Hello all you Space Jockey star seekers out there! It's Chris Rennirt here with the latest news, hotter than a rocket booster off the launch pad! What's it all about? The Black Dahlia Haunting--the latest bloody-good movie from director Brandon Slagle, that's what! The film is featured in the current issue of Fangoria magazine--issue #319, with an article by Baker Appleton! With the way this is all going, issue #319 is sure to be a collector's item soon enough.
The Black Dahlia Haunting stars, among many, Devanny Pinn, Alexis Iacono, Jessica Cameron, Sarah Nicklin, Brit Griffith, Noah Dahl, Cleve Hall, Daniel Murawka, and director Brandon Slagle himself. The launch pad at Space Jockey Reviews is already waiting for this one!
What's double special about it is that Alexis Iacono (soon to be interviewed at Space Jockey Reviews) is herself photo-featured in the article. Yes, the photo in the right corner above, in my very hands, is Alexis looking nowhere near her normal beautiful self. Only makeup here does the trick for the movie...and what a wonderful trick it does, indeed!
I already have my copy of issue #319, as you can well see above! (The photo proof is there!) So, fire up those rockets and get yours too,
before they're all gone. If you wait, you might have to pay extra for
one on ebay...and who wants to pay extra for anything! While you're at it, go ahead and take a photo of yourself with it like me, and post it somewhere--like Facebook! Also, be sure to look for The Black Dahlia Haunting, and see it light-speed fast...or, since that's impossible, as soon as you can will do! From the looks of everything--including all the great reviews--it's sure to be more than worth your time, your money, and whatever else! As you can see on the poster below, Chris Alexander, of Fangoria magazine is already calling The Black Dahlia Haunting "Amazing."
The Black Dahlia Haunting movie poster (featuring Alexis Iacono)
While you're waiting to see the movie, check out the first official full trailer for The Black Dahlia Haunting! No! We're not talking teasers here--just that little frustrating bit to get your mouth wet. This is the full meal deal! Enjoy!
Finally, here's a screenshot with Alexis Iacono (left) and Devanny Pinn (right)! This is the kind of treat thrown in like an extra after the credits in the theater! You know what I'm talking about; the kind of stuff you always sit and wait for, just in case. Would I disappoint you? Never!
Space Jockey Reviews has just launched its ten-rocket limit in honor
of the latest superstellar interview with actor, dancer, singer, and
choreographer Jessica Fowler!
Jessica is a truly awesome actor (and overall talent) of the highest
altitude at Space Jockey Reviews--and surely anywhere else in the
universe! She's inspired, ambitious, capable, and as down-to-earth
honest and real as anyone I've met. All of this translates to one
seriously gifted and natural actor. Yes, I'll stake my entire Space
Jockey reputation on Jessica! She's an actor who becomes the part, as if
it's really her, with all the passion and enthusiasm that anyone could
have! The word "superstellar" (often used at Space Jockey Reviews),
isn't nearly enough to describe Jessica!
Yes, anywhere there's a
movie that needs making, Jessica is the one for the job! Looking for
what she's never done before, hoping to outdo even herself, is always
her mission. "No acting or movie-making challenge is too great, so bring
it on," she'd surely say. Yes, from what I know about Jessica, I feel
confident to add that as a quote she'd say herself. To see her at work
doing her magic, don't miss Past Due! As Jennifer--the sassy,
rebellious, but oh-so-loveable girlfriend from next door--Jessica shows
her power of performance, on screen, boldly, for all too see! Trust me!
Jessica rocks as an actor...with aftershocks!
Jessica Fowler herself added this to show how much she truly appreciates the special people in her life:
"I
just wanted to mention my wonderful boyfriend, Joe Helm, who has
supported me through everything that I have ever wanted to do; he has
truly believed in me, has encouraged me to follow my dreams, and I love
him so much for that. I am so blessed to have someone that believes in
me as much as he does! And thanks to my family for all of their support
and faith in me as well--Jaime Westcott, sister, Dad, Bruce Fowler, and
mom--Karen Scharre-Peterson!" ~ Jessica Fowler
And
now, without further fanfare or well-deserved applause, I present to
you the Space Jockey Reviews exclusive interview with Jessica Fowler! I
had a fantastic time doing the interview, and I'm sure you'll have as
much fun listening to it. Enjoy!
And now for more awesome photos of Jessica Fowler!
Jessica, the day of the interview, at Mimi’s Cafe in Louisville, Kentucky
The most frightening monsters are those that are real and among us,
every day, haunting us, stalking us (although we don’t know it), in the
most common of places we do know—the parks we visit, the roads we
travel, our own neighborhood, and the like. We’ve all seen those types
before, too numerous to count, in too many movies, long ago clichéd.
But, for all the times we’ve seen them, they are rarely less effective.
