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Winning Best Scene Screenplays for March 2018

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Watch readings of the winning screenplays performed by professional actors:

ACTORFEMALE BEST SCENE Screenplay – FIRST TIME FOR PENNY
March 2018 Reading
by Janice Walker
ACTORFEMALE BEST SCENE Screenplay – REBEKAH’S CLOSET
March 2018 Reading
by Amy Jackson
ACTORFANTASY BEST SCENE Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by J. David Thayer
ACTORFANTASY BEST SCENE Screenplay – BIOS
March 2018 Reading
by Michael Clohesy
ACTORLGBT BEST SCENE Screenplay – LOOK IN MY EYES
March 2018 Reading
by Eddie Baca
ACTORTHRILLER BEST SCENE Screenplay – BACK FROM THE DEAD
March 2018 Reading
by Jonah Jones
ACTORCOMEDY BEST SCENE Screenplay – OCCUPY WALLY STREETSKI
March 2018 Reading
by
ACTORBEST SCENE Screenplay – TOUCH TABLE
March 2018 Reading
by Scott Timmins
ACTORBEST SCENE Screenplay – THE DEN
March 2018 Reading
by Kelsey Ann Wacker and Nathan Simpson

******

Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

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Winning Short Screenplays for March 2018

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Watch readings of the winning screenplays performed by professional actors:

ACTORSCI-FI SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Jade S. Bokhari
ACTORCRIME SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Christine Sherwood
ACTORCRIME SHORT Screenplay – WHEN THE DUST SETTLES
March 2018 Reading
by Derek W. Wright
ACTOR1pg. SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Marc Lalonde
ACTORSTUDENT SHORT Screenplay – DIMAGGIO
March 2018 Reading
by Taylor Zaccario

******

Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

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Winning Short Screenplays for March 2018

festreviews Uncategorized

WILDsound Festival's avatarWILDsound Festival

Watch readings of the winning screenplays performed by professional actors:

ACTORSCI-FI SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Jade S. Bokhari
ACTORCRIME SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Christine Sherwood
ACTORCRIME SHORT Screenplay – WHEN THE DUST SETTLES
March 2018 Reading
by Derek W. Wright
ACTOR1pg. SHORT Screenplay
March 2018 Reading
by Marc Lalonde
ACTORSTUDENT SHORT Screenplay – DIMAGGIO
March 2018 Reading
by Taylor Zaccario

******

Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com

Director: Matthew Toffolo

Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne

Editor: Kimberly Villarruel

Camera Op: Mary Cox

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Film Review: MAKER OF MONSTERS: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF BEAU DICK (Canada 2016) ***

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Meet Beau Dick: Maker of Monsters Poster
Meet Beau Dick gives an intimate look into the life of one of Canada’s greatest artists. Beau Dick worked within an ancient tradition and rose to the ranks of international success within the white cube world of contemporary art.

Directors:

Natalie Boll, LaTiesha Fazakas

Writers:

Natalie Boll, LaTiesha Fazakas

Stars:

Bruce Alfred, Wayne Alfred, Eric Angus

 

Beau Dick is a famed artist, activist, mask carver and musician.  He has teaching residency at the University of British Columbia.  He is also native Canadian, which is the reason mainstream Americans have never heard of him.  The emblem of a truly great artist is the ability to give form to the intangible.  Tapping into the collective memory of his people and breathing new life into an age-old tradition, Beau Dick is one such artist.

The film begins with a beautiful shot of Alert Bay.  The Village of Alert Bay is a municipality on beautiful Cormorant Island, northeast of Vancouver Island.  It is the home town of Beau Dick.  There are many stunning shots of British Columbia interspersed throughout the film, the film likely being positive incentive for B.C. tourism.  The film goes on to detail the history of the man and his ancestors before he became famous.

The question is why anyone would be interested in Beau Dick.  Or why anyone would want to spend 90 minutes learning about his life.  The reason is simply that the man is inspirational.  What he has done for his culture and people is remarkable and there are major lessons to be learnt from Beau Dick.

The film takes time to unfold.  A bit of patience is needed but the waiting pays off.  Directors Boll and Fazakas realize that it takes time to establish the roots behind Dick’s actions, especially the political marches.  One political march that took place stretched all the way from B.C. to Ottawa which culminated with the breaking of a copper body plate.  It sounds silly but it is a native tradition that had not been practised for ages.

Among those interviewed are his two daughters from his ex-wife and his ex-wife herself.  A biologist studying the humpback whales in Victoria is yet another who gives her input on the importance of the environment as Dick fights for the environment as well.  She provides insight on wild and farmed salmon fishing, which is new to me.  One should be able to tell when eating wild vs. farmed salmon from the colour and texture of the fillets.

