Review of The Many Saints of Newark: Stellar Performances but Misses its Mark - Does David Chase Have Another Target in Mind?

 

By Ashton Samson  

3/5 🤮🤮🤮

I never thought I would wake up one morning to find myself writing anything critical whatsoever about David Chase's work, but The Many Saints of Newark fell short of Chase's original television phenomenon, The Sopranos.

There are a few positives that may make it worth a watch for an avid Sopranos fan, such as wonderful acting, accurate depictions of the Newark race riots, excellent music reminiscent of the era and a few good ole fashioned mobster shootouts. My recent review of The Sopranos memorialized why I loved the show and why it will remain a legendary television phenomenon. However, it is essentially devoid of the pizzazz that made the show so fantastic.

There is still the question of who made Tony Soprano

NYC Area Event: Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage Presents Oleanna: A Live Play to Make You Think, Broadway Actor Jordan Lage and Lea DiMarchi Join the Cast

 

By Bridget Neirotti

Katonah Classic Stage Kicks Off Their New Season of Plays with Oleanna

Are you yearning to partake in New York’s recovering culture? Are you tired of watching things on that slightly-too-bright LED TV or your tiny laptop screen? A live play might be your answer. Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) brings Oleanna to the stage November 4th through the 14th, 2021 at the Bedford Historical Hall in Bedford, New York outside of Manhattan. The cast includes many talented actors from the NYC area as well as Broadway/Film/TV actor Jordan Lage (Succession, Madame Secretary) and Actress Lea DiMarchi (This is The Night), This two-hander drama centers around the riveting miscommunication between a professor and his student, studying how power struggles and political correctness can distort a situation-- and not always for the better.

Review of The Sopranos: A View of this Iconic Show from A Young Fan - Five Reasons Why He Spent His Summer Watching 86 Episodes

 

By Ashton Samson                                                                              

I had to meet adult Tony Soprano this summer so that I could meet his younger self this fall! For many years, I simply avoided watching The Sopranos because of its length and the commitment that comes with watching 86 episodes of television. Additionally, my hectic schedule would scarcely grant me the time to dive into a show that I knew would enthrall me and leave me paralyzed, eyes glued to the screen, backside to the chair. 

As fate would have it, I concluded that this past summer, mere months before the release of the prequel film The Many Saints of Newark,  seemed like the perfect time to become acquainted with one of television's most iconic characters and my prediction proved correct. 

Review of David Lowery's The Green Knight: Honor and Chivalry are at the Forefront of this Timeless Story, Dev Patel Shines

 By Ashton Samson

4/5 🌝🌝🌝🌝

There’s a little bit of Gawain in all of us. That's my principle takeaway from The Green Knight, David Lowery’s new adaptation of one of the best-known Arthurian works, the 14th century chivalric romance, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.” Those who know next to nothing about the original text or any such legends and who are looking for a straight action film might be left a bit disappointed as there are no Games of Thrones-esque battle sequences and the pacing is sluggish. However, those who are avid fans of Arthurian legends and who are somewhat familiar with the original poem should rejoice. 

6th Annual Imagine This Women's Film Festival (NYC) Runs Sept. 24 - Oct. 3 with Over 163 Films Representing 32 Countries: Panels, Special Events and More Online

​As New York City opens it's doors for Broadway, for filming and more, film festivals are also getting back to business and bustling with creativity. This year the Imagine This Women's International Film Festival is back with a slate of excellent films covering many different subjects. The 2021 Women's International Film Festival (ITWIFF) will be presented from Sept. 24 through Oct. 3, 2021, in New York. The womxn's film festival aims to amplify and empower independent and aspiring womxn filmmakers from around the world. The sixth annual film festival is being presented digitally with screenings, panels, and events from Sept. 24 to Oct. 3, 2021. 

