We Are Movie Geeks All things movies… as noted by geeks.

June 6, 2017

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Blu-ray Today – Check Out These Dress & Character Design Bonus Clips


Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home today on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.


We Are Movie Geeks has some  great bonus material to share with you today from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The clips below give you a glimpse into the design of Belle’s famous golden gown, the dance sequences from the movie, filming at Sherpperton, and some concept images from the design of some of the famous classic characters and the castle.

The Dress:

The Dancing:

Filming at Shepperton

Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.  The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.

Bonus features include*: 
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
  • Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
  • A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
  • The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
  • Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
  • From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
    • “Belle” — Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
    • “Be Our Guest” — Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
    • “Gaston” — Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
    • “Beauty and the Beast” — You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Introduction by Director Bill Condon — Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
    • Gaston Courts Belle — Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
    • Bread and Jam for Agathe — On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
    • Storming the Ice Gates — The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
    • Lumière Torches LeFou — As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
    • Monsieur Toilette — LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he’s startled by a castle resident.
    • Cogsworth Rescues Lumière — When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
    • Treacle the Lasses — Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
    • LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite — After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.
  • Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
  • Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
  • Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.
    • “Belle”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Music Box)
    • “Belle” (Reprise)
    • “Gaston”
    • “Be Our Guest”
    • “Days in the Sun”
    • “Something There”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Montmartre)
    • “Beauty and the Beast”
    • “Evermore”
    • “The Mob Sing”
    • “Beauty and the Beast” (Finale)
DVD:
  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video
  • “Beauty and the Beast” features an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as The Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Hattie Morahan as the enchantress and Nathan Mack as Chip with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. 
     
    Directed by Bill Condon and based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. The film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. 
     
    As Condon explains, “There’s something about this story – and specifically the score, which was written 25 years ago – that is just magical, and I think that’s what still draws people in and is what makes this such a special experience.” 
     
    Thanks to the artistry and imagination of Condon and a brilliant creative team, audiences of all ages are sure to be captivated by the story’s music, adventure and romance once again.

June 2, 2017

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on Digital HD, DVD, Blu-ray and Disney Movies Anywhere June 6th

 
“Sacre bleu! Invaders!”
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.  The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.
Bonus features include*: 
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
  • Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.
  • A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.
  • The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.
  • Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”
  • From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
    • “Belle” — Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
    • “Be Our Guest” — Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
    • “Gaston” — Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
    • “Beauty and the Beast” — You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene.
  • Deleted Scenes
    • Introduction by Director Bill Condon — Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
    • Gaston Courts Belle — Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
    • Bread and Jam for Agathe — On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
    • Storming the Ice Gates — The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
    • Lumière Torches LeFou — As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
    • Monsieur Toilette — LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he’s startled by a castle resident.
    • Cogsworth Rescues Lumière — When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
    • Treacle the Lasses — Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
    • LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite — After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.
  • Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
  • Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.
  • Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.
    • “Belle”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Music Box)
    • “Belle” (Reprise)
    • “Gaston”
    • “Be Our Guest”
    • “Days in the Sun”
    • “Something There”
    • “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Montmartre)
    • “Beauty and the Beast”
    • “Evermore”
    • “The Mob Sing”
    • “Beauty and the Beast” (Finale)
DVD:
  • “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video
“Beauty and the Beast” features an extraordinary ensemble cast, including Emma Watson as Belle, Dan Stevens as The Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, Kevin Kline as Maurice, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, Audra McDonald as Madame de Garderobe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, Hattie Morahan as the enchantress and Nathan Mack as Chip with Ian McKellen as Cogsworth and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts. 
 
Directed by Bill Condon and based on the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast,” the screenplay is written by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman as well as three new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice. The film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman, p.g.a. and Todd Lieberman, p.g.a with Jeffrey Silver, Thomas Schumacher and Don Hahn serving as executive producers. 
 
As Condon explains, “There’s something about this story – and specifically the score, which was written 25 years ago – that is just magical, and I think that’s what still draws people in and is what makes this such a special experience.” 
 
