Exclusive: Two-time Emmy winner Merritt Wever is boarding Midday Black Midnight Blue, the upcoming feature debut from Samantha Soule and Daniel Talbott.
Actors Dale Soules (Orange Is the New Black) and Shane McRae (Sneaky Pete) also have signed on to the previously announced cast that includes Chris Stack, Will Pullen and McCaleb Burnett.
Isolated in an empty house on the edge of Puget Sound, Ian (Stack) remains mired in long-held grief and shame over the loss of Liv (Soule), a woman he loved dearly who died nearly two decades ago. Liv’s sister Beth (played by Wever), a woman with ghosts of her own, is the first to see how far Ian has slipped away from reality. With the memory of Liv clamoring to be released, and his daily existence turning ever darker,...
Actors Dale Soules (Orange Is the New Black) and Shane McRae (Sneaky Pete) also have signed on to the previously announced cast that includes Chris Stack, Will Pullen and McCaleb Burnett.
Isolated in an empty house on the edge of Puget Sound, Ian (Stack) remains mired in long-held grief and shame over the loss of Liv (Soule), a woman he loved dearly who died nearly two decades ago. Liv’s sister Beth (played by Wever), a woman with ghosts of her own, is the first to see how far Ian has slipped away from reality. With the memory of Liv clamoring to be released, and his daily existence turning ever darker,...
- 7/21/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Actor Will Pullen (Greyhound, Apple’s Dickinson, Broadway’s To Kill a Mockingbird) has boarded Midday Black Midnight Blue, the upcoming feature debut by Samantha Soule and Daniel Talbott (ABC’s The Conners, Spike’s The Mist).
Pullen will star alongside Soule in the film, which she and Talbott will also direct. They join an ensemble that already includes Chris Stack (School of Rock, Evening), Wendy vanden Heuvel (Under the Silver Lake), and McCaleb Burnett (The Revenant, Netflix’s Daredevil).
The film marks a reunion for Pullen, Soule and Talbott, who have long been part of an artistic family unit, previously working on Talbott’s plays What Happened When, with Stack, and Gray. Stack, Soule, Pullen and Talbott were also all a part of the award-winning productions of Lucy Thurber’s Hill Town Plays in New York. This creative collaboration has recently extended into filmmaking,...
Pullen will star alongside Soule in the film, which she and Talbott will also direct. They join an ensemble that already includes Chris Stack (School of Rock, Evening), Wendy vanden Heuvel (Under the Silver Lake), and McCaleb Burnett (The Revenant, Netflix’s Daredevil).
The film marks a reunion for Pullen, Soule and Talbott, who have long been part of an artistic family unit, previously working on Talbott’s plays What Happened When, with Stack, and Gray. Stack, Soule, Pullen and Talbott were also all a part of the award-winning productions of Lucy Thurber’s Hill Town Plays in New York. This creative collaboration has recently extended into filmmaking,...
- 2/3/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Abhay Deol has always believed in walking the path less travelled. The actor, who was last seen in Shanghai, is all set to release his maiden short film co-production in India. The short film titled Love, Lots Of It, is made by filmmaker Rob Field and stars Campbell Scott, Kathleen McElfresh and McCaleb Burnett. Abhay has co-produced this short film along with producer Josh Green. The film revolves around a man who has to swap his soul with the Devil. Those who have had a sneak preview of the film have been raving about it and hence Abhay wants it to release in India so that audiences here too can watch it.
- 8/21/2012
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
Illegal immigration is a very serious issue. Every year, numerous foreigners arrive to the United States and violate immigration laws and policies. It is a problem that has and continues to plaque the United States and now this crucial issue is addressed somewhat humorously in the subpar romantic comedy Immigration Tango now out on DVD.
Colombian sex-machine Carlos (Carlos Leon) and Russian beauty Elena (Elika Portnoy) are two romantically involved immigrants living in Miami whose visas are soon about to expire. They are each trying to advance in their respective careers however if they don’t act fast, they will both get deported to their native countries. They then come up with the ridiculous idea to marry their American best friends, couple Mike (McCaleb Burnett) and Betty (Ashley Wolfe). Together these four idealists engage in a truly absurd farce that will either offend or amuse you. Count on the former.