Review of Indie Film Pooling to Paradise by Caytha Jentis - A Road Trip Adventure to Las Vegas with a Mixed Bag of Characters Provides for an Enjoyable Movie Night and Stunning Scenery

By Harry Sherer

After the apocalyptic year - and - change the world has gone through, it’s fair to say we all deserve a little escapist fun. With theatres re-opening, cameras rolling, and the film industry getting back in full swing, what better way to end the summer than with a low-stakes, feel-good, tightly-written indie dramedy? Pooling to Paradise provides audiences with an enjoyable romp in an almost believable premise of three strangers and a driver in a pooled rideshare forgoing their trip to LAX and instead driving directly to Las Vegas. Instead of relying on boringly predictable road trip shenanigans— such as flat tires, hitchhikers, and traffic jams— Pooling to Paradise delivers a compact, character-heavy narrative that’s just as heartwarming as it is funny.

NJ/NY Area Event: Attention all Jazz Singers - Enter NJ PAC's Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition - UPDATED WITH 2021 WINNERS

 

Are you or do you know a talented and yet undiscovered jazz singer?

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announces the opening of the 10th Annual Sarah Vaughan Competition. The search is on for the World’s Next Great Jazz Singer!

Phenomenal jazz singers can enter the contest here: Enter Here or visit njpac.org.

UPDATE:  At a star-studded, sold-out performance held yesterday afternoon on the NJPAC stage, G. Thomas Allen (Chicago, IL) was announced the winner of the 10th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. This marks the first time a male vocalist won the contest.Hosted by NJPAC’s Jazz Advisor and multi-Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride, “The SASSY Awards” featured performances by the competition’s five finalists as well as a special appearance by one of today’s top jazz vocalists, Dianne Reeves. 

NYC Area Event: Actor/Director Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival is LIVE August 7, 2021 in Katonah NY Outside NYC - See New Films Under the Stars

Forty Years from Now is a selection at the
Katonah Classic Stage Live Film Festival on August 7.

Sit under the stars, enjoy some new films and eat your popcorn at one of the only in-person film festivals since the pandemic in the New York tri-state area in Katonah, NY.

The Katonah Classic Stage Film Festival (KCSFF) initially started as a drive-in event during Covid-19 when there was no live theatre. Due to the positive response, KCS is now proud to present their second annual film festival featuring short films from around the world—including a few local filmmakers and actors. The film festival was started by Daytime Emmy-nominated actor Trent Dawson. 

For World Day Against Trafficking on July 30th, View Free Screening of the Feature Film Angie: Lost Girls, A Film which Chronicles the Horrors of A Teenager who was Trafficked

HOLLYWOOD, Ca., July 20, 2021: Non-profit organization Artists For Change, Inc. will have a virtual screening of “Angie: Lost Girls” on July 30th at 5pm PST for the ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Persons’ event. The film was directed by social impact filmmaker Julia Verdin with efforts of bringing awareness to the realities of sex trafficking. The films stars  Jane Widdop, Dylan Sprayberry, Olivia D'Abo, Randall Batinkoff,  Anthony Montgomery MC Lyte and more. 

The follow up Q&A panel will feature actors Olivia d'Abo (The Wonder Years, Conan the Destroyer), Anthony Montgomery (Star Trek: Enterprise, General Hospital) and Randall Batinkoff (School Ties, The Peacemaker) as well as anti-trafficking advocate Kathy McGibbon Givens, CEO of Freedom through Education Johnny Lujan and Founder of Artists for Change/Film  Director Julia Verdin.

View: A Tribute to Candace L. Straight, Film Producer, Investment Banker and Tireless Advocate for Women

Candy Straight at Soho Film Festival (NYC)

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

The world lost Candy Straight, producer, banker and champion for women's causes.

When people leave this world, it is said that they will be missed. The world lost Candy Straight, and I know specifically the people and the projects this loss will affect. I also have a sense of the people she helped, especially females and young girls that were touched and inspired by her wisdom and strength. I am one of them.

I was privileged to have known Candy for the past ten years. We met at an educational seminar at a local college, where she was a speaker. I introduced myself afterwards and it grew from there. We had a lot of interests in common, Rutgers (she was on the Board of Governors), film, politics, women's issues and interestingly the world of the soap opera. In fact, we were both working on online soaps at that time.