Thanks to the artistry and imagination of Condon and a brilliant creative team, audiences of all ages are sure to be captivated by the story’s music, adventure and romance once again.

November 6, 2016

In Case You Missed It: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Photos Are Here

Emma Watson as Belle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's classic animated film.

Emma Watson as Belle in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s classic animated film.

Take a look at brand new images featuring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic and one of the most beloved tales ever told, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

The film, which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life in a stunning, cinematic event, is directed by Bill Condon and features an extraordinary ensemble cast which also includes Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Audra McDonald, Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be released in U.S. theaters nationwide on March 17, 2017.

The Beast (Dan Stevens) and Belle (Emma Watson) in the castle library in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic which is a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

The Beast (Dan Stevens) and Belle (Emma Watson) in the castle library in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic which is a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

The mantel clock Cogsworth, the teapot Mrs. Potts, Lumiere the candelabra and the feather duster Plumette live in an enchanted castle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST the live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic directed by Bill Condon.

The mantel clock Cogsworth, the teapot Mrs. Potts, Lumiere the candelabra and the feather duster Plumette live in an enchanted castle in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon.

Director/co-screenwriter Bill Condon on set with Belle (Emma Watson) in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event...a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

Director/co-screenwriter Bill Condon on set with Belle (Emma Watson) in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event…a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

Luke Evans stars as Gaston and Josh Gad as Le Fou in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.

Luke Evans stars as Gaston and Josh Gad as Le Fou in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.

Gaston (Luke Evans) a handsome but arrogant brute, holds court in the village tavern in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, directed by Bill Condon, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic and a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

Gaston (Luke Evans) a handsome but arrogant brute, holds court in the village tavern in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, directed by Bill Condon, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic and a celebration of one of the most beloved stories ever told.

In Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic, Emma Watson stars as Belle and Kevin Kline is Maurice, Belle's father. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event...a celebration of one of the most beloved tales ever told.

In Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, Emma Watson stars as Belle and Kevin Kline is Maurice, Belle’s father. The story and characters audiences know and love are brought to life in this stunning cinematic event…a celebration of one of the most beloved tales ever told.

Belle (Emma Watson) in the West Wing of the Beast's castle in Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.

Belle (Emma Watson) in the West Wing of the Beast’s castle in Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, a live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic directed by Bill Condon which brings the story and characters audiences know and love to life.

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May 23, 2016

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST First Teaser Is Here

beauty

Emma Watson is Belle in the lovely trailer for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within.

The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

Directed by Oscar winner Bill Condon from a screenplay by TBD based on the 1991 animated film, the film is produced by Mandeville Films’ David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman with eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who won two Academy Awards® (Best Original Score and Best Song) for the 1991 animated film, providing the score, which will include new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Howard Ashman, as well as several new songs written by Menken and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be released in U.S. theaters on March 17, 2017.

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Twitter – https://twitter.com/beourguest
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/beautyandthebeast

February 23, 2016

Giveaway – Win A Copy Of SPOTLIGHT On Blu-ray/DVD

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment-Spotlight

The riveting true story of the dedicated investigative team that blew the lid off a monumental cover up, Spotlight is now available on Digital HD, and comes to Blu-ray combo pack, DVD and On Demand on February 23, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Directed by Academy Award nominee Tom McCarthy (Up, The Station Agent), this taut drama goes behind the scenes of one of the most notorious scandals in recent history as a small group of intrepid journalists take on a seemingly unbeatable opponent — and win. “A tour de force” (Variety), Spotlight on Blu-ray and DVD features an insightful “making-of” documentary and revealing conversations with the filmmakers.

“A masterpiece” according to Brian Truitt, USA Today, Spotlight is one of the most important and critically acclaimed films of the year, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Additionally, the film was nominated for three Golden Globes®, two SAG Awards, eight Critics Choice Awards and a total of nine Best Picture nominations.

