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Kate Winslet's 'Lee' Explores the Trailblazing Life of War Photographer Lee Miller in Ellen Kuras' Directorial Debut

Kate Winslet is set to bring to life one of the most compelling figures of the 20th century in Lee, the feature directorial debut of award-winning cinematographer Ellen Kuras. The film, a passion project for Winslet, who also serves as a producer, delves into a critical decade in the life of American war correspondent and trailblazing photographer Lee Miller, whose work continues to resonate in the worlds of art and journalism. Miller, known for her relentless pursuit of truth, captured some of the most indelible images from World War II, many of which remain iconic to this day. Among them is the defiant photograph of Miller herself in Adolf Hitler's private bathtub—a moment that both symbolized the downfall of tyranny and highlighted the audacity of a woman who broke through societal barriers. But beyond the famous images, Lee promises to paint a more intimate portrait of Miller, showcasing her fierce determination, her empathy for war victims, and the personal demons she was forc...

Following Films Podcast: Adam Weiner on Art Dealers

  In the tradition of art-world documentaries like Stop Making Sense and American Movie, Art Dealers follows eccentric rock-n-roll artist Adam Weiner aka Low Cut Connie, and his band as they attempt to mount a concert production of their recently released album "Art Dealers" for a three-night run in NYC. The stunning high-intensity performances are laid against a backdrop of five years of footage that shows an artist plagued by bad luck who attacks each performance with humor and stagecraft. Today I’m joined by Adam Weiner to discuss ART DEALERS, the importance of creativity, and our shared love of David Johansen ART DEALERS will be available on VOD on October 1st. For more information go to lowcutconnie.com

FRIENDS: THE COMPLETE SERIES "The One In 4K" Blu-ray Review

When Friends premiered on September 22, 1994, few could have predicted the cultural phenomenon it would become. Spanning ten seasons and 236 episodes, the show captured the essence of friendship, love, and the trials of adulthood through the lives of six characters living in Manhattan. Now, with Friends: The Complete Series available on stunning 4K UHD, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the show's lasting impact, its strengths, and the enduring charm that continues to resonate with audiences today. At its core, Friends follows Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). Set against the backdrop of New York City, the series navigates the complexities of friendship and relationships, often blending humor with poignant moments. What sets Friends apart from other sitcoms is its ability to balance these elements seamlessly, creating a rel...

Despicable Me 4 4K Blu-ray Review

Directed by Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage, Despicable Me 4 is an engaging continuation of the franchise that embraces its absurdity with joyful abandon. While the narrative may feel patchwork—woven together from a series of delightfully funny moments rather than a tightly structured plot—it manages to charm with its irreverent humor and whimsical spirit. At the center of the film is Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), who finds himself facing off against a new adversary: Maxime Le Mal, an absurdly snooty Frenchman brought to life by Will Ferrell. Maxime, a former classmate has nursed a grudge against Gru since a talent show debacle decades ago. His elaborate scheme for revenge includes a transformation into a genetically engineered cockroach man and enlisting an army of tiny, helmeted cockroaches, leading to a series of uproarious confrontations. Does any of this make sense? No. And if you are asking yourself that question, this isn't the film for you. The film takes Gru and his family...

Get Ready for a Thrilling Scottish Adventure: KILL Launches Digitally on September 30th

If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, mark your calendars! KILL, a gripping Scottish film that has already captured audiences at the 2023 Edinburgh Film Festival, will be available on digital platforms starting September 30th. This film promises to deliver a unique blend of suspense, family drama, and psychological tension—all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish wilderness. Kill boasts an impressive nearly all-Scottish cast, featuring talents like Daniel Portman (Game of Thrones), Brian Vernel (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Dunkirk), Paul Higgins (The Thick of It, Line of Duty), Calum Ross (Wednesday), and James Harkness (Darkest Hour, Rogue One). Each actor brings their A-game, adding layers of complexity to a story that is as much about familial bonds as it is about survival. At the heart of KILL lies a harrowing tale of three brothers grappling with their dark past. While stalking deer in the remote Scottish wilderness, they hatch a plan to end the life o...

Following Films Podcast: Aaron Fradkin and Victoria Fratz Fradkin on BEEZEL

Today I’m joined by the horror filmmaking duo Social House Films,  writer/director Aaron Fradkin, and writer/star Victoria Fratz Fradkin. The duo’s previous project, The Ballerina, amassed over 19 million views on YouTube and was featured in Season 7 of Bloody Bites TV. Social House Films was also highlighted as one of the leading independent horror filmmakers in GQ’s article “The Most Exciting Horror Filmmaking is Happening on YouTube.” I had them on the show today to discuss their latest film BEEZEL. Over six tumultuous decades, three unwitting guests of a cursed New England home stumble upon a sinister secret dwelling beneath its floors - an eternal witch with an insatiable thirst for the souls of the living. BEEZEL is currently available on VOD.

Following Films Podcast: Rick Diaz on the Netflix Hit Film INCOMING

  Today I'm joined by director of photography, Ricardo "Rick" Diaz, about his work on the hit Netflix film INCOMING. The film has a perfect blend of goofiness and raunchiness and is a coming-of-age story. It's reminiscent of favorites such as American Pie, Can't Hardly Wait, and Superbad. Diaz's goal was to capture the film in a way that evokes nostalgia and humor without making it look like the standard visual format we usually see in comedies of this nature.