Colombian sex-machine Carlos (Carlos Leon) and Russian beauty Elena (Elika Portnoy) are two romantically involved immigrants living in Miami whose visas are soon about to expire. They are each trying to advance in their respective careers however if they don’t act fast, they will both get deported to their native countries. They then come up with the ridiculous idea to marry their American best friends, couple Mike (McCaleb Burnett) and Betty (Ashley Wolfe). Together these four idealists engage in a truly absurd farce that will either offend or amuse you. Count on the former.
- 7/11/2011
- by Randall Unger
- JustPressPlay.net
Immigration Tango
Directed By: David Burton Morris
Written By: David Burton Morris, Martin L. Kelley
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Ashley Wolfe
Roadside Attractions
Release Date: February 18th, 2011 (limited)
Immigration is a major hot button topic in this country, which of course makes it the perfect situation to base a romantic comedy around!
Immigration Tango follows two couples -- Elana (Elika Portnoy) and Carlos (Carlos Leon) and Mike (McCaleb Burnett) and Betty (Ashley Wolfe) -- and best friends in Miami. Elana is Russian and Carlos is Columbian -- both in the country on a visa. But when a job interview goes horribly wrong for Elana, immigration is called and she faces deportation.
Pondering any options the group of friends might have, it's decided that there's only one way: American citizens Mike and Betty will play couple swap and marry their foreign best friends so they can both stay in the country.
Directed By: David Burton Morris
Written By: David Burton Morris, Martin L. Kelley
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Ashley Wolfe
Roadside Attractions
Release Date: February 18th, 2011 (limited)
Immigration is a major hot button topic in this country, which of course makes it the perfect situation to base a romantic comedy around!
Immigration Tango follows two couples -- Elana (Elika Portnoy) and Carlos (Carlos Leon) and Mike (McCaleb Burnett) and Betty (Ashley Wolfe) -- and best friends in Miami. Elana is Russian and Carlos is Columbian -- both in the country on a visa. But when a job interview goes horribly wrong for Elana, immigration is called and she faces deportation.
Pondering any options the group of friends might have, it's decided that there's only one way: American citizens Mike and Betty will play couple swap and marry their foreign best friends so they can both stay in the country.
- 2/25/2011
- by The Movie God
- Geeks of Doom
Reviewed by Lila Nordstrom
(February 2011)
Directed by: David Burton Morris
Written by: Martin L. Kelley, David Burton Morris and Todd Norwood
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett and Carlos Leon
The plight of illegal immigrants is tremendously complicated, but the bureaucratic difficulties faced by legal immigrants is rarely much of a news story. Still, the concerns that accompany having your life revolve around a country that intends to kick you out still hover in the lives of many residents with green cards. “Immigration Tango” takes on this topic, giving us a look at the complexities of trying to beat the immigration system semi-legally.
In the movie, Elena (Elika Portnoy) and boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Sanchez) are both legal immigrants looking for a way to stay in Miami beyond their visas’ respective expiration dates. Elena is desperate to find a job that will sponsor her, since her visa runs out in just weeks,...
(February 2011)
Directed by: David Burton Morris
Written by: Martin L. Kelley, David Burton Morris and Todd Norwood
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett and Carlos Leon
The plight of illegal immigrants is tremendously complicated, but the bureaucratic difficulties faced by legal immigrants is rarely much of a news story. Still, the concerns that accompany having your life revolve around a country that intends to kick you out still hover in the lives of many residents with green cards. “Immigration Tango” takes on this topic, giving us a look at the complexities of trying to beat the immigration system semi-legally.
In the movie, Elena (Elika Portnoy) and boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Sanchez) are both legal immigrants looking for a way to stay in Miami beyond their visas’ respective expiration dates. Elena is desperate to find a job that will sponsor her, since her visa runs out in just weeks,...
- 2/15/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Reviewed by Lila Nordstrom
(February 2011)
Directed by: David Burton Morris
Written by: Martin L. Kelley, David Burton Morris and Todd Norwood
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett and Carlos Leon
The plight of illegal immigrants is tremendously complicated, but the bureaucratic difficulties faced by legal immigrants is rarely much of a news story. Still, the concerns that accompany having your life revolve around a country that intends to kick you out still hover in the lives of many residents with green cards. “Immigration Tango” takes on this topic, giving us a look at the complexities of trying to beat the immigration system semi-legally.
In the movie, Elena (Elika Portnoy) and boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Sanchez) are both legal immigrants looking for a way to stay in Miami beyond their visas’ respective expiration dates. Elena is desperate to find a job that will sponsor her, since her visa runs out in just weeks,...