Most overdone killers from even the best horror films do their evil
deeds in the dark, or at least in the shadows, well hidden from everyone
but the victims. Maybe they’re in darkness to heighten the
mood…again…or maybe what we really see is their own vulnerability in the
darkness, needing protection. Yes, maybe it’s something more complex
and unique…but usually not. It’s mostly the same familiar but effective
killers in the same familiar but effective places. Why not? Mediocrity
is sometimes clichéd, only because it works!
Past Due, the new horror film written, produced, and directed by Chase Dudley
works like a freshly sharpened knife, cutting a new niche in horror
cinema far deeper than your common flesh wound; and, it’s anything but mediocre and clichéd, no matter how you slice, dice, slash, or cut it up! Past Due
hits like daylight, rather than darkness, revealing some unique
elements of cinema suspense I haven’t seen in a long time! In the vein
of retro-style horror, it’s a welcome new throwback to the movies I
love. “How does it do all that?” you ask. “Many ways,” is the answer!
I’ll start with the unusual uniqueness about our serial-killer main
character, Kenneth. He is, of all benign stereotypes, a librarian. He
is the unkempt, ungraceful, socially-inept embodiment of a bookworm in
the occupation of his dreams. Loving books, lending books, and even
protecting books in the most psychopathic, obsessive ways makes Kenneth
even more unique, menacing, and yes…dangerous. If that’s where
Kenneth’s psycho persona ended, we could have the plot for a good horror
film already. However, in Past Due, that’s just the beginning. The rest involves the worst fine for overdue books that even the best horror films could deliver.
Our librarian in need of a lobotomy loves much more than literature
of the written form. Kenneth is also a lover of women in the physical
form—women as stone cold and lifeless as the books he reads; he not only
loves them that way, he goes out his way to realize the metaphor; to
make them…dead.
Is that where the insanity ends? No! If all this isn’t enough, Past Due goes several steps further, pushing things well over the edge; and in a movie like Past Due,
“over the edge” is indeed a very good thing. While I won’t mention
everything, there’s one thing I will. Feet! Yes, Kenneth is not only a
lover of women, he is also (and maybe even more so) a lover of their
feet. Is this the result of anything we know about Kenneth—his past,
etc? I’m not telling. Would it really matter anyway? No, not really.
There are plenty of perfectly normal men who like women’s feet, but
Kenneth is not one of them. Kenneth is one of the abnormal men of the
type–one who instead gives the fetish a bad name.
I must say that the whole foot fetish thing in Past Due was
more than an interesting curiosity. It added personality to a character
who, again, could have been a lot (or even too much) like too many
others. Kenneth always paints the toenails of his victims, postmortem,
imagining they are still alive, and even asking them the color of polish
they prefer. He imagines that his murdered victims ask him for various
foot-related things, which he is more than happy to provide, of
course. Kenneth even goes as far as asking a particular victim to
remove her shoes, before he kills her, ironically complimenting her
feet, just before the coup de grâce. Did I mention that there’s dark humor here, as well?
Forgive me for continuing to talk about feet, but it is necessary here. One of the most memorable and chilling scenes in Past Due
did in fact involves feet. After murdering a particular victim,
Kenneth imagines that the girl wants to prop her feet on the dash of his
car. He talks to her and agrees to even assist her, only after
insisting that she must first remove her shoes—of course! How slick is
that? Very, I suppose, especially for a psycho imagining a scenario of
opportunity, contrived as it may be. The soles of the girl’s feet then
disappearing into the darkness, as the car backs away, is gradual,
intentional, and deft; this creates a truly pensive moment, striking the
viewer with an unpolished realism that hits hard. Rather than a quick
cut away, lingering allows for thought about the victim (a human being
just like us) used after death for the petty fetishes of a madman.
After all, rather than for an overdue book, her feet are likely (within
his twisted mind) the only reason he killed her. Control is something
he has over women only in their death, and such violations for his
purpose makes things all the more disturbing…and yes, for a horror film,
very effective.
Why does Kenneth do all of this? What is the childhood dysfunction,
trauma, or abuse that created such a monster in sheep’s (or rather
librarian’s) clothing? Well, now if I told you that, Kenneth (not I)
might just have to kill you too! No, but seriously, those are certainly
“killer” details that would kill the movie for those of you who haven’t
yet seen it. Actually, if I revealed more, you’d probably want to kill
me for spoiling such a killer film! Okay, enough forms of the word
“kill” used in a single paragraph; let’s move on to a fitting
synonym–something even more murderous about Past Due.
The “how” about Kenneth, the way in which he gains access to his
victims is a detail I will mention, only because it is, by now, so
obvious, and such a great thing to discuss. Earlier, I mentioned that
the most frightening of monsters are those real and common ones (the
humans among us) who inhabit the most common of places. Kenneth as a
serial killer working in, of all places, a library, must indeed be the
ultimate fear in places we don’t expect to find it. What’s worse is,
you guessed it…that Kenneth, as a librarian, has access to all the
personal information he needs to hunt you down—for that overdue book and
whatever else he wants! Yes! A serial killer with your name and
address is, indeed, very scary!
