jr. and “Down in the Valley” with Edward Norton.

In addition to acting, the multi-talented Nevsky co-wrote and co-produced the film with Alexander Izotov under Czar Pictures. Already an established star in Russia, he is the author of many books, a former Mr. World bodybuilding champion, and he has gained worldwide acclaim for his campaign against steroids, which are legal in his home country.

Nevsky will be at the Newport Film Festival premiere and is available for interviews April 19-22nd, 2007.

“Treasure Raiders” is to get its first market screenings through Lightning Entertainment in Cannes. Russian distributor Cascad is to open the film wide in Russia and other former-Soviet Republics in September.

Credits:
TREASURE RAIDERS
Running time : 90 minutes
Produced : Alexander Izotov and Alexander Nevsky
Directed : Brent Huff
Director of Photography : Rudy Harbon
Executive producers: Robert Madrid, Sergey Kupriyanov, Artem Manilov
Editor: Michael Trent
Casting: Craig Cambobasso and Joy Todd
Stunt coordinator: Patrick Statham

Cast: David Carradine, Alexander Nevsky, Sherillyn Fenn, Steven Brand, Olga Rodionova, Andrew Divoff, Robert Madrid, Wiliam Shockley, Maxim Pokrovsky.

Website: www.TreasureRaidersMovie.com
Trailer: www.lightning-ent.com/project.php?id=72

PRESS CONTACT:
MEDIAPLANpr
Tatiana Detlofson
310 – 459 0090 Ph
310 – 663 3465 Cell
Tatsfilm@aol.com

Infinity + 1

Sorry, I forgot to mention in my previous post that retired NASA astronaut John Young will be speaking at a seminar called Preservation and Survival, Space Exploration and Earth's Future.

It's just a guess, but judging by the title of the seminar, I'd say this means we're gonna colonize and spread out across the solar system and beyond. The next question to ask, then, is: "How shall we colonize the planets?"

OK, not to steal astronaut Young's thunder or anything, as I'm sure he'll have a complex and thoughtful presentation, but might I make a suggestion? I think the way we should colonize the solar system and in fact the entire galaxy is by making them witness the firepower of our fully armed and operational Death Star! Wipe them out. All of them!

Hey, no pressure NASA, just throwing it out there for you guys to consider.

Soul music

I have a feeling this will mean absolutely nothing to sad sacks like me whose musical appreciation extends only as far as Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. But for the refined and sophisticated music aficionados out there, have I got some news for you: Award-winning composer Trevor Rabin will be at the Newport Beach Film Festival!



So be sure to check out our free composers' seminar.

By the way, one of our programmers, Daniel Cox, thought it'd be nice to let peeps know about two great film score related websites. Check out the Film Music Network and Film Score Monthly.

To infinity and beyond

Just wanted to let peeps know about a particular Orange County Register article. Reason being that a pair of NASA's most decorated astronauts, Alan Bean and John Young, will be visiting the NBFF.

Alan Bean


John Young

They have a film premiering called The Wonder of It All about their journey to the mooon. It will play at 6:30pm on Friday, April 20th, at the Edwards Islands cinemas. This is in fact premiering on the anniversary of their flight to the moon. You can both view the trailer as well as purchase tickets here.

We are most honored to have two of NASA's finest join us. Not least because I'm really excited to sit down with the gents and shoot the breeze over a glass of Tang!

Blogspotting

Blogspotting...across the universe! Always goin' forward because we can't find reverse!

Here are a few weblogs that kindly linked to us. Thanks, guys! :-)

• Uber weblog Celebrity Daily notes that Ten Inch Hero will be premiering at the NBFF.
  
• Precocious Curmudgeon has a good post on the manga behind both Death Notes, which will of course be premiering at the NBFF. How precocious of Precocious Curmudgeon!
  
• My Entertainment News hooks it up with news about Beautiful Ohio as well as a call for volunteers for the NBFF.
  
• Finally, SMN News is happy to see the documentary The ArtFusion Experiment premiere at the NBFF!
  

A'ight, hope that gets peeps excited.

Ta ta for now.

On the eve of

We're on the eve of the commencement of the Newport Beach Film Festival! How crazy is that? The NBFF kicks off tomorrow, and man, we can't wait to see how it's gonna go this year! Hopefully as well as the last few years, especially when Crash premiered here (and of course went on to win the Oscar). Who knows which films are in line waiting for the mighty Oscar to smile upon them this year? It'll be an exciting time. Hope to see you guys there tomorrow on the red carpet!

By the way, try not to trip and fall. Especially because there will hundreds of cameras ready to capture your most emabarrassing moment and more people to laugh and point at you when you do. Not to mention the ladies will be wearing high heels and the carpet is made of slippery material and thus you're far more likely to trip and fall there than anywhere else.

No pressure.