One of the directors, Fazakas is an art gallery owner herself.  She turns the camera on herself as she describes Beau Dick. praising him for the emotion in his work.

Beau Dick has had bad days in his life.  He had been on the wagon for 10 years after succumbing to alcohol for a full twenty years.  He was also addicted to crack cocaine before getting his life straight.  The film has him confessing about his addiction but never comes back to it.  Directors Boll and Fazakas stress his positive contributions to his people and Canada.

The film will be playing initially two shows, one on March 29th and one on April 1st in Cineplex theatres (markets below) across Canada, then be available digitally nationally on March 30th.

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/251359571

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Film Review: READY PLAYER ONE (USA 2018) *** Directed by Steven Spielberg

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Ready Player One Poster
Trailer

When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune.

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writers:

Zak Penn (screenplay by), Ernest Cline (screenplay by) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn |

 

At the promo screening of READY PLAYER ONE, the MC who introduced the movie said that if one enjoys gaming, special effects and CGI, this is the movie, and if not…..”  His words are so true, as Steven Spielberg’s latest venture, based on the book of the same name by Ernest Cline is just that – too much going on screen for the average moviegoer to absorb.  Half of the humour and logic are completely lost, but on the other hand, half of what transpires on screen might be appreciated.

The film is set in the future of 2045 in Chicago where people live in what are called ‘the stacks’ as their cramped quarters are stacked one above the other.  The hero of the piece is an orphan, Wade Watts (Sheridan Tye) a youth of 18 who lives with his aunt (Susan Lynch) and her abusive boyfriend.

The is is the story’s premise.  The world is in the grip of many worries: energy crisis, disaster caused by climate change, famine, poverty, war, etc.  In this chaotic world, OASIS is a global virtual reality system ], accessible through head-mounted and haptic devices such as gloves and coveralls.  Originally conceived as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), it has become over time a true virtual society which all humanity uses as an outlet.  It is a place everyone wants to be in and where everyone gets to be whoever he wants.  The players win coins (shades of bitcoin) but lose everything if they are killed.  Its creator, James Halliday (Mark Rylance, who now appears to be Spielberg’s favourite actor), is one of the richest men in the world.  Immediately after his death, a video is released in which he appears, explaining that he decided to bequeath his huge fortune, 500 billion dollars, and his company, GSS, to the person who will find an easter egg hidden in the OASIS.  The goal is to find three keys scattered in the OASIS and which are the preliminary to the discovery of the egg.  

The villain of the piece is Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) who for the most part wears a suit and tie.  He was Halliday’s partner who wants to own the entire OASIS, though he is not that familiar with all the pop culture that comes with OASIS.  He, comically has someone who does, connected to him via headphones so he can impress whoever he wants that he knows all.  He tries to foil Wade and his gang from finding the three keys.  Yes, there is also romance between wade and Samantha (Olivia Cooke) amidst all going on behind the action.

The search for the 3 keys and the east egg (in a film appropriately timed to be released at Easter) takes our heroes though a journey that includes, of all things, Stanley Kubrick’s horror movie THE SHINING.  Those familiar with the film will be pleased to see the twin girls and the river of blood coming from the two open doors.

The film, despite dwelling on pop culture kitsch has a few sensitive moments – a story of soul to be found in a special effects soulless film.  The film looks stunning with cinematography by Oscar winner, Janusz Kaminski (SCHINDLER’S LIST).  The film costs a huge bundle of millions to make and it shows.  The film astounds as it bores, is soulful as it is soulless, a contradiction in entertainment but nevertheless, an successful failure.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1dM2Vj48

 

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Interview with Festival Director Terra Renee (African American Women In Cinema)

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Each year African American Women In Cinema host one of the most celebrated female film events in the country that shines its luminous spotlight onto ambitious women filmmakers from all over the country and the world!

Contact

 
Matthew Toffolo: What is your Film Festival succeeding at doing for filmmakers?

Terra Renee: Bringing awareness of women filmmakers of color

2) What would you expect to experience if you attend the festival this year (2018)?

An interesting variety of film entertainment programs as well as special keynote panels on social issues such as the metoo movement and the importance of voting.

3) What are the qualifications for the selected films?

The film have to be written or directed or produced by a woman of color.

4) Do you think that some films really don’t get a fair shake from film festivals? And if so, why?

Interesting question, I have not thought about looking at festivals in that light.

5) What motivates you and your team to do this festival?

The lack of opportunities for women of color, although we are starting to see some breakthroughs now.