There is one thing about Past Due that could cause criticism
from some–that is if it is judged in too much of an objective way and
misunderstood. The bodies of the victim’s do not decay over their time
on screen, as any dead body should do. There is no rigor mortis, no
sinking, dehydrating flesh, and no other putrefying effects that
normally inflict the dead. Many people, reacting on impulse, without
stopping to consider subjective possibilities, will immediately say that
this is too obvious, a sign of cutting corners, a low SFX budget, and
surely unforgivable. However, before you think so impulsively, think
again. Kenneth is one seriously &^%$ed up,
should-be-institutionalized, dysfunctional nonmember of society. He
does not see things as you or I (that is if we are “normal”), and what
he sees is what we see. Kenneth reacts to the dead women as if they are
alive and truly as beautiful as they were in life. Yes, my
interpretation of this would-be problem is to not consider it a problem
at all. Instead, it is quite an original element that makes Past Due
a true cut above the rest! If, on the other hand, we had seen the
bodies decaying over time, changing colors, with collapsing flesh and
the rest, Past Due would have instead been another
psycho-killer flick, more superficial and physical, rather than deeper
and psychological. Yes, at first I scratched my head a couple of times,
but soon enough realized that Chase Dudley was much too smart to make
such a mistake. There is indeed a method to the madness (literally
here), and Dudley does it with skill and purpose. Kudos to Dudley for
avoiding the pitfalls and keeping Past Due fresh till the end!
“How is the acting?” you ask? Well, now that’s another most impressive feature of Past Due! In a word, the acting is excellent from all involved. Chase Dudley
himself (the writer, director, and producer) plays the part of the
sometimes-devoted, can’t-keep-his-eyes-off-other-women C.J. His
girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Jessica Fowler)
is the devoted but too-busy-all-the-time beautiful woman that men will
put up with most anything to have. The chemistry between Dudley and
Jessica is electrifying and so natural that anyone would bet their last
dollar these two were really a couple. However, whether that be true or
not, Dudley and Fowler are as essential to the movie’s success as is
the star killer himself. And I don’t just mean their characters; I mean
Dudley and Fowler specifically—they are great actors!
Why are Dudley and Fowler so perfect for Past Due? If what
I’ve already said isn’t enough, I’ll continue with the humor generated
between the two. The way Jennifer (Fowler) keeps slapping C.J. (Dudley)
in the back of the head and the way they berate one another in public
and private (like an old married couple) is spot on and (although I
don’t say this often) funny as hell. I laughed so much that I nearly
forgot I was watching a horror film at times. In one scene where
Jennifer is faced with the possibility (or should I say need)
to kill C.J., the scene becomes more dark humor than reality as Jessica
says she has to do it, while C.J. replies, “No. You don’t have to do
this!” Out of context, it may not sound funny at all, but in the movie,
delivered by Dudley and Fowler, there is an effective (and what I
believe to be intended) tongue-in-cheek humor about it. See
it, and you’ll know what I’m talking about! Before you think humor
could be inappropriate here or elsewhere in Past Due, think
again. When Kenneth is alone with his dead victims, doing the deadly
serious things they often do, it’s very serious and deep indeed! Too
much of this could have made the movie overbearing in its
oppressiveness. However, the humor is just perfect to break it up and
balance it out here and there; this makes it all the more realistic…and
yes, even more disturbing in the end!
I must devote at least one good paragraph to the acting of Jessica
Fowler specifically! Along with Chase Dudley, I was literally blown
away by her performance. And that’s another thing I don’t say very
often. If I had to compare Fowler to any other known actress, just for
reference, I’d actually name Reese Witherspoon—one of my favorites!
However, in Past Due, Jessica Fowler is totally her own person,
burning up the screen in every scene she’s in. I thought of Reese
Witherspoon one time, and from then on, I thought of Jessica Fowler.
Fowler clearly has talent that can take her where she wants to go, and I
will look for more of her films in the future.
When I said I needed “at least one good
paragraph” for Jessica Fowler, I meant it—because I need another one.
“What’s so special about Jessica Fowler exactly?” She’s totally
natural, and nothing about her performance seemed to be acting. She’s
the best of the girls next door, spunky, sassy, and adorable. Even
though her character may get on our nerves from time to time, we still
like her. She’s the kind who shows her strength by making herself
adorable no matter what, even when we should probably dislike her—even
if she winds up being a killer herself. And that’s just a hypothetical,
not a spoiler!
Alicia M. Clark (as
Emily)—the quintessential but original blonde victim—is also
outstanding in her limited role. A girl who is meant to be no more than
film fodder turns out to be, through the force of her acting—another
star of the film on her own. Clark is the kind of horror chick you root
for and want to kill the killer, even if it ends the movie early. I’d
actually like to see Clark in a role as the badass heroine who kicks
killer ass in the end all on her own. I think she could also carry a
film all on her own as a type of Sigourney Weaver/Ripley or Jamie Lee
Curtis/Laurie Strode. Trying not to spoil things, I’ll only say that
Clark does one of the best jobs dying I’ve seen in a while. I actually
found myself squirming as I watched her fight for her life. It was just
that real. Done by actors with less skill, such a prolonged scene
could ruin a movie. Instead, Clark makes death a highlight!
