Hollywood Takes Over Anaheim!

IT'S HERE! The Anaheim International Film Festival is debuting Wednesday, October 13-17. The first night will feature five films and a collection of film shorts to launch an ambition program of movies, panels, and gala events throughout the week.

The first films on Wednesday night include Jonathan Lynn's Wild Target, David Bradburty's Going Vertical: The Shortboard Revoltion, Alexandra Codina's Monica & David, Mamoru Hosoda's Summer Wars, a special Shorts Presentation, and a special presentation of John Hughes' classic Sixteen Candles.


The shorts film presentation includes Joshua and Rebekah Weigel's Butterfly Circus; Max Lang's and Jakob Schuh's The Gruffalo; Iram Haq's Little Miss Eyelap; Natalia Mirzoyan's My Childhood Mystery Tree; Lilli Birdsell's Once Upon a Crime; James Redford's Quality Time; Cordell Baker's Runway; and Peter Meech's Winner: Best Short Film.

You can't have movies without the movie stars, so arrivals on the red carpet will include Jonathan Lynn, director of Wild Target, My Cousin Vinny, The Fighting Temptations, The Whole Nine Yards, and Sgt. Bilko; cast and crew of Going Vertical: Bob McTavish, Dick Brewer, Mike Hynson, Leah Wright (prod), Rene Abilliero, Mickey Munoz, and Pete Townend.


The film festival will be held at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim at the GardenWalk on 321 Katella Ave. Doors open at 5:30 - 6:30 PM--press check in at 5 PM.

For more information, visit www.anaheimfilm.org.

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Mag
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Eat Your Heart Out with Our "Scary Movie Menu"

My Soul to Take – In theaters October 8


“My Soul to Take” is your typical serial killer movie, but director Wes Craven always finds a way to bring on the twists and surprises with something terrifying and fresh. The film is a story about teenagers running away from a serial killer who died the day they all were born.   We then find out one of the teenagers has been possessed by the serial killer--sorry for ruining the twist. This is the perfect film to watch with your friends and enjoy freaking each other out for the rest of the night.


Jackass 3D – In theaters October 15


There are two reasons why “Jackass 3D” is a must on our "Scary Movie Menu." First, you just have to love that title and second, there truly is nothing scarier than getting an unexpected shot to the groin, which is "Jackass" 101. What makes “Jackass” a scary movie is that you know that all your friends will be trying to mimic the pranks which will inevitably lead to getting a fistful of flour thrown at your face. You'll also be on pins and needles once you're in the hospital waiting room seeing if you're friend is OK after jumping off the roof in a shopping cart. It's also in 3D (brownie points in our book), which means you have to pull out a few extra bucks to feel like Steve-O is really vomiting on you.


Paranormal Activity 2 – In theaters October 22


There hasn't been a movie to make grown men so scared to sleep in the dark as this film. In Texas, the trailer was deemed so frightening that it was banned in theaters. Usually Texas trailers are banned because a tornado is on its way. “Paranormal Activity” swept the nation in 2009 when the audiences demanded it be shown in theaters, and the buzz surrounding the sequel is growing at a rapid pace. It was so terrifying that it took a while for people to finally believe it was scripted with paid actors--the last time that happened was a decade ago with "The Blair Witch Project."


Saw 3D – In theaters October 29


"Saw" doesn't seem to stop pushing the limits with their sequels as it's become a Halloween tradition for a new “Saw” movie to come out. This year it’s all about the 3D and “Saw” is right there to present its latest installment in all its 3D gore. Most of us have lost track with where the story is and whether Jigsaw is dead or not, so there is really no point in trying to recap the entire story. Just know that every "Saw" sticks to a proven formula—life and death scenarios for victims who happen to be connected in some weird way. Who would have thought that fudging the numbers on someone’s tax account would lead to having your hand stuck into a box full of dirty needles? Seems a bit dramatic, but Jigsaw sees the world differently. This is truly a perfect, pre-Halloween partying date movie.


Scream 1-3 


There's nothing like seeing a bunch of celebrity superstars getting killed from a guy in a cheesy mask you can buy at Wal-Mart around Halloween time. The trilogy of "Scream" movies was the standard in slasher films in the 90s. Besides the fact that you should receive your dose of terror from these films, it does not have to do with the movies themselves. The real reason is that there is a no addition on the way. “Scream 4" is out sometime in Spring 2011, so there is no better time to get re-acquainted with Neve Cambell’s awful acting and David Arquette and Courtney Cox’s no-chemistry marriage. You'll never want to answer the phone again.