Acclaimed Films Coming to Women's Online Theater Herflix: Becoming Astrid is the Biopic of Author of Pippi Longstocking Book Series, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Feminist and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornest's Nest

Did you read Pippi Longstocking as a child? I know I did. I loved her antics and enjoyed reading about a fearless and fun female as a child, not knowing the effects of reading about a shero would have in shaping my view of life and the world. 

Becoming Astrid is the story about the prolific, groundbreaking author, Astrid Lindgren. The film is now available on Herflix, the online movie platform for women. This film is a moving depiction of this Swedish author and her life, especially her formative years as a young girl. Even if you did not read the books, the biopic stands on its own as a telling tale of an author in the making. Featuring acclaimed performance by August Alba and Audience Award Winner Chicago International & Mill Valley Film Festivals.

To watch it click here or visit the links below:

https://www.herflix.com/

Other films coming to Herflix:

Review of Disney's Cruella: Just Pure Fun and Entertainment with Astounding Performances by Emma Stone and Emma Thompson and Lest Not Forget the Costumes are Works of Art

By Ashton Samson

3.5/5 🌝🌝🌝🌛 

Cruella, the new film by director Craig Gillespie, is witty, glamorous and dark, showcasing the phenomenal talent of Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. It’s definitely a fun time for all. That the film is pure fun and not really much else is essential knowledge to gain before heading into it. 

There is certainly nothing overtly philosophical or thematically relevant to discuss with this movie. If someone is looking to watch a movie with social or political undercurrents, with metaphors and symbolism ablaze and an underlying message at its core, Cruella is not for you. I suppose a case could be made for the point of the film being about how to create sympathy for an antihero, someone who has none of the conventional aspects of a hero in place and yet seems destined for heroic status. However, it is best not to read into it too much. Movies don’t always have to be deep or philosophical because sometimes, it's just as entertaining to sit back and have a good time.

Lighthouse International Film Festival Runs June 3rd-6th, 2021 at the Jersey Shore: Virtual, Venues and Parties, SXSW's Swan Song is Opening Film

This shining gem of a film festival is at the Jersey Shore. Located on Long Beach Island, a narrow strip of pristine beaches on one side and bayshores on the other, it's a festival gaining recognition with its selection of award-winning and new independent films. A plus for this festival - this year it is outdoors as well as inside. Last year, the Lighthouse Festival was one of the few festivals that were actually held, and using a drive-in format, some of the showings were even sold out. What's better than watching a movie outside? That would be watching a movie outside with the smell of the beach in the air.  

NY/NJ Event: "Fore The Kids" Golf Classic in River Vale July 12th Features NY Giant Carl Banks, NBA's Eric Murdock: Benefits CASA For Children of Bergen County - Online Silent Auction is LIVE

If you're making your plans to get out like before the pandemic, here's an outing with a good cause, in the fresh air and with lots of activities. Golfers will enjoy the beautiful course (located less than an hour from NYC) and others may enjoy the dinner at the club or a peruse of the Silent Auction. Here are the details:

To View the Silent Auction Items: Auction closed but inquire as some items are still available; https://one.bidpal.net/golfcasa/welcome

Interview with Ziva Bakman Flamhaft on her Book War Widow: How the Six Day War Changed My Life - One Woman's Story of Triumph and Hope in the Face of Tragedy

 

Interview by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Ziva Bakman-Flamhaft has gone through more in life than most people. In her book War Widow: How the Six Day War Changed My Life, she chronicles the trials, tribulations and triumphs in her life. And along the way gives hope to others. In this conversation, you'll find out how very personal her revelations are hopefully, be inspired to read the book and gain truth from her words.

You have led a life of tragedy and resilience. First, tell me why it was necessary to write this book and something about the process?

Ziva Bakman Flamhaft:  The first part of your question provides the answer to the reason I needed to write my book: My life of tragedy and resilience. I was an unexperienced, sheltered young woman seemingly unprepared to handle the unimaginable loses I had suffered. And yet, I surprised all around me, including myself, with tremendous strength and resilience I did not know I had. 