(February 2011)
Directed by: David Burton Morris
Written by: Martin L. Kelley, David Burton Morris and Todd Norwood
Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett and Carlos Leon
The plight of illegal immigrants is tremendously complicated, but the bureaucratic difficulties faced by legal immigrants is rarely much of a news story. Still, the concerns that accompany having your life revolve around a country that intends to kick you out still hover in the lives of many residents with green cards. “Immigration Tango” takes on this topic, giving us a look at the complexities of trying to beat the immigration system semi-legally.
In the movie, Elena (Elika Portnoy) and boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Sanchez) are both legal immigrants looking for a way to stay in Miami beyond their visas’ respective expiration dates. Elena is desperate to find a job that will sponsor her, since her visa runs out in just weeks,...
- 2/15/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Watch the trailer and clips from Immigration Tango starring McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Elika Portnoy, Ashley Wolfe, Avery Sommers, Beth Glover and Steve DuMouchel. The romantic comedy opens On February 18th via Roadside Attractions and is directed by David Burton Morris, who writes alongside Todd Norwood, Martin L. Kelley, Elika Portnoy and Robert J. Lee. Elena (Elika Portnoy) is a Russian immigrant studying in Miami for her business degree with hopes of staying in America and working. She and her Columbian boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Leon) are best friends with an American couple: Betty (Ashley Wolfe), a strong-willed law student, and Mike (McCaleb Burnett), a seemingly underachieving doctoral candidate in literature. When Elena and Carlos run out of legal options for staying in the Us...
- 2/15/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Watch the trailer and clips from Immigration Tango starring McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Elika Portnoy, Ashley Wolfe, Avery Sommers, Beth Glover and Steve DuMouchel. The romantic comedy opens On February 18th via Roadside Attractions and is directed by David Burton Morris, who writes alongside Todd Norwood, Martin L. Kelley, Elika Portnoy and Robert J. Lee. Elena (Elika Portnoy) is a Russian immigrant studying in Miami for her business degree with hopes of staying in America and working. She and her Columbian boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Leon) are best friends with an American couple: Betty (Ashley Wolfe), a strong-willed law student, and Mike (McCaleb Burnett), a seemingly underachieving doctoral candidate in literature. When Elena and Carlos run out of legal options for staying in the Us...
- 2/15/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Immigration Tango images are in for the Roadside Attractions comedy opens starring Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Ashley Wolfe, Avery Summers and Beth Glover. David Burton Morris (Ice Dreams, The Governer's Wife) directs as well as co-writing alongside Martin L. Kelley, Robert J. Lee, Todd Norwood and Elika Portnoy. Immigration Tango follows Elena (Portnoy) who is a Russian immigrant studying in Miami for her business degree with hopes of staying in America and working. She and her Columbian boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Leon) are best friends with an American couple: Betty (Wolfe), a strong-willed law student, and Mike (Burnett), a seemingly underachieving doctoral candidate in literature. When Elena and Carlos run out of legal options for staying in the Us, the two couples switch partners and get married, with the understanding they will divorce once they have satisfied the two year probationary period...
- 2/9/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Immigration Tango images are in for the Roadside Attractions comedy opens starring Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett, Carlos Leon, Ashley Wolfe, Avery Summers and Beth Glover. David Burton Morris (Ice Dreams, The Governer's Wife) directs as well as co-writing alongside Martin L. Kelley, Robert J. Lee, Todd Norwood and Elika Portnoy. Immigration Tango follows Elena (Portnoy) who is a Russian immigrant studying in Miami for her business degree with hopes of staying in America and working. She and her Columbian boyfriend Carlos (Carlos Leon) are best friends with an American couple: Betty (Wolfe), a strong-willed law student, and Mike (Burnett), a seemingly underachieving doctoral candidate in literature. When Elena and Carlos run out of legal options for staying in the Us, the two couples switch partners and get married, with the understanding they will divorce once they have satisfied the two year probationary period...
- 2/9/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
This review was written for the festival screening of "Finishing the Game".PARK CITY -- "Better Luck Tomorrow" writer-director Justin Lin returns to independent filmmaking following back-to-back studio movies ("Annapolis", "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift") with "Finishing the Game", a raucous '70s period comedy.
Given Lin's reputation and affection for the material, sure stylistic command and engaging performances by a strong ensemble cast, ongoing festival play is assured, while well-targeted marketing by a savvy distributor will capture hip urban audiences and could help the film cross over to broader appeal.