It


Possibly the epic movie to make everyone afraid of clowns--and also never be able to walk by a sewer drain, again. This Halloween it’s time to face the music and be reminded of just how strong our fear of clowns really is. Go to your local video store, if it hasn’t already been ravaged in our post-Netflix world, and pick up a copy of “It.” A quick synopsis is that it’s a Stephen King film about a serial killer clown. Enough said.


Tremors 


“Tremors” was like a movie dedicated to the childhood activity “the ground is lava” game that we all played in our living rooms. In Los Angeles, tremors is what we all experience every few months, but in a rural Nevada town, the tremors are alien worms, Graboids, who prey on victims sensing every step they take and every move they make (was Sting a Graboid?). It sounds cheesy, and yes, it is, but this one has made it into the classic scary movie category and stood the test of time. It's the best of the best because it doesn't rely on scaring you in the dark because most of the film occurs in broad daylight. So tread lightly as you watch the scariest subterranean movie that you won't be able to run from when the sun comes out.


Candyman


We’ve all tried it. Saying “Candyman” in the mirror five times and then running into our room and screaming out of fear. We've laughed about it with friends, but when the lights go out our heartbeat becomes the loudest thing we hear. This movie explores our beliefs in urban legends and it tests just how far we'll go to see if the legend is real. “Candyman” is one of those films that was made for Halloween—creepy killer, death by hook, and of course, juicy ending. After watching it, the next time you call for your wife while shaving, you’ll quickly stop after the fourth time.

Movie Review: Leap Year

Amy Adams stars with Matthew Goode in Leap Year, a romantic comedy that may not be extremely original, but is still a hit for those looking to be weak in the knees. Anna, a girl who's ready to get engaged to her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott), is let down when he doesn't purpose as she expected and leaves for a business trip to Dublin. She hears an old tale of women purposing during leap year to men in Ireland and decides to visit him and pop the big question.

She meets Declan (Goode), along the way who helps her through the typical romantic-comedy occurrences like cows blocking the road and Anna falling into mud. There's times when the cheesiness is a reminder that it's just a movie, but the film makes up for it with the cute Irish accents and the creative ending (for a cliched one, anyway).

Although there were times where the movie was predictable and the backdrops looked like they were used with Hollywood's chump change, there were twists that were creative and kept it interesting. The cinematography of Ireland was impressive, which added more to the romance and depth (of what there was) to the film. There was a lot of dry humor that worked well and Adams and Goode's characters had a lot of chemistry and believable sparks.

The ending may be predictable, but it's perfect for those that like romantic comedies and want to leave the theater feeling good and hopeful for their own future romances. If you're a guy trying to please his girl by seeing this for a date night, then don't go in expecting to be impressed or too entertained. It is, after all, a chick-flick.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Christmas Films to Enjoy

A Christmas Story (1983)

Perhaps the best Christmas movie of all time, A Christmas Story is the perfect reminder of being a kid during Christmas and wanting a gift that "could shoot your eye out!" Most memorable for the leg lamp, getting your tongue stuck on a frozen pole, and for having a crazy family, this film is lighthearted and never gets old, despite your age.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge could never be remade too many times. This year, Jim Carrey plays Christmas' worst nightmare in the animated film, A Christmas Carol. With Scrooge slightly resembling Carrey's appearance, this film is a thriller with the ghosts, the pace, and the latest animation for a Christmas film. This film is extremely similar to the original story, but is still entertaining and a great story to watch once more.

Home Alone (1990)

Who could forget the infamous scream of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, playing the role of the misfit in his family and being forgotten during Christmas. This film is original and an adventure with tarantulas, burglars, and the thrill of running the house as a kid.

The Santa Clause (1994)

Christmas isn't the same without Tim Allen, and The Santa Clause was one of his best films about trying to be both a dad, and the new Santa Clause. This film is magical and fun with it's look inside of Santa's toyshop and a chance to enjoy the sarcasm of Tim Allen trying to take on the world in one night.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Chevy Chase doesn't do anything the normal way, including Christmas. This film always brings any family together to enjoy Chase getting electrocuted by Christmas lights and trying to endure redneck Cousin Eddie's visit. There's always something unique happening in this film and although you might not be able to relax while watching it, you'll appreciate your own family more.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

Holly Hunt plays Claudia, a woman going through a mid-life crises after being fired and having to visit her deranged family during the holidays. Her mother wears a wig, her aunt is still in love with her father, and her brother (played by Robert Downey Jr.) acts like he has ADD. Between her brother driving off every time she tries to get in the car and her emotional cookie-cutter sister having a panic attack, Home for the Holidays makes me laugh, even though I've seen it six times.