6) How has your FilmFreeway submission process been?

It’s really simple and to the point, not much of an issue.

7) Where do you see the festival by 2023?

Global

8) What film have you seen the most times in your life?

A hard question because there were so many. I will give you one, Stone Mansion.

9) In one sentence, what makes a great film?

A good story with excellent acting talent great production, fabulous directing with superb editing.

10) How is the film scene in your city?

Pretty active!

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Interviewer Matthew Toffolo is currently the CEO of the WILDsound FEEDBACK Film & Writing Festival. The festival that showcases 20-50 screenplay and story readings performed by professional actors every single month. And the FEEDBACK Monthly Festival held in downtown Toronto, and Los Angeles at least 3 times a month. Go to http://www.wildsoundfestival.com for more information and to submit your work to the festival.

Full Review: JOURNEY’S END (UK 2017) ****

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Journey's End Poster
Trailer

Set in a dugout in Aisne in 1918, it is the story of a group of British officers, led by the mentally disintegrating young officer Stanhope, as they await their fate.

Director:

Saul Dibb

Writers:

Simon Reade (screenplay), R.C. Sherriff (novel) | 2 more credits »

Stars:

Paul Bettany, Sam Claflin, Stephen Graham

 

JOURNEY’S END about soldiers (Officers and enlisted men) during an offensive in the trenches during the First World War is a story that is already too familiar to us.  Still, it is a story that needs repeating, to remind the world of the futility of war and that orders coming down from the top brass would ultimately be executed often to the death by the men of lower ranks, who has loved ones and families back home.  JOURNEY’S END is based on the 1928 play and filmed two years later by James Whale which starred Sir Lawrence Olivier as Cpt. Stanhope now played brilliantly convincingly by Sam Catlin.  The updated screenplay be Simon Reade is by no means flawless, (words like a person needing to be sorted’. the word never used at that time; an offbeat change of scenery back to England for the reading of a letter) but serves the fiilm’s purpose.

The film begins like any war film.  There is news of the war and word of fighting in France against the Germans.  Things get real only when the audience can put a face to the goings-on.  The face in this case belongs to green 2LT Laleigh (Asa Butterfeld) who wishes to join the battalion of his old school mate Cpt Stanhope who used to be his house monitor and good friend of him and his sister.   Stanhope is found to be changed due to the strain of war.  In the trenches are Lta Osborne (Paul Bettany)  veteran who is the most stable of the lot and apparentlythe one who keeps everything together.   

When the men are ordered to attack the Germans in two days time in an effort that seems pointless, casualties increase and things come to a boil in this realities tale of men caught in the war apparently to fight in what they believe for their country. It is made clear at one point, that the assault is to take place at 5 pm so that the higher ups can discuss the results over dinner.

Despite the film’s seriousness in tone, Reade’s script is not devoid of needed humour, which is provided by stiff faced Toby Jones as Mason, the men’s cook.  If not describing his cutlets as new in shape or the yellowness of the soup to entice the blandness of his meals, the on running jokes on the meals are nothing short of hilarious.

The narrow trenches emphasizes the claustrophobia of the location complete with mud rats though only one is shown) and worms oozing out from the mud during a meal.  To Dibb’s and the production designer’s credit, the film never feels like a play.

Though one might wonder at the film’s aim, it is clear that Dibb’s message is that one is never to forget that human beings are the ones fighting the war, and there are casualties on both sides as the end credits remind both sides of the millions that have died in WWI.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPX-kajacyc

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Film Review: PACIFIC RIM UPRISING (USA 2018)

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Pacific Rim: Uprising Poster
Trailer

Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat.

Director:

Steven S. DeKnight

Writers:

Steven S. DeKnight, Emily Carmichael | 3 more credits »

Stars:

John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny

 

Steven S. DeKnight takes over the director’s reins from Guillermo del Toro making his directorial debut in the sequel to the 2013 hit PACIFIC RIM.  PACIFIC RIM is del Toro’s most successful film at the box-office making over $400 million worldwide at the box-office.  UPRISING costing $150 million aims to do the same.

The premise of the first film which is the backdrop for uprising is summarized in voiceover at the start of the film by Jake Pentecost (John Boyega from STAR WARS).  That film was set in the future, when Earth is at war with the Kaiju, colossal sea monsters which have emerged from an inter-dimensional portal on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.  To combat the monsters, humanity united to create the Jaegers, gigantic humanoid machine robots, each controlled by at least two pilots, whose minds are joined by a mental link.  The Jaeger was championed by General Pentecost, Jake’s father played by Idris Elba.  Jake was partying it up when the film opens.