CASTING CALL: Remake of "You Bet Your Life" Quiz Show Seeks Contestants: Apply Now to this Show Hosted by the Legendary Jay Leno

Looking for something new and exciting to do? Here's a new quiz show hosted by the iconic TV host Jay Leno. They are looking for people from all walks of life. You can apply online and if you're chosen they fly you out to LA for the taping. Good luck!

The Libby Show: Lunch With The Ladies is a New Talk Show for Ladies Of a Certain Age - See Sneak Peak Now on Youtube

Update: With a soft launch in April 2021, the first ten episodes will officially launch on December 1, 2021 on the official Youtube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgVU40peyhgLAYQ00x9UjMQ/featured

There's a brand new talk show in town. But this one's unique. It's a talk show for ladies over a certain age. Yup, ladies with a few wrinkles and grey hairs. 

The show will feature five co-hosts, Suzanne Ordas Curry (a film producer), Beth Abramson Brier (a screenwriter), Iliana Guibert (actress/filmmaker), Messalina Morley Alton (actress/screenwriter) and Zonie Le Sane (professional).  The press release states that all of the hosts are over a certain age, but one of the hosts will always be a tad bit younger to keep them all current, because the beauty of being older is that although you know a lot, you also realize there's a lot you don't know. For example, one of the segments will be "Who is this?", where the ladies try to figure out who people are (think musical guests on SNL!)

SoapConLive is the first ever Event for the Soap/Drama Genre: Online Event on The Locher Room Features A Bey of Soap Stars Including Kassie DePaiva, Trent Dawson, Colleen Zenk, Terri Conn, Jackie Zeman, Austin Peck, Kin Shriner & More

Are you a fan of the soap genre? Whether it be daytime, online or evening drama you may want to check out the first ever SOAPCONLIVE! It's a gathering of soap stars from now and in the past that you can see and connect with online. For now... more to come in the future. It will start streaming on THE LOCHER ROOM on Youtube on May 1, 2021.

This event was created by and is partnering with people in the soap industry and those who appreciate the value and entertainment it brings to people, especially during the pandemic.

Interview with Actor/Singer Robert Bannon: Hear about How his Emotional Rendition of Bette Midler's "From a Distance" is a Tribute to Healthcare Workers, His Work on Saturday Night Live, and How He Has Everything he Needs in Jersey

Interview by Shane Curry

Robert Bannon is an actor, singer, teacher and proud New Jerseyan. You may recognize him from his work on Saturday Night Live or from him many stage performances in NJ and New York City including his stint in My Big Gay Italian Wedding.

During the pandemic, Robert released his first single, "From A Distance", the classic from the Beaches album sung by the divine  Bette Midler - which she gave a nod to him to do. The  song and video, shot on Long Beach Island, NJ, is a tribute to health care workers as well as a reflection on the challenges during the pandemic. This beautiful song now has extra meaning and Robert's voice and emotion emanates throughout it.

In July, 2021, he will release a full album, entitled "Unfinished Business."

We had the pleasure on interviewing Robert. here is the full  interview with Robert Bannon:

NYC Area Event: Trent Dawson's Katonah Classic Stage presents THOM PAIN, an IN PERSON Live Theater Event - Welcome Back to the Stage

Katonah Classic Stage is pleased to announce its upcoming benefit, Thom Pain (based on nothing), a one man-show by Will Eno. Katonah Classic Stage (KCS) is a new, professional, non-profit theater company in Katonah, NY, whose mission is to offer exceptional, diverse, and professional productions of classic and contemporary plays.  

A finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer prize, Thom Pain was proclaimed “a small masterpiece” by The New York Times. At once hilarious and heartbreaking, KCS’s presentation of Thom Pain at the Bedford Playhouse marks the triumphant return of live theatre to Northern Westchester.  A limited engagement at the Bedford Playhouse, the fundraiser will be April 29 - May 1, 2021, at 8 p.m., 633 Bedford Road, Bedford, NY.  