In 1973, cerebral edema unexpectedly felled Asian-American martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. His death was a significant loss not only to fans worldwide, but also for the studio that was producing Lee's unfinished personal project, "Game of Death". Without enough footage to complete the movie, the executives foolishly cast a substitute for Lee and shot around the star's brief original footage. The finished film was released in 1978, but quickly fell into disrepute when fans rejected the manipulation of Lee's role.
Lin and co-writer Josh Diamond re-envision this misguided moviemaking process in "Finishing the Game", using a fictional documentary about the casting of "Game of Death" to send-up the many pitfalls of studio filmmaking and the foibles of the various professionals involved. At the same time, they good-naturedly confront issues of racism and the stereotyping of Asian-American actors to question whether the bad old days are really so far in the past.
Martey Kurtainbaum (Sam Bottoms) is the studio executive pushing the project, assigning his inexperienced son Ronney (Jake Sandvig) to direct. Relying on clueless casting director Eloise Gazdag Meredith Scott Lynn), who declares she's seeking a "hip Genghis Khan" for the Bruce Lee role, the production team announces auditions for Lee's replacement.
Sequences of the casting preparations are intercut with interviews featuring the principal prospective stars, including arrogant B-movie martial artist Breeze Loo (Roger Fan), Southern bit-player Cole Kim Sung Kang), the very Caucasian-looking, mixed-race Tarrick Tyler (McCaleb Burnett) and washed-up former TV star Troy Poon (Dustin Nguyen).
With three rounds of auditions, Ronney and Eloise face an overwhelming response to the initial cattle call. They whittle the candidates down to a manageable number before production is suspended when bad publicity about an alleged Asian-American serial killer threatens to sour public opinion against the project.
Meanwhile, Cole squabbles with his girlfriend-manager (Monique Gabriela Curnen), Breeze fires his fawning agents when he's forced to actually audition for the Lee role and Troy quits the process in disgust, dumping his self-serving manager (M.C. Hammer). Few of the contenders, much less the filmmakers, have Troy's integrity and resolutely maintain an attitude of desperate denial once casting resumes.
Lin, an experienced documentary-maker, expertly duplicates the narrative and stylistic characteristics of the form even as he gently ridicules them, from the earnest interviews and shaky handheld camerawork to the "balanced" reporting technique. The re-creations of '70s sitcoms, cop shows and chopsocky martial arts movies are spot-on, down to the specific tropes of each genre, even though Lin insists the film isn't really a mockumentary.
Few aspects of Hollywood moviemaking escape a friendly skewering. Lin even pokes fun at the solemn sincerity of Asian-American community activism. The ensemble cast members play well off one another, particularly Fan as the self-absorbed Bruce Lee wannabe and Lynn in the role of the monumentally ignorant casting director.
Candi Guterres' production design and Annie Yun's costumes piquantly evoke the period setting, while Brian Tyler's funky score pays tribute to the overall '70s vibe.
FINISHING THE GAME
Trailing Johnson Productions in association with Cherry Sky Films.
A film by Justin Lin.
Credits:
Director: Justin Lin
Writers: Josh Diamond, Justin Lin
Producers: Julie Asato, Salvador Gatdula, Justin Lin
Executive Producers: Joan Huang, Jeff Gou
Director of photography: Tom Clancey
Production designer: Candi Guterres
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume Designer: Annie Yun
Editor: Greg Louie.
Cast:
Interviewer: Josh Diamond
Martey Kurtainbaum: Sam Bottoms
Ronney Kurtainbaum: Jake Sandvig
Breeze Loo: Roger Fan
Cole Kim: Sung Kang
Eloise Gazdag: Meredith Scott Lynn
Tarrick Tyler: McCaleb Burnett
Troy Poon: Dustin Nguyen
Saraghina Rivas: Monique Gabriela Curnen
Roy Thunder: M.C. Hammer
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Given Lin's reputation and affection for the material, sure stylistic command and engaging performances by a strong ensemble cast, ongoing festival play is assured, while well-targeted marketing by a savvy distributor will capture hip urban audiences and could help the film cross over to broader appeal.
In 1973, cerebral edema unexpectedly felled Asian-American martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. His death was a significant loss not only to fans worldwide, but also for the studio that was producing Lee's unfinished personal project, "Game of Death". Without enough footage to complete the movie, the executives foolishly cast a substitute for Lee and shot around the star's brief original footage. The finished film was released in 1978, but quickly fell into disrepute when fans rejected the manipulation of Lee's role.