Elf (2003)

No one can forget Elf, the story of a boy going out into "the real world" from the North Pole to find his biological father. This is one of Zooey Deschanel's best performances and it's a classic because it has a little humor, a little romance, and a whole lot of Christmas.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Indies & Documentaries Playing in Southern California

New York, I Love You
If you've ever seen Paris, J'Taime, then you understand the concept of taking many different love stories and combining them into one, big independent film, but this time in the heart of New York City. There's many different situations, some being of a bellboy falling for a guest at a hotel, another of a man who picks pockets and then follows an intriguing woman. There's also an elderly couple in love and a boy with his prom date. This film can be compared to Love Actually because of it's drama, humor, and soundtrack. Don't expect happily-ever-afters, but instead a film that's invigorating and encounters the different ethnic groups and personalities in The Big Apple.

Why you want to see this: Where else can you see a film packed with so many talented actors? This film is loaded with a whole lot of Shia LaBeouf, Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Natalie Portman, Rachel Bilson, Hayden Christensen, Andy Garcia, and Robin Wright Penn.

Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore is knocking on the door of D.C., once again, with this documentary about Wall Street and government bails. Of course, he adds sarcasm to the mixture with the political figures he encounters and is on a hunt to find where the country's money is. He analyzes why the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer in America, yet keeps the documentary lighthearted at times, like having M.I.A. play in the trailer with the sound of shotguns firing. He continues to hold people accountable and isn't afraid of embarrassing himself or his crew for the sake of saving America.

Why you want to see this: Moore continues to hold the government accountable in this film and ignores anyone trying to stop him. The film is highly informative, influential, and raw with it's real accounts of average Americans and how they've suffered from the state of the economy. At times Moore seems to know he's annoying, but he doesn't care for the sake of getting answers.

Coco Before Chanel
With Amelie and The Da Vinci Code under her belt, Audrey Tautou is perfect for the role of Coco Chanel. The film highlights the significant parts of Chanel's childhood, lovers, and rise to fame as an extroverted, fashion icon. The film is realistic and doesn't just show glitz and glamour for the designer, but instead takes you through the difficult parts of Chanel's life, like living at an orphanage and being deserted by her father. Coco Before Chanel shows Chanel's passion for fashion, which began with designing hats, and the story of her rise to fame.

Why you want to see this: Coco Before Chanel isn't just about fashion or design, it's interesting and dynamic. It's already won three awards and has an interesting take on the history of fashion. It's a movie that doesn't need to be classified as a "chick-flick", but something most people will be able to enjoy.


Bronson
This film is based on the story of Charles Bronson, a British criminal convicted of robbing a post office, who ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement over a sentence that was only for seven years. It's lighthearted with cinematography that isn't typical for a dramatic/comedic film like this. Known as "Britain's most violent criminal," this film is based on a true story of a man who seemed to think that everything he did was completely rational, although he admitted to being crazy. Besides being a criminal, his character is an analytical artist who seems to think he controls everyone and everything around him.

Why you want to see this: Besides being humorous and quirky, this film is also a deep thinker that has more of an underlying story than just a man who was violent and insane. The character of Charles Bronson toys with the other individuals in this film, and at times it's hard to figure out if he's toying with you, as well.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Where the Wild Things Are Movie Review

With Urban Outfitters selling Where the Wild Things Are apparel and Arcade Fire remaking one of their songs for the movie trailer, it's no wonder that the movie topped the box office the opening weekend with $32 million in revenue. For most young adults, the film is a glimpse back at childhood when our mothers used to read us Where the Wild Things Are before leaving us to dream of creatures and imaginary deeds. Both the film and the book are popular because the story awakens the part in us that still believes in adventures yet to come.


Although this film is one of the better ones to come out this year, it was hard to ignore the disappointing feeling after leaving the theatre. (When hype doesn't live up to expectations, the movie- goer feels cheated.)

Where the Wild Things Are was beautiful and had an art with it's cinematography with the scenes and metaphors. It was definitely original, unique, and a wild ride. What was disappointing is that it seemed to promise a warm good feeling after watching it, of the sweet things of childhood, of what the book always provides. Instead, the movie had a depressed and lonely theme. The young boy, Max, seemed to always be distressed and a little on the bi-polar side. One minute he'd run away from home distraught, only to return completely happy and smiling. He seemed alone, sad, and kind of left to be on his own with his imagination throughout the film.


Let's not forget that Spike Jonze is an incredible filmmaker and is easily compared to Tim Burton or Wes Anderson, but when high standards are set for a film of one of the most memorable childhood books, people often expect the same emotion and theme to come alive in the film. There's enough sadness in life so when we watch a movie that has a lot of significance to most young adults it can be hard feeling more sad than when we walked into the theater. 


Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com