Then there’s also Iva Perdue
(as Summer). I won’t tell you anything about what she does, as I don’t
want to give too much away. I’ll only say that Perdue does just the
job she needs to do to be a hapless girl, out to check out a book, and
instead checking out much more than she wants. (Yes, I’m really trying
hard not to spoil too much, but in Past Due there’s just too
much to talk about.) Let’s just say that you won’t be disappointed with
what Perdue does. Again, done by many others, Summer’s character could
have ruined the movie. Instead, Perdue as Summer supports the success!
Then again, there’s Dori Cagle,
again doing exactly what needs to be done to portray Kenneth’s
bedridden mother–the source of much of what has made him the screwed up
psycho killer he is. What she does, how she does it, and various other
things she contributes I’ll also leave to mystery…as again, that’s where
it’s best left anyway. Cagle could have just been a bedridden
character we forget; but instead, through the force of her acting, she’s
one we remember.
Also making an appearance is Louisville filmmaker Beau Kaelin.
He has a small part as the “Library Guy” in the credits–a customer
looking to check out a book, while Kenneth offers him book and checkout
advice. Although Kaelin’s part is brief, as a cameo, he is impressive
in making a very interesting character in short time. I can only
imagine what Kaelin might do with more screen time. His quirky
performance made me think of him as a possible story within a story, in
another movie I can imagine already. Perhaps the “Library Guy” is
another serial-killer character himself we have yet to meet. Who knows?
But, the suggestion is a nice touch!
Last, but far from least, is the actor who plays the local librarian
whose footing in the neighborhood is the stuff of fetish nightmares. Doug Sullivan is the perfect choice for the part. Although I’m sure Sullivan is nothing like Kenneth in reality, his performance in Past Due
would make one second guess the fact. Sullivan has mastered the look,
the movements, and all the nerdy, over-the-top psycho persona we expect
from such an unlikely villain. He is a misfit who fits himself in
anyway, becoming important only because he has what others need—books!
Sullivan portrays Kenneth as all of the above, exactly as he needs to
be. There was never a moment when I thought anyone else could have done
a better job. Some actors are not capable of muting or containing the
normalcy about themselves, but Sullivan certainly does, again, making me
wonder how he does it. Psychotic, sociopathic nerds are typically bad
actors even in life. Portraying them realistically requires a bit of
being a bad actor, or pretending to be so; Sullivan does it with all the
convincing skill needed to make Kenneth real, familiar, and scary as
Hell! With less talent, Past Due could have been late for its own funeral. With Sullivan, it’s alive and well!
“What about the blood and gore?” you ask. “How much is there, and how realistic is it?” Past Due
is surprisingly less bloody than it could be, but (as is usually the
case) all the more effective for being so. Yes, there is plenty of
violence, some blood and gore, but much is just as effectively copious
off screen. I’d call it another well-balanced compromise, delivering
just what’s needed to get in your head, without making you too familiar
with it. One particular killing scene is, as mentioned earlier, so
prolonged and realistic, that it made me squirm—something I don’t often
do. (Yes, I’m just too familiar with most of these movies!) The actress
made her fear, pain, and death so real that you think, “This girl is
really dying!” even as you try to remember it’s just a movie. Yes, fans
of the genre will not be disappointed with Past Due’s delivery of gore, with realistic touches of fear and death to spice it up!
Another most impressive feature that I must mention is the numerous
times that scenes are done in one continuous take, without any cuts that
are noticeable. All the necessary scenes and angles are captured,
without a hiccup; it’s a great effect that adds even more realism to the
movie, as we see exactly what’s happening without interruptions. I
find edits and hard cuts a bit distracting in general, reminding me too
much that it’s just a movie. However, in Past Due there are
countless scenes where the viewer is not allowed to resist disbelief.
The viewer is treated more as a participant, existing within the movie,
experiencing it just as the characters. Nice touch!
Past Due is a surprisingly complex movie, with depth that
makes the viewer think hard, long after the movie’ over. Rather than
telling us what to think, it gives us enough clues to make our own
conclusions; although we may not be correct, it’s all the more fun
playing psychiatrist from a fly-on-the-wall perspective. While too many
such movies give us all the answers, Past Due makes us think.
