Archive for the 'Interviews' Category
June 5th, 2024 by Gregg Senko
Yesterday, Why So Blu covered the impactful short film The Last Ranger, featured at the Cleveland International Film Festival, and what the future holds for this small-package big-imprint style of production. Darwin Shaw, one of the creative minds behind the Antiviral Film Project, an effort designed to bring real, meaningful stories to the screen, took time out of his shooting schedule to sit down with Why So Blu and answer a few questions about what makes the project tick, its rebranding to When the World Stopped, and its flagship film.
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Continue reading ‘Cleveland International Film Festival 2024: Director Darwin Shaw Talks ‘The Last Ranger’’
December 16th, 2021 by Aaron Neuwirth
Released back in June 2021, Werewolves Within is a clever whodunnit adapted from the Ubisoft video game. It rightfully received its share of praise and currently holds the record as the highest-rated video game movie. That’s for good reason, as director Josh Ruben assembled a terrific cast of actors and comedians who were game to dig into the humor and the horror found within. The film was recently released on Blu-ray, and Why So Blu had the chance to speak with Ruben about the ideas and inspirations for this film, casting the right people, having a positive bonding experience on the snowy filming locations, and how to balance the right tone. Continue reading ‘‘Werewolves Within’ Director Josh Ruben On Delivering A Proper Video Game Horror-Comedy’
February 1st, 2021 by Jason Coleman
While some may not instantly know the name John Badham (shame on you!), chances are you have definitely seen one of his many hit films. The prolific director has helmed so many memorable movies (Saturday Night Fever, y’all!), worked with a gaggle of notable actors early in their careers (how about a young Matthew Broderick and Ally Sheedy in the 1983 classic War Games!) and has created so many magical movie moments and lines that linger (“Number 5 is alive!”) that his vast body of work undoubtedly stands the test of time. Currently the filmmaker has the second edition of his book “John Badham on Directing” (available now in both Kindle and Paperback) out for fans and film students alike who are interested in knowing the ins and outs of working as a director in the business, plus last October saw a Kino Lorber special Blu-ray release of his 1991 flick The Hard Way featuring a very entertaining (yes, I listened to the entire thing!) full-length audio commentary track with Badham. (Both are available through Amazon!)
Continue reading ‘Director John Badham Career Interview: On Casting, Characters and Killer Chemistry’
July 10th, 2020 by Jason Coleman
Not enough Egoyan details the first time around? No worries – Flicks for Fans and WhySoBlu has you covered as we head back into the Q&A room for more detailed dissection in the form of Part 2 in our video career interview with Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan!
Continue reading ‘Atom Egoyan Video Career Interview – Part 2’
July 9th, 2020 by Jason Coleman
Nothing says deep movie dissection like a good old-fashioned career interview – except maybe one you can watch. Yearning for a beyond the norm detailed Q&A from the comfort of your own home? Love The Adjuster, Exotica and The Sweet Hereafter? Flicks For Fans along with WhySoBlu has got a treat in store for you – indie film lovers read on!
Continue reading ‘Atom Egoyan Video Career Interview – Part 1’
April 1st, 2020 by Brian White
What I am about to say is NOT an April Fool’s Day joke. People look at me crazy whenever I proclaim that DC Universe’s Harley Quinn animated series is the BEST Batman cartoon ever. Yeah I know the Batman Animated Series changed a lot of our lives back in the day, but I’m currently in my forties. I need more in my cartoons nowadays than just mild adult themes and that’s exactly where I feel Harley Quinn immensely delivers. It took only one viewing of the first Season One episode last year for me to ask out loud the following eight words. Where has this show been my entire life? And if being 2020’s Birds of Prey and The Emancipation of One Harley Quinn number one fan out there doesn’t reinforce the point enough (already at 10+ views), I’m certainly a man of exquisite tastes. What I mean by that is I enjoy the finer things in life in my media like gratuitous moments of excessive foul language, extreme carnage and gore, poop/puke gags and the list goes on. You know…everything the Harley Quinn show offers. Also being a devoted fan of CBS’ The Big Bang Theory for its twelve season run and having the real life Penny from it embody your favorite anti hero of all time is literally just the sweetest icing on the cake a guy like me could ever ask for. Continue reading ‘DC Universe’s Harley Quinn: Exclusive Interview w/ Patrick Schumacker’
November 18th, 2019 by Jason Coleman
Women In Film Focus is a new article series featuring successful women within the film industry who have made a name for themselves by creating exceptional careers and outstanding work in their respective fields. First up we are proud to present a look into the life and career of in-demand special effects make-up movie artist Renae Goodhew.
Continue reading ‘Women In Film Focus – Prolific Hollywood Make-Up Effects Artist Renae Goodhew’
October 15th, 2019 by Jason Coleman
The ever-amazing Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2019 (go to www.screamfestla.com for more details!) taking place October 8th – 17th at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in LA at the Hollywood and Highland Center is still going strong with the frightful flicks unspooling fast and furious. But what to do when you come across a flick that is not only utterly original but also firmly entrenches itself in your top 10 films of the year? It’s feature time!
Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2019 – ‘The Wave’ Director Gille Klabin Talks Mixing Genres (Plus Bonus Five-Star Review!)’
October 8th, 2019 by Jason Coleman
With the amazing Screamfest Horror Film Festival 2019 (go to www.screamfestla.com for more details!) taking place October 8th – 17th at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in LA at the Hollywood and Highland Center soon to be underway it felt right to delve into things head on (or off!) by digging the grave a tad deeper and getting some insight into the opening night film titled Eat Brains Love. (Catchy!) And who better to provide the inside skinny on all things love and zombie related than the very man who made the film. (We go right to the horse’s mouth for our comprehensive coverage!)
Continue reading ‘Screamfest 2019 Interview: “Eat Brains Love” Director Rodman Flender Talks Horror, Humor and Subverting Expectations’
December 12th, 2018 by Brian White
It was like any other day of my life. I drove the usual route home after a hard day at the office and was flipping through my favorite Sirius XM channels trying to find a familiar tune to God speed the way home with. I do all of this on autopilot, just pressing pre-programmed favorite buttons onscreen, not paying attention to the particular channel names or whatnot. Then it hit me like a wall would eventually if you ran blindfolded indoors. I heard these raspy, authoritative, take-no-prisoners female vocals, which I have never heard before. Immediately this singer had my full undivided attention. I looked at my radio unit and saw I landed on XM’s Octane and the song playing was called “Haunted” by a rock star named Diamante. Right then and there I wanted to know all I could about Diamante. Thank the maker for instant gratification. Before I knew it Diamante’s album, Coming in Hot, was downloaded on my phone and my car ride home was all the sudden NOT just another day of my life. It was an elated experience! Continue reading ‘Christmas Comes Early! An Exclusive Interview w/ DIAMANTE!’
October 29th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
Welcome fright fans! Halloween is almost upon us and seemingly out of tricks it felt like time for a little tasty treat. For both the genre geeks and my own beloved boss and cool critic Brian White I’m presenting something truly special this year to celebrate the dark magic of All Hallows’ Eve. I, much like Brian, am a massive admirer of the 2009 Marcus Dunstan helmed five-star original outing The Collector, a terrifying tale of two professional gents – one a master thief and the other a cunning killer – who find themselves trapped in a house together and both use their own ‘specific set of skills’ to fight and survive the night. From the suspenseful staging to the eclectic array of brutal booby traps, The Collector is a true hidden horror gem that ups the ante on traditional thriller themes. But besides the earnest work by lead man Josh Stewart as relatable robber Arkin, there’s a singular tasty turn that truly gives the flick its damn fine film flavor.
Continue reading ‘Q&A Exclusive – ‘The Collector’ Himself Juan Fernández Helps Dissect His Man Of Mayhem For Halloween’
August 28th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
In the arena of memorable female film characters that embody spirit, strength and sass, nobody plays them more truthfully than actress Samantha Mathis. Hitting a homerun early on portraying the awesomely outspoken Nora Diniro, the bold teen who pushes a quiet Christian Slater out of his comfort zone in the 1990 hidden gem Pump Up The Volume, Mathis has made a long career out of playing colorful characters that have a lot going on beneath the surface. (Plus she just signed on to play the powerful new COO of Taylor Mason Capital in Season 4 of the hit Showtime series Billions – can’t wait!)
Continue reading ‘Interview: ‘Boarding School’ Mom Samantha Mathis Talks Character, Chemistry And A Career Of Proud Parts’
June 13th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
More likely than not, most people have either seen the work of or heard the names Jessica Graham and Christopher Soren Kelly. Two multi-talented artists who have been dipping their creative toes into so many different endeavors for years, the pair has seemingly made it their mission in life to stay innovative and original. On the movies front not only has the couple made numerous notable short films together wearing many different crew hats (see Monkeys and Chasseur!), but they’re also putting the final finishing touches on a sci-fi feature film called The Tangle. Christopher is a writer, director and actor (see recent outing Infinity Chamber!) who also dabbles in teaching spiritual stuff, while actress/writer/filmmaker Jessica who also teaches meditation even has a new book out titled Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out. (These two are busy bees!) Continue reading ‘DWF 2018 Interview – ‘Murder Made Easy’ Dynamic Duo Jessica Graham & Christopher Soren Kelly Provide Some Killer Insight’
April 11th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
While it’s still early in the year, it seems five-star film fare of 2018 is alive and well. The captivating new thriller Marrowbone (out April 13 In Theaters, On Demand, Amazon Video, and iTunes from Magnet Releasing) is the latest flick to exceed cinematic expectations (at least in this critic’s humble opinion!) and as such is the singular focus of this extra special article. Marrowbone is a well-woven ghost story via The Impossible and The Orphanage writer Sergio G. Sánchez here making his directorial debut about four young siblings who work hard to become recluse inside the family home after their mother dies to avoid being separated – but their haunted homestead has some equally harrowing surprises. The film features a myriad of tasty twists and turns, some wonderful visual style and a killer cast across the board including the likes of Mia Goth, George MacKay (so good in Captain Fantastic!), Charlie Heaton of Stranger Things fame and the always amazing Anya Taylor-Joy. (She’s also in my other five-star favorite from this year Thoroughbreds!) So to celebrate the upcoming release of one damn stellar piece of cinema below is my full dogs review of the film (I give movie credit where it’s due film fans!) plus for those eager for a little bit more insight I scored an exclusive interview with the maestro behind the movie writer/director Sergio G. Sánchez who chatted about everything from balancing the film’s dark and hopeful tone to his inspired casting of the members of the Marrowbone family foursome. Highlighting awesome outings that deserve to be seen, here’s the skinny on…Marrowbone!