Michael Keaton (Birdman), Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher) in his Academy Award® nominated role and Rachel McAdams (Southpaw) in her Academy Award® nominated role lead a critically acclaimed cast in this gripping story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation that uncovered a scandal that rocked one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. Delving into allegations of child abuse within the local Catholic Archdiocese, a tenacious team of Boston Globe reporters exposes a decades-long cover-up that reaches the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishments. “Brilliantly acted and flawlessly directed” (New York Post),Spotlight is a powerful drama-thriller the critics are calling “the All the President’s Men of our time” (Los Angeles Times).

WAMG is giving away copies of the film to celebrate the Blu-ray/DVD release.

ENTER YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. WE WILL CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE A WINNER.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES. NO P.O. BOXES. NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNERS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

No purchase necessary.

Order here: http://www.amazon.com/Spotlight-Blu-ray-Mark-Ruffalo/dp/B019NB5EVG/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1456205534&sr=1-2&keywords=spotlight

spotlight

BLU-RAYTM and DVD BONUS FEATURES:

  • Uncovering the Truth: A Spotlight Team Roundtable – Fourteen years after their journalistic detective work made headlines and rocked the Catholic church, the real-life Boston Globe Spotlight team reunites for a roundtable discussion about the challenges they faced, and how the shocking story they uncovered continues to impact the world.
  • Spotlight: A Look Inside
  • The State of Journalism

The film will be available on Blu-ray with DIGITAL HD and UltraViolet and DVD

  • Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  •  DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
  •  DIGITAL HD with UltraViolet™ lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

http://uni.pictures/Spotlight

http://uni.pictures/SpotlightTrailer
https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightMovie/

https://twitter.com/spotlightmovie

https://www.instagram.com/spotlightmovie/

#SpotlightMovie

FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, John Slattery, Brian d’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci
Directed By: Tom McCarthy
Written By: Josh Singer, Tom McCarthy
Produced By: Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Blye Pagon Faust
Executive Produced By: Jeff Skoll, Jonathan King, Pierre Omidyar, Michael Bederman, Bard Dorros, Tom Ortenberg, Peter Lawson,Xavier Marchand
Director of Photography: Masanobu Takayanagi
Production Designer: Stephen H. Carter
Edited By: Tom McArdle
Composer: Howard Shore
Costume Designer: Wendy Chuck

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY:
Street Date: February 23, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 55174892
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1
Rating: R for some language including sexual references
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Run Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:
Street Date: February 23, 2016
Copyright: 2016 Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Selection Number: 55174890
Layers: Dual
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Rating: R for some language including sexual references
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish and French Subtitles
Sound: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Run Time: 2 hours, 9 minutes

 

November 20, 2015

SPOTLIGHT – The Review

(Left to right)  Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer, Mark Ruffalo as Michael Rezendes and Brian d’Arcy James as Matt Carroll in SPOTLIGHT. Photo credit:  Kerry Hayes / Distributor:  Open Road Films
Photo credit: Kerry Hayes/Open Road Films

By Cate Marquis

In a brilliant newspaper drama that evokes ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN, SPOTLIGHT recounts the careful, dogged investigative journalism that blew the lid off the pedophile priest sex scandal that is still rocking the Catholic Church today.

Director Tom McCarthy takes the film’s name from the investigative team at the Boston Globe who exposed the sex scandal in 2001. McCarthy co-wrote the script with Josh Singer based strongly on the actual history. Michael Keaton heads up a strong cast in this gripping real-world newsroom drama that is also an excellent detective procedural that delivers realistic drama without sensationalizing.

The story takes place in Boston, a city that has much in common with St. Louis, a heavily-Catholic, red-brick old city built of families, neighborhoods and remembered ethnic roots, a kind of “small town” big city where people often grown up and stay, a place of old families and sharply-divided social classes, and full of traditions. While St. Louisans size people up by where they went to high school, Bostonians use neighborhoods.