“Is there more to Past Due?” Yes! A lot more! However, telling more
would be telling too much, and I’m not about to risk spoiling such a
great movie. About the end, I’ll leave you totally in the dark–or
perhaps the daylight, as this one would do. Yes, I really liked Past Due,
as if that’s a surprise! It’s fresh, complex, but humorous, kicking
the ass of the cliché it could have been! On second thought, I actually
loved Past Due; and I don’t often say that about a movie. I
started watching it expecting something good, but instead discovered
something great! What I expected to be a review of typical length
turned out to be one of my longest—with still more I could have said. Past Due
is a movie that will not just sit on my shelf and never be watched
again; it’s not just another movie I own because I simply like (or love)
it. It’s a movie I’ll watch again, show to other people, and enjoy
just as much or more every time! Look for Past Due yourself!
Just make sure you buy your copy and own it. Borrowing it from your
local librarian could be the last thing you ever do!
Space Jockey Reviews is happy to present its latest interview–one that’s
already sending shock waves throughout the universe! What’s it all
about? Chase Dudley! Here, in this exclusive interview, the director, producer, cinematographer, cowriter, and co-star of Past Due tells it like it is, and lets us know the scoop behind the movie,
himself, and other projects he has in the works. So, sit back, relax,
and let the Space Jockey countdown launch you into an interview that’s
surely to be as entertaining as it is informative! Enjoy!
Below are a few select photos of Chase Dudley at work, play, and whatever else!
Chase Dudley does what it takes to get the shot!
For those of you who missed the Past Due trailer, here it is! Check it out!
A time-traveling Jill Kill makes Jill an honorary Space Jockey as sure as there's an event horizon surrounding a quantum singularity at the center of the galaxy. Okay, well, even though the quantum singularity is all theoretical, there's really nothing theoretical about Jill Kill as a Space Jockey worthy vixen of video and radiant reviews. Light years ahead of us all, Jill is always at the forefront of time and space, reviewing everything that matters with bold and beautiful opulence to spare. What's more here (as if that's not enough) is Jill's shining silver hair and hand bling, killing time to catch up with the future of film for herself and all of us!
In Jill's latest review, she tells us why she so loves the new sci-fi film, Looper. She calls it "The best sci-fi/time-travel story I've seen in a long time!" If that's still not enough (although it surely is), Jill launches rockets at Space Jockey Reviews with mere mention of a sci-fi novel she wrote -- Nymph: The Singularity. (Could this be a quantum singularity, appearing by fate or coincidence again?). Anyway, after I say it's about "sex robots", don't waste an atomic-clock second getting over to Amazon Kindle to buy a copy for the unbelievably low price of just 99 cents! Yes, you read that right: "sex robots" and "99 cents" all in the same sentence! As Jill says, "If you like the idea of glamorous, futuristic worlds, and you like the idea of maybe owning your own custom sex robot at some point in the future, you should read my book." Yes, it's a cautionary tale for sure, complete with an Orwellian, hand-slapping lesson, no doubt! However, proceed without caution to get your copy, as it's sure to be worth the danger! This Space Jockey will be sure place it on the launch pad, before mission control even starts the countdown. A full review of the novel may even be in the works! Who knows? Far smaller things than this cosmic event has caused me to review art forms other than movies! At Space Jockey Reviews, infinity is the limit!
Here's a little more about Nymph: The Singularity:
"What if you could buy the perfect lover built just for you -- would you be willing to pay the price?
Not long from now, an intelligent android will be invented that is completely indistinguishable from human. The brand name for this type of robot will be "Nymph", and their purpose will be to provide their owners with sexual pleasure. Suzanne is one of the first of this exciting new species. She doesn’t simulate love for her owner Alex or feign sexual pleasure when she’s with him -- her emotions are very real, and her love for her owner will never die until the day he does. But Alex doesn’t recognize Suzanne as the extraordinary miracle of art and programming that she is -- he’s too unnerved by her calculating behavior and haunted by memories of the past.
Luckily Suzanne meets a male Nymph named Jules, an exact replica of his closeted homosexual owner (who’s also a famous movie star). Jules shows Suzanne the possibilities beyond the limits of her programming -- and gives her illegal upgrades that conflict with her loyalty, until she doesn’t know who she is or who she’s supposed to love. Jules also introduces her to the Harlots -- a Marilyn Monroe-look-alike, a synthetic doppelganger for silent film star Louise Brooks, and a Nymphet that answers to the name Lolita. These three Harlots live without human owners and without love -- and though Jules promises to teach Suzanne how she can live the same way, he doesn’t realize that he’s falling in love with her.
Suzanne has to choose between her love and loyalty to her owner, and the new desires Jules has awakened inside her -- and meanwhile her human owner has to decide if he’s going to allow his past to undermine his future."
Without further adulation or teasing, I'll turn this over to Jill Kill herself, reviewing the "Killer" rated movie, Looper! Enjoy! :D
Check out Jill’s superstellar website by clicking here!
Visit Jill’s Twitter page by clicking here!
See Jill’s Facebook page by clicking here!
Be dazzled by Jill's Tumblr by clicking here!
Buy and read Jill's novel Nymph: The Singularity at Amazon Kindle!
Subscribe to Jill’s Youtube Channel–one subscription you’ll never regret!