Continue reading ‘Exclusive: ‘Marrowbone’ Five-Star Review PLUS Bonus Director Sergio G. Sánchez Q&A!’
April 4th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
Many movie fans know artist Eric Stoltz from his myriad of layered acting roles on the big and small screen, but over the last few year the talented thespian has put his skills to work behind the camera. Working as a director on hit shows like Glee, Private Practice and Nashville and also finding time to make some standout shorts, Stoltz has carved a name for himself as an adept director. His latest outing sees Stoltz tackling a full-length feature film called Class Rank, a quirky, funny and sweet story about two high school outsiders who find more than they bargain for when they decide to join forces to overtake the local school board. The film has a killer cast (leads Skyler Gisondo and Olivia Holt are pitch perfect – plus some Bruce Dern action!), a whimsical style and also features rare music and a classical score that really elevates the piece. I was so excited to highlight and share what is a fantastic early feature film for Stoltz (don’t believe us – it just recently won the Grand Jury Best US Narrative Feature at the illustrious Gasparilla International Film Festival in Tampa Bay, Florida!) that I jumped at the chance to dissect the flick more. But of course being full a full-on movie geek I had to dig deep into some of his past pictures too, so what follows is some thoughtful chatter all about the charismatic Class Rank, plus a bonus career interview that can now be scratched off my bucket list. Actor, director, producer and all around talented guy – welcome the awesome… Continue reading ‘Interview: Director Eric Stoltz Talks All About Helming Feature ‘Class Rank’ – Plus Acting Career Interview Bonus!’
March 3rd, 2018 by Jason Coleman
Being a big fan of great films as well as the equally tasty turns within, the teaming of writer/director Ted Geoghegan and actress Kaniehtiio Horn is a big deal for yours truly. The man behind the mind blowing haunted house opus We Are Still Here (which scored in my Top Ten Films of 2015!) and the gal who played one unforgettable needle-to-eye wielding serial killer in the standout segment Vision Stains via the anthology flick The Theatre Bizarre (a poignant performance that scored Horn a coveted spot on my Top Five Best Female Performances in 2011!) finally joining forces for a no-holds-barred thriller about a young tough female Mohawk warrior who is forced to fight American military renegades hell-bent on revenge – needless to say it’s a cinematic slam dunk.
Continue reading ‘Interview: ‘Mohawk’ Director Ted Geoghegan And His Lethal Leading Lady Kaniehtiio Horn Talk About Teaming Up’
February 8th, 2018 by Jason Coleman
Anyone who knows me as a passionate movie geek knows I go professionally ga-ga over the layered work of actress Jess Weixler. Having been on my movie radar since her groundbreaking turn as a teen with a little something extra in the vagina dentata steeped sleeper Teeth, the classically trained Juilliard graduate has gone on to create a multitude of memorable performances that do not disappoint. From her chemistry ridden pairing with Jason Ritter in Peter And Vandy to her tasty turn as the sister of Jessica Chastain in The Disappearance Eleanor Rigby (Her and Them!) and even getting behind the camera to co-write and co-direct the quirky comedy Apartment Troubles (formerly Trouble Dolls!), Weixler and her work continue to captivate. (Plus her five-star role in the sassy outing Free Samples earned her the coveted #1 spot on my Top Five Female Performances of 2012!)
Continue reading ‘Interview: ‘Entanglement’ Star Jess Weixler On Off The Norm Characters, The Power Of ‘Teeth’ & Female Filmmakers On Her To-Do List’
September 7th, 2017 by Jason Coleman
There are a myriad of notable elements that can make an indie outing standout. It could be stark stylistic visuals, a witty script or even pitch perfect performances that make the difference. Or there’s Christopher Soren Kelly. A wondrous mix of all of the above and then some, anyone who has been lucky enough to witness the short film work of the budding director/writer/acting auteur which includes the hard boiled Chasseur and kinetic Monkeys has come away with one word etched into the brain – master craftsman. (Not to mention his fantastic performance-only turns in flicks like Ink and The Frame!) The talented Kelly is finally putting the finishing touches on a new full-length feature film titled The Tangle and for any fan of original cinema it’s cause for cinematic celebration.
Continue reading ‘Interview: Indie Filmmaking Auteur Christopher Soren Kelly Invites Fans To Be A Part Of ‘The Tangle’’