Into this parochial atmosphere comes an outsider, the new editor of the Boston Globe, Martin Baron, a taciturn Jewish man lately from the Miami Herald, who could not seem more like a fish out of water than if he had fins. Brilliantly played by Liev Schreiber, the almost opaque new editor wants to tackle a big story right away, and chooses a story that has been kicking around a while, scandal about a priest accused of pedophilia which the church seems to be covering up. Everyone at the paper tells him they have already tried, that the documents are sealed and the investigation will go nowhere but he insists on putting the newspaper’s well-respected investigative journalism team, its Spotlight division led by Walter “Robby” Robinson (Keaton), on the assignment.

They quickly discover there is more than one priest in this scandal and that there seems to be a concerted effort on the part of Church officials to cover it up. What unfolds is both a gripping detective story/mystery tale that takes the team ever deeper down a rabbit hole, and an argument for the power of investigative journalism itself.

SPOTLIGHT delivers first-rate entertainment while never dumbing-down its gritty true story. It carefully builds up its suspense in a deliberate but engrossing way, giving one the feel of being in a real newsroom as big stories are breaking. There is the persistent hard work of research, the reporters hitting the streets to run down leads, dogged pursuit of reluctant sources, and the shock of new discoveries that require quick action.

The cast of characters are part of what makes this film work so well. High caliber acting abounds. Keaton follows up his remarkable performance in last year’s “Birdman” with a totally different but highly effective role here. He plays Robby with the kind of no-nonsense style of the classic newspaper man, the guy who knows everybody and has the connections to find things out. Robby digs for information during golf rounds with a long-time friend (Jamey Sheridan), a lawyer who has handled some of these cases. He also deflects the Church’s P.R. guy (Paul Guilfoyle) when he comes around to try to dissuade him from looking more closely at the cases.

Mark Ruffalo plays an energetic, barely-contained go-getter reporter Mike Rezendes, the member of the Spotlight team who jumps on the story with relish, Ruffalo’s own energy in the role jumps off the screen. The other reporters on the Spotlight team are Rachel McAdams’ persistent, thoughtful Sacha Pfeiffer and Brian d’Arcy James’ well-drawn Matt Carroll. Stanley Tucci is marvelous as a brusque lawyer who is defending many of the victims but seems to have little time for reporters questions. Len Cariou brings a glad-handing friendliness, one that conceals an iron fist, to his portrayal of Boston’s Cardinal Law, who meets with new editor Baron early in the film, cautioning him that it is better if the Church and newspaper work to together in harmony, and ten giving the Jewish editor a copy of the Catholic catechism as an unsubtle hint of who is in charge.

While the film is straightforward about the crimes it is uncovering, SPOTLIGHT avoids any disturbing recreations of those crimes. We have only the victims words, and their tears and anguish, as they recount their experiences. Part of the film’s excellent depth is its willingness to acknowledge that this story was out there a long time, and evidence in plain view, before anyone in the press took it seriously, a kind of cautionary tale in itself.

With taut story telling, outstanding acting and a deep, intelligent script, SPOTLIGHT is a must-see film about what journalism should be and a film that deserves the Oscar nomination it will almost certainly get.

SPOTLIGHT opens in St. Louis on Friday, November, 20, 2015.

OVERALL RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS

spotlight-Spotlight-One-Sheet_rgb

November 18, 2015

Watch The Powerful Clip From SPOTLIGHT Before You See The Movie This Friday

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Mark Ruffalo gives an Oscar-calibre performance in one of the best films of 2015, SPOTLIGHT.

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci, Billy Crudup and directed by Academy Award-nominee Tom McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced last week that Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams will be honored with the 2016 American Riviera Award at the 31st edition of the Fest, which runs from February 3 to February 13, 2016. This is the first time the award will be given to three honorees, who will be fêted with a Tribute celebrating their careers, culminating with their powerhouse collaboration in Tom McCarthy’s blisteringly true drama SPOTLIGHT. The film recently opened to critical acclaim. The Tribute will take place during the festival’s run at the historic Arlington Theatre.