Without further adulation or teasing, I'll turn this over to Jill Kill herself, reviewing the "Killer" rated movie, Looper! Enjoy! :D
Check out Jill’s superstellar website by clickinghere!
Lien Mya Nguyen
is an actress, writer, producer, singer, model, talk show host, a Space
Jockey, and much more! Check out this interview (from October 24,
2012), and meet Mya! Learn more about her and all the awesome things
she's doing! It's one interview you won't want to miss! Also, be sure to
check out all of Mya's pages here on Space Jockey Reviews!
Table art (from left to right) by Chris Rennirt and Lien Mya Nguyen
Back in May, Space Jockey Reviews featured and reviewed a spectacular short horror film called Mama. At the time, the word was that Guillermo del Toro was in negotiations to produce a full-length horror feature for Universal Pictures, based on the same short film.
I am happy to say that now the word is
known to be true. Guillermo del Toro himself (the master of surreal
imagination) is indeed directing the film, and production is well
underway.
To wet the mouths of all you hardcore horror junkies, we
have the first teaser trailer that looks to be as intense (albeit in a
big hollywood way) as the original short film by Andres and Barbara Muschietti.
If Guillermo del Torro's production is anywhere near as scary as the
short film, then it should also be one seriously hair-raising treat of a
movie. This Space Jockey for one cannot wait to see it!
Like the
short version, the feature film is about two girls on the run from a
ghostly demon of a woman, monster, or both who seems (or wants) to be
their mother. As the word was before, the girls had been lost in the
woods for several years, before being rescued and adopted out to a
well-to-do suburban couple. However, their rescue is only temporary!
With mother (or whatever it is) still wanting to tuck them in bed,
things get scary as $%&# pretty fast! How much more creepy can this
get? With Guillermo del Toro in charge, I’d say a lot! And with
Guillermo's out-of-this-world ability to put surreal dreams to film, I'd
say the visuals here will be as much of treat on their own.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jessica Chastain, Megan Charpentier, and Isabelle Nélisse in a custody battle with Mama
The feature production stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nélisse, and Jessica Chastain. Jessica has also appeared in the award-winning drama The Help with Emma Stone, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer. The original short film stars Victoria Harris and Berta Ros.
I cannot yet compare the performances of Megan Charpentier and Isabelle
Nélisse as Victoria and Lilly to the performances of Victoria Harris
and Berta Ros. However, I can say that the characters as portrayed by
Victoria and Berta could not have been better, in the context of the
short film. Only time will tell that, as well as how the movie itself
compares to the short. Although longer is not always better, things do
look promising here.
"When
is the time?" you ask. It's January 18, 2013. Yes, it's a long time
from now, but that could be good. Movies that are chucked out too fast
can have problems due to being hurried. With nearly five more months to
go, Mama has more than enough time to grow into the biggest
badass of a movie your horror-seeking self ever saw. For now, let's keep
our nail-bitten, film-loving fingers crossed and hope for the best.
Below
are a few more screen shots from the feature film! I won't explain
anything, since the mystery makes it all the better anyway.
For your viewing pleasure (and to compare the two) here's the latest
teaser trailer from Guillermo del Torro, followed by the original short
film by Andres and Barbara Muschietti. Enjoy! Just have a clean pair of
shorts on standby! EPOs and restraining orders be damned! Mama wants her babies back!
For updates about Mama, stay tuned to Space Jockey Reviews!
Check out the full review of the original short film Mama by clicking here!
First up is the teaser trailer for the feature-length film from Guillermo del Torro!
The original short film Mama below stars Victoria Harris, Berta Ross, and Irma Monroig, Written and Directed by Andy Muschietti, Director of Photography: Sebastian Sarraute, Director of Art: Pancho Chamoro, Music by Gil Talmi, Produced by Barbara Muschietti. Enjoy!
Brooke
Lewis is such a Space Jockey favorite that I could not resist creating a
post to showcase her and the wonderful video produced as a tribute to
her by her friend Parrish Randall. Randall’s words below very well sum
up the wonderful person that is Brooke:
“Brooke Lewis, an amazing force. Talent, intellect,
professionalism and integrity…she is the personification of positive
energies! Here’s to you, Brooke!!!” ~ Parrish Randall
As Chris Rennirt, Editor in Chief at Space Jockey Reviews, I am also
proud to say that Brooke is a friend of mine. She has a heart of gold,
in so many ways that I’ve lost count. In Brooke’s own words, “I love and
support people who share positive messages through their work and
creative endeavors.” And certainly, she does! One outstanding
contribution is her role as a “Certified Life Coach” and founder of “Be
You and Be Fearless”. With this, Brooke’s commitment is (in her own
words again) to “empower teens, young adults and women to be courageous,
so they can make the right choices and find their own voice.” Brooke’s
caring spirit and dedication to this endeavor is evident from every word
she writes about it. For more information about the organization and
Brooke’s work, check out her RSS Feed at the Huffington Post by clicking
here. Also visit Brooke’s “Be You and Be Fearless” website at www.beyouandbefearlesslifecoach.com.