 

Females in Entertainment: Filmmaker Elizabeth Blake-Thomas' New Film Will You Be My Quarantine Stars Full House's Jodie Sweetin, David Lipper, Alec Mapa and Danielle Perez - Hear About How She Made This Film Came to by During Quarantine Working Side by Side with her Daughter

by Suzanne Ordas Curry

Meet Elizabeth Blake-Thomas, an award-winning British filmmaker currently based in Los Angeles. Elizabeth spent her time productively the last year, producing and directing the film Will You Be My Quarantine?  It's a a romcom with a spectacular cast. It stars Full House/Fuller House/Hallmark movie actor Jodie Sweetin, David Lipper (Fuller House), Danielle Perez (The Price is Right fame) and Alec Mapa (Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives).  It's set to release in 2021. 

Elizabeth’s recent film Evie Rose, starring Oscar-nominated actress Terry Moore, premiered January 2021 on Amazon. She is the founder  of Mother & Daughter Entertainment, whose motto is “Making Content That Matters”, Through MDE, Elizabeth established the MD Foundation Initiative, a campaign to mentor and employ undiscovered filmmakers through fellow philanthropic pledges. 

Interview with Olivia D'Abo of The Wonder Years - Her New film Angie: Lost Girls is Now Streaming - Hear Ten Things we Learned About this Multi-Talented Actress, Singer/Songwriter and Voice Talent of Star Wars

 

By Suzanne Ordas Curry 

Olivia D'Abo is known to many for being Kevin Arnold's big sis Karen on the popular sitcom The Wonder Years (which by the way is getting a reboot). But Olivia D'Abo is so much more than just a sitcom icon, she's an accomplished film actress, singer/songwriter, voice-over talent (she's the voice of Luminara of Star Wars: Clone Wars) and podcaster. 

The daughter of  a rock start (Mike D'Abo of  Manfred Mann) and a model (Maggie London) who grew up in England, she's lead a very interesting public and private life and has many projects in the works.

Most recently she stars as the mother of Angie, in Angie: Lost Girls, a narrative feature by Julia Verdin and Artists for Change. It's a powerful, thoughtful and difficult story about a typical suburban teenager who gets trafficked. Randall Batinkoff plays her husband, and together they to get their daughter back from some very dangerous and evil people. The movie is streaming now and you can find where here:

https://www.artists4change.org/filmprojects/official-angie-lost-girls/

We had the chance to sit down and talk to Olivia. Here's the full interview:

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FgobL6NOdY

Females in Entertainment: Jane Widdop Stars as Angie in Angie: Lost Girls, A Powerful Film about Child Trafficking, See her Soon in Showtime's YellowJackets

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

Meet Jane Widdop. This up and coming actress stars as Angie, a teen who is trafficked in the newly-released film Angie: Lost Girls. In it she plays a suburban girl who falls prey to some of the worst things a parent could imagine, all because of a boy (played by Dylan Sprayberry of the CW's Teen Wolf) who lures her into a world she may not be able to escape.

I had the chance to interview this talented young lady, who spoke candidly about how deep the part was and how she hopes it will spread awareness about this other plague around the world, which worsened during the pandemic. And she tells us what she can about her upcoming role in the new Showtime series Yellowjackets

.

Or Watch here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DoHJUIwX3s

In this interview you'll also hear:

Garden State Film Festival Runs March 23 - 28 Virtual and In-Person: Almost 200 Films to Enjoy by Independent Filmmakers. IFC's Arianna Bocco and Actor Daniel Baldwin Honored

The Garden State Film Festival 2021 runs  this year from March 23rd - 28, 2021. There are some in-person events but most films are virtual. This year's festival features over 175 selections as well as special events. There are features, animation, shorts, docs and more. Tickets begin at $10 with $55 for a virtual multi-pass. Visit: https://www.gsff.org/

This year the the festival is honoring industry people for different efforts. Those being honored are: Arianna Bocco (IFC Films), Daniel Baldwin (Actor), Ming Chen and A Shared Universe PodcaSTudio, Declan O'Scanlon Jr. (State Senator), Christian Barber (actor), Chris Dudick (producer), Drew Henriksen (screenwriter) and ROB THORP (screenwriter).

The Garden State Film Festival was started to help support the works of independent filmmakers, in NJ and beyond, as well as pay homage to the state where many of the aspects of film as we know it were born. As stated on their website, it was in Menlo Park where Thomas Edison invented the first film cameras and projects and Fort Lee, which is where the first movie studios were located. (Note: Due to better weather and personal issues with some of the owners, they moved on over to Hollywood.)