Lin and co-writer Josh Diamond re-envision this misguided moviemaking process in "Finishing the Game", using a fictional documentary about the casting of "Game of Death" to send-up the many pitfalls of studio filmmaking and the foibles of the various professionals involved. At the same time, they good-naturedly confront issues of racism and the stereotyping of Asian-American actors to question whether the bad old days are really so far in the past.
Martey Kurtainbaum (Sam Bottoms) is the studio executive pushing the project, assigning his inexperienced son Ronney (Jake Sandvig) to direct. Relying on clueless casting director Eloise Gazdag Meredith Scott Lynn), who declares she's seeking a "hip Genghis Khan" for the Bruce Lee role, the production team announces auditions for Lee's replacement.
Sequences of the casting preparations are intercut with interviews featuring the principal prospective stars, including arrogant B-movie martial artist Breeze Loo (Roger Fan), Southern bit-player Cole Kim Sung Kang), the very Caucasian-looking, mixed-race Tarrick Tyler (McCaleb Burnett) and washed-up former TV star Troy Poon (Dustin Nguyen).
With three rounds of auditions, Ronney and Eloise face an overwhelming response to the initial cattle call. They whittle the candidates down to a manageable number before production is suspended when bad publicity about an alleged Asian-American serial killer threatens to sour public opinion against the project.
Meanwhile, Cole squabbles with his girlfriend-manager (Monique Gabriela Curnen), Breeze fires his fawning agents when he's forced to actually audition for the Lee role and Troy quits the process in disgust, dumping his self-serving manager (M.C. Hammer). Few of the contenders, much less the filmmakers, have Troy's integrity and resolutely maintain an attitude of desperate denial once casting resumes.
Lin, an experienced documentary-maker, expertly duplicates the narrative and stylistic characteristics of the form even as he gently ridicules them, from the earnest interviews and shaky handheld camerawork to the "balanced" reporting technique. The re-creations of '70s sitcoms, cop shows and chopsocky martial arts movies are spot-on, down to the specific tropes of each genre, even though Lin insists the film isn't really a mockumentary.
Few aspects of Hollywood moviemaking escape a friendly skewering. Lin even pokes fun at the solemn sincerity of Asian-American community activism. The ensemble cast members play well off one another, particularly Fan as the self-absorbed Bruce Lee wannabe and Lynn in the role of the monumentally ignorant casting director.
Candi Guterres' production design and Annie Yun's costumes piquantly evoke the period setting, while Brian Tyler's funky score pays tribute to the overall '70s vibe.
FINISHING THE GAME
Trailing Johnson Productions in association with Cherry Sky Films.
A film by Justin Lin.
Credits:
Director: Justin Lin
Writers: Josh Diamond, Justin Lin
Producers: Julie Asato, Salvador Gatdula, Justin Lin
Executive Producers: Joan Huang, Jeff Gou
Director of photography: Tom Clancey
Production designer: Candi Guterres
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume Designer: Annie Yun
Editor: Greg Louie.
Cast:
Interviewer: Josh Diamond
Martey Kurtainbaum: Sam Bottoms
Ronney Kurtainbaum: Jake Sandvig
Breeze Loo: Roger Fan
Cole Kim: Sung Kang
Eloise Gazdag: Meredith Scott Lynn
Tarrick Tyler: McCaleb Burnett
Troy Poon: Dustin Nguyen
Saraghina Rivas: Monique Gabriela Curnen
Roy Thunder: M.C. Hammer
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
PARK CITY -- "Better Luck Tomorrow" writer-director Justin Lin returns to independent filmmaking following back-to-back studio movies ("Annapolis", "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift") with "Finishing the Game", a raucous '70s period comedy.
Given Lin's reputation and affection for the material, sure stylistic command and engaging performances by a strong ensemble cast, ongoing festival play is assured, while well-targeted marketing by a savvy distributor will capture hip urban audiences and could help the film cross over to broader appeal.
In 1973, cerebral edema unexpectedly felled Asian-American martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. His death was a significant loss not only to fans worldwide, but also for the studio that was producing Lee's unfinished personal project, "Game of Death". Without enough footage to complete the movie, the executives foolishly cast a substitute for Lee and shot around the star's brief original footage. The finished film was released in 1978, but quickly fell into disrepute when fans rejected the manipulation of Lee's role.