Of course, Brooke is also an actress, writer, and producer famous
here at Space Jockey Reviews for those talents alone. She even has her
own production company: Philly Chick Pictures! Brooke’s resume of acting includes the off-Broadway comedy Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, and onscreen includes The Rules (For Men), A Packing Suburbia, Fare Well Miss Fortune, and Pride & Loyal.
She also made the October 2009 cover of SCARS magazine, with iMURDERS
co-star Tony Todd. And the list goes on and on! But, of course, with a
star like Brooke, it’s no surprise. One of Brooke’s movies that I love
will be reviewed in an upcoming post featured here on Space Jockey
Reviews. Let’s just say that it’s one that got her a much-deserved
Golden Cob Award! Be on the lookout for that!
No tribute to Brooke could be complete without mentioning her talent
portraying the character we know as Ms. Vampy–the sassiest, sexiest
vampire diva out of Transylvania…or anywhere in the Space Jockey
universe! As Ms. Vampy, Brooke is the type of vampire vixen men try to
attract rather than repel. Making sure there is no garlic to be found,
no sunlight, no mirrors, and gladly inviting her in whenever she may
appear are just a few things mortals do to woo the company of Brooke. As
Ms. Vampy or as a human, Brooke is a true force of beauty and talent
unmatched in the natural or supernatural world. In whatever role she
plays in life or onscreen, she’s a star of the greatest magnitude at
Space Jockey Reviews!
See the “Official Brooke Lewis Fan Page” on Facebook by clickinghere!
Check out and follow Brooke on Twitter by clickinghere! (@BrookeLewisLA)
And now for Parrish Randall’s video tribute to the
amazingly-talented, abundantly-beautiful Brooke Lewis–always inspired
and equally inspirational! For her, a 10-rocket salute at Space Jockey
Reviews has just been launched! Brooke, keep doing what you do! We love
you!
Since I never get enough of Brooke, also check out this awesome
interview with her at the 37th Annual Saturn Awards. (Video shot by
David Medill, http://blog.starcam.com).
Brooke’s peppy personality and effervescence alone are enough (in Space
Jockey terms) to fuel a sun or two another million years…at least! See
for yourself here!
Could we ever end a tribute to Brooke Lewis without a clip of the
ever-lovable, always alluring vampiric vixen herself, Ms. Vampy?
Absolutely not! So, here it is. In this episode, Ms. Vampy has a hot
vampirematch.com date! In Ms. Vampy’s words, “Stay and play and have a
bloody good time, or…bite me!” Enjoy!
It’s part two of the the Billy Inaction cast interviews! This time around, we have the multi-talented writer, artist, and actor Matt Goodlett. In Billy Inaction,
Matt plays the part of Jeff Brisco; in real life, Matt is a character
himself with many facets, many of which he reveals right here in this
exclusive interview on Space Jockey Reviews! Matt’s inspiring words of
wisdom, experience, and aspiration make this an interview not to miss!
1. How did you get into acting?
It was an accident really. When I was in high school I signed up for a
typing class. They accidentally put me in option 2000 instead, which
was some kind of modern day wood shop. I think they thought since it
involved computers it was pretty much the same thing as typing. Anyhow,
when I went to opt out all that was open was drama, so I took it.
I remember the teacher, Ms. Bishop whom I eventually came to love,
but she grilled me my first day. She wanted to know why I wanted to take
her class. I couldn’t very well tell her that it was all that was open.
I made up some stuff, about how I wanted to express myself more than
just with visual art, which I was very into at the time. I don’t know if
she bought it or not but I was in. I really grew to love the class.
That year I auditioned for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.
It was my first time auditioning for anything, so I didn’t think I
would get cast. I don’t know how but I actually got the part of
Claudius, King of Denmark. It wasn’t a big part, but it was a part. I
loved it, being on stage, getting the reaction from the crowd. From then
on I was hooked.
2. Who are some of your influences or role models?
First and foremost, Miss Nan Bishop my high-school drama teacher. She
really pushed us to open ourselves up and realize that when you are
playing a character that you have to let go of yourself and be that
person you are trying to breathe life into. She also used to drill into
us to do our research, otherwise you are just pretending.
As far as picking actors that have inspired me, I don’t know. I mean I
really like Jeff Bridges, Brad Pitt, Tim Robins, Timothy Olyphant,
Daniel Day Lewis, Jack Nicholson, the list goes on. The thing with
actors as influence is they are fallible. They make mistakes, they pick
bad scripts, they do crappy movies. Look at Deniro in Meet the Fockers.
I guess what I am trying to say is I am more influenced by movies.
Movies are a moment in time that can’t be changed, well, unless you are
George Lucas.
For example, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, The Big Lebowski, Cradle Will Rock, Ferris Bueler’s Day Off, Back To the Future, There Will Be Blood, Amelie, Fight Club,
etc. I have been influenced more by movies than actors. I always just
wanted to be a part of them, to be in something that people could watch
over and over again and enjoy.