UPRISING is set ten years after the Battle of the Breach, the oceans have become restless once again, but the Jaeger program has evolved into the next generation for the PPDC.  However, a mysterious organization has reopened the Breach for the Kaiju and a Jaeger has gone rogue.  Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, rises up to stand against the evolved Kaiju and the mysterious rogue Jaeger, Obsidian Fury, to prevent humanity’s extinction and preserve his father’s legacy.

The film is divided into two parts.  One is the action sequences, which with its $150 million budget are executed with all the pyro-technics, metal crunching and noise expect from a Hollywood blockbuster.  The film will also be released in iMAX which boasts – “See a movie, or be a part of one.”  Regardless, be prepared to get a headache.  This is a very loud film.  The second is the camaraderie among the Jaeger group.  Jake Pentecost bonds with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert (Scott Eastwood, Clint’s son) and 15-year-old hacker Amara (Madeleine McGraw), against the new Kaiju threat.  The pilots are all buffed and ideal specimens of the human race.  The script by Steven S. DeKnight, Emily Carmichael, Kira Snyder and T.S. Nowlin displays the normal enmity as well as camaraderie of the Jaeger fighters.  But dialogue like: “…not how you perform but what people think how you perform…” are meant to be taken tongue in cheek, playing with typical cliched lines.  The banter between Dr. Newt Geiszler (Charlie Day) and Dr. Hermann Gottlieb (Burn Gorman) works better.

As the first film was huge hit in China, UPRISING has a few scenes shot in China, as observed by the Chinese on the streets running away from the monists, looking like old monster movies.

Despite the efforts for making PACIFIC RIM UPRISING rise above the first PACIFIC RIM and TRANSFORMER franchise, UPRISING turns out to be a big bore with too much noise and CG effects.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EhiLLOhVis

 

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Film Review: CATWALK: TALES FROM THE CAT SHOW CIRCUIT (USA 2017) ***

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Catwalk: Tales from the Cat Show Circuit Poster
 Aaron Hancox, Michael McNamara

Writer:

Michael McNamara

People can grasp the concept of a dog show.  But people cannot grasp the concept of  a cat show.  This is the film, CATWALK’s premise and mission to put cats on the film map just as the successful dog show film BEST IN SHOW did for canines.

One difference between BEST IN SHOW and CATWALK should be noted.  BEST IN SHOW was a mockumentary that followed 5 different dogs with their owners as they showed off their dogs in different shows while CATWALK is a real documentary.  This does not mean that a real documentary is less funny that a mockumentary as the film occasionally proves.

The cats are judged by a panel according to:

what cat perfection is (agility; intelligence etc.)

the best of the breed (example: if the exhibitor does not comb out the knots of his/her long haired cat, a whole lot of points will be lost

The main cat that has won the most points by touring the catwalk circuit in Canada, when the film opens, is a white playful cat named Bobby owned by Kim. The other, is a Red Persian breed full of fluffy fur named Oh-La-La by owned by Shirley.  The film shows that the cat owners are just as interesting to observe than the cats.  When Oh-La-La is showcased on stage, the camera locks on the face of Kim, showing how jealous she is that her cat, Bobby might be upstaged.  Bobby and Oh-La-La are completely different cats.  The former loves to play, winning the hearts of the judges from its friendliness as compared to Oh-La-la who just sits proudly, unconcerned of the surroundings.  There is a scene whee the two cat owners are seen joking with each otter.  Deborah says to Kim: “I don’t think evil of you…. just of your cat.”

The film takes a distraction with a segment on Kim taking scuba diving lessons and having a new group of friends she considers her family.  There is no purpose this segment serves with regards to cats except as a time filler.  CATWALK runs at a brisk 75 minutes.

The film interviews two main cat owners/exhibitors and a few breeders while featuring a few of the show’s judges.

The main owner is Kim Langille who shows off her pride a white Turkish Angora.  Kim is also a show organizer and her enthusiasm for cats rubs off n her audience.  She as a wise pick to be the doc’s main character.  The other is her competitor, Shirley McCollow who spends hours grooming her Red Persian for the show.  There is a sweet moment of an autistic cat owner who overcomes her disability by devoting her efforts on her cat.

CATWALK is made more colourful  by the titles that appear on screen, one on purple or green or orange background.

CATWALK the film does not offer any advice to cat showers or messages for the audience.  (Oh, maybe just one message from a cat breeder: Good things come to good people who do good things.)   It is just an entertaining fun picture about cats, even for non-cat lovers like myself.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mepAvFdUJag

 

 

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