“Michael, Mark and Rachel are three of the finest actors in the business.” stated Festival Director Roger Durling, “They are artists in the truest sense of the word who continue to surprise and inspire audiences with their talent,” adding, “their recent turn in Spotlight demonstrates their skills both harmoniously as an ensemble and individually, it is an honor to celebrate their work with the American Riviera Award.”

(Left to right)  Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer, Mark Ruffalo as Michael Rezendes and Brian d’Arcy James as Matt Carroll in SPOTLIGHT.   Photo credit:  Kerry Hayes / Distributor:  Open Road Films

(Left to right)  Rachel McAdams as Sacha Pfeiffer, Mark Ruffalo as Michael Rezendes and Brian d’Arcy James as Matt Carroll in SPOTLIGHT. Photo credit:  Kerry Hayes/Open Road Films

When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delves into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston’s religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world.

SPOTLIGHT is now playing in select theaters and will be in theaters everywhere this Friday.

Check out this link for a complete list of theaters, which will continue to be updated: http://www.spotlightmovietheaters.com

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November 11, 2015

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of SPOTLIGHT In St. Louis

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Go behind the scenes of SPOTLIGHT in this brand new featurette and be sure to check out the newly released clips from the film below.

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James, Stanley Tucci and Billy Crudup, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

The film opens in St. Louis, Friday, November 20th.

SPOTLIGHT is now playing in select theaters and expanding across the nation throughout the following weeks.  Check out this link for a complete list of theaters, which will continue to be updated: http://www.spotlightmovietheaters.com

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening of SPOTLIGHT on Monday, November 16 at 7PM in the St. Louis area.

We will contact the winners by email.

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary.

Rated R for some language, including sexual reference.

http://SpotlightTheFilm.com
FACEBOOK: http://Facebook.com/SpotlightMovie
TWITTER: http://Twitter.com/SpotlightMovie
INSTAGRAM: http://Instagram.com/SpotlightMovie

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November 9, 2015

Win Passes To The Advance Screening Of THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 In St. Louis

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The Game is Coming to its End!

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 opens on November 20th.

WAMG has passes for FIVE Lucky Readers to see the movie early in St. Louis!

WAMG invites you to enter for a chance to win a pass (Good for 2) to the advance screening:

Tuesday, November 17th at 7PM in the St. Louis Area

We will contact the winners by email.

Answer the following from the original book:

  1. What did Gale first call Katniss?
  2. What is the nickname of District 12?
  3. What is the name of Prim’s cat?
  4. What region is the Capitol built in?
  5. For the Opening Ceremonies, what does District Four wear to represent their industry?

TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWERS AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.

OFFICIAL RULES:

1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.

2. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house. The theater is not responsible for overbooking.

3. No purchase necessary.

The film is PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material.

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Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, Natalie Dormer, with Stanley Tucci, and Donald Sutherland.

The blockbuster Hunger Games franchise has taken audiences by storm around the world, grossing more than $2.2 billion at the global box office. THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2  now brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin), and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong and features an acclaimed cast including Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award®-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

The impressive lineup is joined by THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 co-stars Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson and Evan Ross.

Visit the official site: www.thehungergames.movie

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October 27, 2015

New “Epic Finale” TV Spot Released For THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2

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“This is the end”

Her story has captivated the world. Now, join Katniss Everdeen [Jennifer Lawrence] in the Epic Finale of The Hunger Games franchise, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2. This new TV spot, which debuted exclusively in Game 1 of the World Series, takes a look back at her journey as she prepares to take down The Capitol.

From director Francis Lawrence, the film brings the franchise to its powerful final chapter in which Katniss realizes the stakes are no longer just for survival – they are for the future.

With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale, Finnick and Peeta – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

The cast includes Academy Award-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from THE HUNGER GAMES and THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE.

They are joined by The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 co-stars Academy Award-winner Julianne Moore, Mahershala Ali, Natalie Dormer, Wes Chatham, Elden Henson and Evan Ross.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2 opens in theaters on November 20, tickets on sale here.

Visit the film’s official site: www.thehungergames.movie

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