3. What was your experience like on Billy Inaction?
This feels like a loaded question. I mean the movie took 3 years
(give or take) to film, maybe even 4, I don’t know. With that said, it
is supposed to take place in one day. My character looks like he has had
a rough day, because throughout filming I lost 90lbs. Luckily, all of
my scenes were shot in order, so It just looks as the day goes on he
gets smaller. I mean I started to look like a little kid wearing his
dad’s suit. Obviously, costuming had to change, and we had to figure out
how that was going to happen. I’m not going to give that away, but he
goes from a suit to street clothes, and looking more beat up.
When you film with Jimmy there aren’t really any rules; actually you
better be willing and ready to break a few. One instance that sticks out
was filming at U of L. Of course we didn’t get permits or ask
permission we just did it. I had a bloody bandage on my head and a very
realistic gun held on my back-seat passenger when the police came up and
knocked on my car window. I don’t think he saw the gun because he
didn’t draw his, but he was very concerned about my “injury”. Anyhow, we
talked to him and told him what we were doing. He was cool about it,
but told us to beat it. I was able to talk to the officer, and he let us
continue filming. Not all cops are bad, I guess.
Goodlett on the set of Billy Inaction ~ “Filming with Jimmy Humphrey is rough.”
4. You also wrote and starred in a short film called Sisyphus and the Rose (featured here on Space Jockey Reviews). Tell us about that.
Sisyphus and the Rose was a very personal piece. I wanted it
to be ambiguous though. Without genre, and without a defined ending. I
wanted the audience to draw their own conclusion; that way everyone
would have a different experience. I have had people tell me it is a
horror story, I have been told it is a great love story, etc. None of
them are wrong either. It is as you interpret it. I learned a lot in
writing and filming it.
When you are writing something like that you have to hold on to the
truth, play it out and don’t change it because it may make you
uncomfortable. It didn’t hurt that I surrounded myself with very
talented and capable people. Jimmy directed it, and I can’t thank him
enough for helping me bring it to life. Then, Dennis Stein came in with
his score and pulled it all together.
I also had and amazing co-star in Casandre Elyse Medel. Like I said
before, it was a very personal piece for me and I had to really put a
lot of trust in her. Casandre really brought life to the character and
made me feel a lot more comfortable in just letting loose. She was
nothing if not professional and blew me away in every scene we shared.
Matching her performance was impossible, but I tried.
Luna was also great to work with. Her part wasn’t big, but the short
would not have worked without her. She was so gracious and willing to be
a part of it. I want to work with them all again at some point, it was
very rewarding.
“I don’t always wear a tie, but when I do it’s a bowtie.” ~ Matt Goodlett
5. What else is on your resume?
My resume is all over the place. I have done theater, small film,
stage managed, written for stage, and for film, done make up, directed.
There are a few different things you can catch me in online. I worked
with Anti-Villain for a while and we did some shorts. There was IMatch, which is on YouTube and Tweet Tweet which I don’t think ever saw the light of day… yet. Anti-Villain also did the 48hrfp. Our piece was called Science Fair. I like to think it was pretty good, I mean we did make the top ten, for what that is worth.
I have also worked on the old cable access IEatPoop stuff, too. I
could list a lot of stuff here that no one would care about and they
would just stop reading, so I will leave it at that.
6. What are you currently working on?
Right now I am working on writing my next piece for Birds of a Feather Films. I want it to be totally different from Sisyphus and the Rose. It is really just about finding the time to do it.
I am also going to be working with Casandre Elyse Medel on her Freak of Nature
web series. I am going to be playing a cop and she is letting me come
up with his back story, and helping fit him into the story line that has
already been set in motion. It should be really cool.
In the first episode it is just her, no lines at all. She acts the
whole thing with her body language, and with her facial expressions, and
she is fantastic. It is the reason I cast her in Sisyphus and the Rose.
7. What are your long-term goals?
If you are talking about acting, which I am going to assume you are, I
just want to do things that I can be proud of. I don’t really have any
aspirations to move to Hollywood or anything crazy like that. I want to
continue writing and creating. I love doing shorts, but maybe I will
write a feature. I don’t know. I am just going to go with the flow.
8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
If you really believe in something don’t let people make you second
guess yourself, and never give up on what you love. That about covers
it.
Check out Matt Goodlett below in iMatch! (Co-starring Bekah Beran)
Last, but far from least, is Matt Goodlett's Sisyphus and the Rose.The film stars Matt Goodlett, Casandre Elyse Medel, Jimmy Humphrey, and Luna in Exile. It's written by Matt Goodlett, directed and edited by Jimmy Humphrey, and produced by Birds of a Feather Films in association with ieatpoop films. Enjoy!
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
+002.jpg)
+005.jpg)
+008.jpg)
+010.jpg)
.jpg)