Lin and co-writer Josh Diamond re-envision this misguided moviemaking process in "Finishing the Game", using a fictional documentary about the casting of "Game of Death" to send-up the many pitfalls of studio filmmaking and the foibles of the various professionals involved. At the same time, they good-naturedly confront issues of racism and the stereotyping of Asian-American actors to question whether the bad old days are really so far in the past.
Martey Kurtainbaum (Sam Bottoms) is the studio executive pushing the project, assigning his inexperienced son Ronney (Jake Sandvig) to direct. Relying on clueless casting director Eloise Gazdag Meredith Scott Lynn), who declares she's seeking a "hip Genghis Khan" for the Bruce Lee role, the production team announces auditions for Lee's replacement.
Sequences of the casting preparations are intercut with interviews featuring the principal prospective stars, including arrogant B-movie martial artist Breeze Loo (Roger Fan), Southern bit-player Cole Kim Sung Kang), the very Caucasian-looking, mixed-race Tarrick Tyler (McCaleb Burnett) and washed-up former TV star Troy Poon (Dustin Nguyen).
With three rounds of auditions, Ronney and Eloise face an overwhelming response to the initial cattle call. They whittle the candidates down to a manageable number before production is suspended when bad publicity about an alleged Asian-American serial killer threatens to sour public opinion against the project.
Meanwhile, Cole squabbles with his girlfriend-manager (Monique Gabriela Curnen), Breeze fires his fawning agents when he's forced to actually audition for the Lee role and Troy quits the process in disgust, dumping his self-serving manager (M.C. Hammer). Few of the contenders, much less the filmmakers, have Troy's integrity and resolutely maintain an attitude of desperate denial once casting resumes.
Lin, an experienced documentary-maker, expertly duplicates the narrative and stylistic characteristics of the form even as he gently ridicules them, from the earnest interviews and shaky handheld camerawork to the "balanced" reporting technique. The re-creations of '70s sitcoms, cop shows and chopsocky martial arts movies are spot-on, down to the specific tropes of each genre, even though Lin insists the film isn't really a mockumentary.
Few aspects of Hollywood moviemaking escape a friendly skewering. Lin even pokes fun at the solemn sincerity of Asian-American community activism. The ensemble cast members play well off one another, particularly Fan as the self-absorbed Bruce Lee wannabe and Lynn in the role of the monumentally ignorant casting director.
Candi Guterres' production design and Annie Yun's costumes piquantly evoke the period setting, while Brian Tyler's funky score pays tribute to the overall '70s vibe.
FINISHING THE GAME
Trailing Johnson Productions in association with Cherry Sky Films.
A film by Justin Lin.
Credits:
Director: Justin Lin
Writers: Josh Diamond, Justin Lin
Producers: Julie Asato, Salvador Gatdula, Justin Lin
Executive Producers: Joan Huang, Jeff Gou
Director of photography: Tom Clancey
Production designer: Candi Guterres
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume Designer: Annie Yun
Editor: Greg Louie.
Cast:
Interviewer: Josh Diamond
Martey Kurtainbaum: Sam Bottoms
Ronney Kurtainbaum: Jake Sandvig
Breeze Loo: Roger Fan
Cole Kim: Sung Kang
Eloise Gazdag: Meredith Scott Lynn
Tarrick Tyler: McCaleb Burnett
Troy Poon: Dustin Nguyen
Saraghina Rivas: Monique Gabriela Curnen
Roy Thunder: M.C. Hammer
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Given Lin's reputation and affection for the material, sure stylistic command and engaging performances by a strong ensemble cast, ongoing festival play is assured, while well-targeted marketing by a savvy distributor will capture hip urban audiences and could help the film cross over to broader appeal.
In 1973, cerebral edema unexpectedly felled Asian-American martial arts superstar Bruce Lee. His death was a significant loss not only to fans worldwide, but also for the studio that was producing Lee's unfinished personal project, "Game of Death". Without enough footage to complete the movie, the executives foolishly cast a substitute for Lee and shot around the star's brief original footage. The finished film was released in 1978, but quickly fell into disrepute when fans rejected the manipulation of Lee's role.
Lin and co-writer Josh Diamond re-envision this misguided moviemaking process in "Finishing the Game", using a fictional documentary about the casting of "Game of Death" to send-up the many pitfalls of studio filmmaking and the foibles of the various professionals involved. At the same time, they good-naturedly confront issues of racism and the stereotyping of Asian-American actors to question whether the bad old days are really so far in the past.