Paprika trailer

One of our programmers, John (holla!), gave me the 411 on this uber slick flick. It looks whack! And by "whack," I refer to the fullest etymological sense of the word. Well, more or less. ;-) But seriously, check it out. It looks cool. It'll premiere on Tuesday, April 24th at the Newport Beach Film Festival. You can buy tix here.

Waitress trailer

Just one question: Is it because Captain Mal Reynolds is in this movie that everyone speaks with a funny twang?

Hey, not that I mind! The movie does look quite funny, touching, sweet, all that. Not to mention it seems a little offbeat, which I kinda dig.

But here's the real news: Nathan Fillion -- AKA Captain Malcolm Reynolds of the Firefly class spaceship "Serenity" -- will be at the premiere on Saturday, April 21st! So, if there are any Browncoats out there, this is a major head's up for ya!

Shiny. :-)

By the way, you can buy tickets here.

Heart of an Empire trailer

Oorah for the "Fighting" 501st!

The force is strong with these ones. Even as they are struck down by verbal insults and put-downs, they have become more powerful than anyone could have possibly imagined.

Disagree? I find your lack of faith disturbing.

By the way, it sort of reminds me of Trekkies, too.

Anyway, the flick will premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Saturday, April 21st at 3pm.

I have a good feeling about this.

Richard Chang on the NBFF

OC Register columnist Richard Chang gives the low-down on the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Some random tidbits from Chang which peaked my own interest:

• The Newport Beach Film Festival really took off in 2005 when it premiered the movie Crash, which in turn went on to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
  
• Chad Lowe might be in attendance for the premiere of his film Beautiful Ohio.
  
• Likewise with Michelle Trachtenberg for the same.
  

Watch the video for more from Chang.

Death Note trailers

Yes, once again, we have a problem, Houston: There are no subtitles. So, once again, I am left in the dark as to what this film is actually about.

On the other hand, this is a terrific opportunity for me to go all "Mystery Science Theater 3000" on the trailer. Muhahaha!

But, I digress.

In fact, not only do I digress, but I flatly state that I shall have to stay my hand (not to mention rapier wit) from touching upon the film in any way, shape, or form simply because I do not wish to receive a death note from the filmmakers. Basically, I don't have a death wish for a death note -- especially not in a language I don't quite understand. That would just complicate things too much for me.

As always, domo arigato.



As if once wasn't enough for the filmmakers to mock my ignorance of the Japanese language... Sigh.

The first Death Note will premiere on Saturday, April 21st, while the second Death Note, Death Note: The Last Name, will premiere the following day on Sunday, April 22nd.

Update:



Thanks to a commenter -- who shall remain anonymous (um, because that's how he/she signed his/her comment and not because I have any control over his/her anonymity!) -- this Death Note trailer actually includes subtitles.

Holy comic book inspired blog posts, Batman! It's the cheerleader from Heroes!

Will select members from the cast of NBC's hit TV show Heroes be in attendance at this year's Newport Beach Film Festival? Will their films play to sold-out theaters and come away with highly acclaimed critical reviews? And most importantly of all, will I get a chance to ask Hayden Panettiere out on a date? Stay tuned for more, true believers!



James Kyson Lee ("Ando Masahashi" on Heroes) has two films, Big Dreams Little Tokyo and Moola, which will both premiere on Friday, April 20th.



Sendhil Ramamurthy ("Dr. Mohinder Suresh" on Heroes) has a film called Thanks to Gravity. It will premiere on Saturday, April 21st.



And Hayden Panettiere ("Claire Bennet" on Heroes) has a film called Shanghai Kiss likewise set to premiere on Saturday, April 21st.

All these questions should soon be resolved! Tune in later for more! Same blog-time, same blog-channel!

Surprise endings

This is the promo from last year's festival. But why fuss over the details? The point is that you never know what to expect when it comes to the Newport Beach Film Festival!

J.M.

J.M. = The initials for Johnny Montana? Or the initials for Jason Marsh, the Newport Beach Film Festival's very own feature programmer and director extraordinaire?!

The Searchers trailer

Given that this year's Newport Beach Film Festival will honor actor John Wayne, I thought it'd be fitting to post a trailer of arguably his greatest film, and one of the greatest Westerns ever made, The Searchers. It's influenced the likes of David Lean, Sergio Leone, Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and my mom because she thinks John Wayne is one fine looking dude. The film will also close out the Newport Beach Film Festival on Saturday, April 28th, at the Regency Lido Theater. Hope to see you there!

Eagle vs. Shark trailer

Bwahahaha! Seriously, the trailer is hilarious! If you're a geek in love (cue Mr. Lucas), or just a geek, or just in love, or, um, er...what was I saying? Oh, yeah. What is the cube root of the cosine of the angle in an obtuse bizarre love triangle traveling in opposite directions when multiplied by the imaginary forty-second digit in pi? Anyway, point being, there's great stuff coming out of New Zealand these days. Watch it on April 24 at 7:30pm at the Edwards Islands Cinemas.