Episode 3 of the Reel Talker Podcast is all about Wonder Woman. Jim is joined once again by Don Shanahan of the CIFCC. Jim brings up his frustrations with the early Wonder Woman critic reactions. Don discusses his favorite moments of the film and why he things it can be an inspirational movie. The guys debate where Wonder Woman ranks among DC movies. All that and more in the podcast.
*Podcast was recorded prior to the movie release.
In the second part of episode 2 of the Reel Talker podcast, Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle’s director Don Shanahan stays on to talk about Zach Snyder leaving Justice League due to unfortunate personal issues, Tom Holland not being the right fit as Spider-Man. Don and I also preview the 2017 summer movie season. Don’t know which movies to check-out and which ones to avoid? Listen in to what we think are the movies to see and to skip.
On episode 2 of the Reel Talker podcast I’m joined by film critic and Chicago Independent Film Critics Circle director Don Shanahan. In the first part of the podcast we discuss the new Pirates of the Caribbean and Baywatch theatrical releases. We also discuss the Blu-ray releases of the week, Logan and Get Out. Listen in to the banter and the fun that we had talking about these movies.
I didn’t know of Hunter Adams prior to seeing his latest film Dig Two Graves, so when I got a chance to speak to him I wasn’t sure what he’d be like. Hunter was very chill and cool to talk to and I enjoyed his film. Check out my interview with Hunter and listen in to what he had to say about making of Dig Two Graves and what inspired him to be a filmmaker.
There was a lot of interesting info that Hunter shared in the interview. So he’s also a fellow Midwest guy as myself, actually from nearby Wisconsin. It’s fascinating that he grew up on the same street as famed filmmaker Howard Hawks. I can see how that be an inspiration and gave him hope in making it in the industry if a famed director comes from your hometown. I was interested to hear him speak on the selected location for the movie shoot. When you see the film you know that location is really unique and fitting with the movie plot. For some reason I thought it was somewhere in Virginia or Pennsylvania, but it actually was here in Illinois, in the town of Marion.
It’s always neat to see rising filmmakers put out interesting movies. I’m curious to see how his next project the TV show Blue Palms will turn out. He certainly has a flare for thrillers, but comedy will be an interesting thing to see him do. Dig Two Graves is a movie you should give a chance to. It has a talented cast and mysterious story. I didn’t know what to expect of the movie, but enjoyed what I got to see.
Dig Two Graves is available and out now On Demand, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, XBox and Playstation.
Michael Nardelli might not be a household name to you, but this is an actor that’s certainly have a very promising future and is on the rise. You can currently see him in the indie thriller The Tribe. Michael has already co-starred with some of the industries biggest names, such as Zac Efron, Demi Moore, Ezra Miller, Kate Bosworth and Jason Biggs. I spoke to Michael about his start in the industry and about being an actor. Listen to the interview with Michael below:
I really enjoyed talking to Michael. He just seemed like a very down to earth guy. Very humble and outgoing guy that made it easy to interview him. We had a great conversation, where it doesn’t feel like an interview. I really respect how self-made he is. He didn’t get any handouts or have built-in connections in making it in the industry, it was all pure motivation and self-belief. It’s pretty inspiring actually, for anyone chasing their dreams. Here is a regular guy that chased his dreams and is living them currently.
I appreciated his honesty in regards to his struggles fitting in the industry when he arrived in LA. This is a tough industry to break into that many give up trying, but Michael stuck to it and is making it happen. I’ve been in that situation, so I could really relate to him. I commend him on the various charities that he works with that include the PATH Organization, Autism Speaks, The Boys and Girls Club of Boyle Heights and NCJW LA. I’m sure the bigger he gets in the industry the more charities he will get involved with. This man is a doer.
Keep an eye out for Mike’s digital series Dark/Web that’s slated for release in Summer 2017.
The Tribe is out now on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox Live, Sony Playstation and Vimeo on Demand
It’s time to introduce you to the Reel Talker podcast. In this first episode of the podcast I discuss this weeks Blu-ray/DVD and theatrical releases you should see. Listen in and check out which movies I recommend you see and why:
The Dinner is a intriguing mystery drama recently released. It’s about two couples getting together over dinner for a heated discussion about the impending decisions they have to make in regards to the future of their children, who committed a crime. Writer and director Oren Moverman does a great job of translating this story from book to movie. I spoke to Oren about this process and taking on this movie. Listen to the audio of the interview below:
MY TAKE:
One thing I noticed is that there is a bit of a difference when I interview foreign directors as opposed to American ones. It has nothing to do with the language barrier, as the foreign directors I’ve interviewed have been very well spoken and clear. The difference I’m noticing is that they seem to be a bit more serious sounding and matter-of-fact. Now this isn’t a bad thing at all, just a different way about them as individuals.
I wasn’t aware that Cate Blanchette was set to direct this film and Oren was supposed to help her write it. I do like how the film turned out at the end so, this was probably a good thing in the end, even though it would be interesting to see how much different it would be with her at the helm. Oren seemed to put a focus on balancing the book with the version he wrote for the movie, which is cool to see a director try to be faithful to the novel even though he had creative freedom to do otherwise.
I’m glad I had a chance to speak to him, as I’ve been a fan of his work on titles such as Rampart and Love & Mercy. This is another well written and crafted movie from him that you should check out, with very good performances.
The Dinner is out now in select theaters