Martey Kurtainbaum (Sam Bottoms) is the studio executive pushing the project, assigning his inexperienced son Ronney (Jake Sandvig) to direct. Relying on clueless casting director Eloise Gazdag Meredith Scott Lynn), who declares she's seeking a "hip Genghis Khan" for the Bruce Lee role, the production team announces auditions for Lee's replacement.
Sequences of the casting preparations are intercut with interviews featuring the principal prospective stars, including arrogant B-movie martial artist Breeze Loo (Roger Fan), Southern bit-player Cole Kim Sung Kang), the very Caucasian-looking, mixed-race Tarrick Tyler (McCaleb Burnett) and washed-up former TV star Troy Poon (Dustin Nguyen).
With three rounds of auditions, Ronney and Eloise face an overwhelming response to the initial cattle call. They whittle the candidates down to a manageable number before production is suspended when bad publicity about an alleged Asian-American serial killer threatens to sour public opinion against the project.
Meanwhile, Cole squabbles with his girlfriend-manager (Monique Gabriela Curnen), Breeze fires his fawning agents when he's forced to actually audition for the Lee role and Troy quits the process in disgust, dumping his self-serving manager (M.C. Hammer). Few of the contenders, much less the filmmakers, have Troy's integrity and resolutely maintain an attitude of desperate denial once casting resumes.
Lin, an experienced documentary-maker, expertly duplicates the narrative and stylistic characteristics of the form even as he gently ridicules them, from the earnest interviews and shaky handheld camerawork to the "balanced" reporting technique. The re-creations of '70s sitcoms, cop shows and chopsocky martial arts movies are spot-on, down to the specific tropes of each genre, even though Lin insists the film isn't really a mockumentary.
Few aspects of Hollywood moviemaking escape a friendly skewering. Lin even pokes fun at the solemn sincerity of Asian-American community activism. The ensemble cast members play well off one another, particularly Fan as the self-absorbed Bruce Lee wannabe and Lynn in the role of the monumentally ignorant casting director.
Candi Guterres' production design and Annie Yun's costumes piquantly evoke the period setting, while Brian Tyler's funky score pays tribute to the overall '70s vibe.
FINISHING THE GAME
Trailing Johnson Productions in association with Cherry Sky Films.
A film by Justin Lin.
Credits:
Director: Justin Lin
Writers: Josh Diamond, Justin Lin
Producers: Julie Asato, Salvador Gatdula, Justin Lin
Executive Producers: Joan Huang, Jeff Gou
Director of photography: Tom Clancey
Production designer: Candi Guterres
Music: Brian Tyler
Costume Designer: Annie Yun
Editor: Greg Louie.
Cast:
Interviewer: Josh Diamond
Martey Kurtainbaum: Sam Bottoms
Ronney Kurtainbaum: Jake Sandvig
Breeze Loo: Roger Fan
Cole Kim: Sung Kang
Eloise Gazdag: Meredith Scott Lynn
Tarrick Tyler: McCaleb Burnett
Troy Poon: Dustin Nguyen
Saraghina Rivas: Monique Gabriela Curnen
Roy Thunder: M.C. Hammer
Running time -- 88 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- Quick Links Complete Film Listing: Premieres: Dramatic Comp: Docu Comp: World Dramatic Comp: World Docu Comp: Spectrum: New Frontier Short Film Programs January 18 to 28, 2007 Counting Down: updateCountdownClock('January 18, 2007'); ⢠Fido (U.S.), directed by Andrew Currie and written by Robert Chomiak and Currie, the story of a boy's effort to keep a six-foot tall pet zombie that eats the next-door neighbor. Stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Billy Connelly and Tim Blake Nelson. ⢠Finishing the Game (U.S.), directed by Justin Lin and written by Josh Diamond and Lin, about a film studio's search for a replacement for Bruce Lee who can finish the legendary martial arts star's unfinished picture, "Game of Death." With Roger Fan, Sung Kang, McCaleb Burnett, Monique Curnen, Mouse Kraish, Jake Sandvig, Sam Bottoms, Dustin Nguyen, James Franco and Mc Hammer. World premiere. ⢠It's Fine! Everything Is Fine. (U.S.), directed by Crispin Hellion Glover and David Brothers,
- 1/18/2007
- IONCINEMA.com
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