Women Trailblazers of Early Cinema now on Herflix in Parnership with the NYWIFT Women's Film Preservation Fund: Watch films for free by Grace Cunard, Alice Guy-Blache, Angela Murray Gibson and Lois Weber

Launching during Women's History Month as of March 19, 2021 is a series of films called "Trailblazers of Early Cinema" on the platform HERFLIX. The Women's Film Preservation Fund of New York Women in Film and Television has partnered with HERFLIX to bring these films free to all viewers. Herflix is a new boutique online movie theater.

This ground-breaking series features films by early women filmmakers: Grace Cunard, Alice Guy-Blaché, Angela Murray Gibson and Lois Weber will be featured. You can also watch  a special  Trailblazers Q&A moderated by WFPF’s Founder Barbara Moss with guest panelists Kim Tomadjoglou and Buckey Grimm.

To view the programs, register and stream for free at HERFLIX.com.

Trailblazers of Early Cinema: 

https://herflix.page.link/282D

Trailblazers of Early Cinema Q&A Panel:

https://herflix.page.link/d1kN

Help Save an Iconic Performing Arts Center: NJ's Bergen Pac Presents Free Online Star-Studded Extravaganza with Appearances by Jay Leno, Paul Anka, Wynton Marsalis, Ali Stroker, John Fogerty, Dionne Warwick and More on March 13th

 

Review of Marvel's Wandavision on Disney: Unique, Imaginative and a Must See for Marvel Fans, but Here's What It Could Have Done Better

By Harry Sherer

I love Marvel more than anyone I know. That’s why I didn’t like Wandavision.

Clickbaity enough for you? Hear me out— it’s not a bad show. The concept is brilliant, the acting is superb, and it beautifully sets up what will likely be MCU’s return to theatres in Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness. But something just didn’t sit right with me as the credits (and post credits, and post-post credits) came to a close. And I think it has to do with something Marvel has had a problem with for a long time— transferring the “Marvel formula” into the television medium.

As a film nerd and MCU fanboy, I’ve heard the term “Marvel formula” thrown around quite a bit. There’s no one true definition, but it refers to the various cookie-cutter elements that the studio includes in nearly all of their productions. Before I describe some of these elements, allow me to preface it by saying: I f*cking love Marvel, and I say all of this out of love. It’s not you, it’s me, babe. That being said, most every MCU production contains: a merely serviceable plot, a likeable protagonist, quirky side characters, a one-and-a-half dimension villain, and a Macguffin. And it works. But here’s the thing— Wandavision includes these elements, and does some of them really well, but in the end, it just doesn’t feel right. Let me explain what I mean. 

The Women behind the movie Angie: Lost Girls talk about What it Takes to Make a Movie about Child Trafficking and What they hope it will Do on Alan Locher's Youtube show, The Locher Room

Go behind the scenes with the ladies from the new movie Angie: Lost Girls on Alan Locher's The Locher Room on Friday, March 12  at 3pm EST. (Available on youtube after). Writer/Director Julia Verdin will be joined with star Olivia D'Abo (The Wonder Years, Star Wars) and Producer Cady McClain (Days, ATWT, AMC).

To Watch the Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y-N7NOxSZY

These three ladies will talk about what is was like to create this film which is meant to spread awareness about the plague and devastation of child trafficking. In the story, which is narrative fiction but based on research, a young, normal, suburban teen played by Jane Widdop (YellowJackets)  gets seduced into the dark work of sex trafficking by a young man she meets at the park, played by Dylan Sprayberry (CW's Teen Wolf). Olivia D'Abo  is her mother and Randall Batinkoff the father who try any means possible to find her and get her back. Also starring in this film is Anthony Montgomery (General Hospital, Star Trek), MC Lyte, Amin Joseph and Cherie Jimenez.

The movie is available on demand almost everywhere, and is also available for group screenings with a Panel discussion. Please see the website for details: 

https://www.artists4change.org/filmprojects/official-angie-lost-girls/