KHR 56 (& counting!)

Kris Holden-Ried On Tumblr: Kris Holden-Ried joins the Cut-Throats Nine remake!

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:51:05 -0400

Kris Holden-Ried On Tumblr: Kris Holden-Ried joins the Cut-Throats Nine remake!:

News out of Cannes film festival (where The Returned is being screened for buyers) is that actor Kris Holden-Ried will be joining the cast of Cut-Throats Nine remake. It’s being reported that the movie, which has been in production since 2009, might finally be moving forward as “… the…

An interview with @KrisHolden_Ried and @PaulRogerAmos at Toronto...

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:13:34 -0400

An interview with @KrisHolden_Ried and @PaulRogerAmos at Toronto Fan Expo about Captain Canuck. Somehow I managed to miss posting this when it had been first uploaded to YouTube back in March.

Please visit their indiegogo page and donate. 15 days left!

I’ve watched the trailer for The Returned a few times now...

Sat, 11 May 2013 14:53:00 -0400

I’ve watched the trailer for The Returned a few times now since the released the English version. (I tried to understand the Spanish version, but no joy. Thanks American public school system. 4 years of Spanish and all I know is “yo no habla Espanole. (Spelling might be off. And grammar. Did I not mention I don’t speak Spanish?) Anyhow. It’s a zombie movie that doesn’t seem to be about zombies as it is about being afraid of the possibility of zombies and, in typical human fashion, over reacting with violence and lies. I’m not judging, mind you. Because… zombies! However, I think, despite them trying to make you think it’s about inevitability and saying goodbye to a loved one, I think it’s actually about hope.

Why?

The above image. Sure, it’s Alex (played by Kris Holden-Ried) trussed up as he waits to succumb to the virus he’s been fending off for six years with the protein that prevents zombification, and as also seen in the trailer, he looks incredibly terrified at what is probably going to happen to him. So… why is he waiting for it to happen? Why is he in a room to keep him and others safe from what is going to happen to him? Wouldn’t the smart move be to end himself before it happens? Unless deep down he’s hoping that at the last moment there will be rescue. He has hope.

So… count me in when the movie gets released.

New image for The Returned. Via:...

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:34:32 -0400

New image for The Returned. Via: http://www.filmaxinternational.com/film.php?id=70

The Returned trailer, English version.

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:33:05 -0400

The Returned trailer, English version.:

“Synopsis

Kate works at the hospital in the Return Unit, helping those who have been infected by the virus that turns people into zombies. Kate’s dedication to her work is absolute, but few people realize that for her it is also a personal matter; Kate’s own husband, Alex, has been returned.

After various brutal and prolific attacks at the hands of Anti-Return groups and rumours that the “Protein” stock is running dangerously low, Kate fears for Alex´s safety. Suspicious of the government’s order that all the returned should report to a secure medical facility ‘for their own safety’, the couple decides to flee, taking with them all the doses of “Return Protein” they have. At no point does the couple imagine that the real threat is a lot closer than they think…”

A few questions with Garfield Lindsay Miller

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:16:31 -0400

I sent writer/director Garfield Lindsay Miller a few questions a while back that he was kind enough to answer. He is the writer of the movie A Stone’s Throw, (a favorite of mine), and wrote and directed the as yet unreleased movie The Last New Year.

Me: Having done one movie as the writer and another as the writer/director, which do you prefer? Are there advantages to writing a script and giving it to someone else to carry through to completion or do you prefer to have complete control over the story till the end?

GLM: I don’t know that I prefer either one, to be honest. They’re different. When you’re directing you of course have more control and you’re the once creating the world. It’s exciting, but, at the same time, there’s also a lot more pressure to get it right and make it happen on time and under budget. It can be super stressful and that can take away from the enjoyment.

As a pure writer, you’re more free to take your time and enjoy the process. The trick though, is to be able to write and then let go of your expectations — of what you want or think it should be. And that can be hard. Inevitably, things will change to your script, and you have to be okay with that or it can make you crazy.

Me: There are similar themes in both Last New Year and A Stone’s Throw in that each story seems to revolve around personal responsibility: either of people who have taken on the responsibility for the actions of others or of people who need to take responsibility for their own and how it effects others, as well as the theme of environmentalism (to varying degrees in each movie.) Are these personal philosophies that you felt compelled to explore?

GLM: To answer your bigger questions around continued themes in my work, I think some are conscious and others are not. The environment is something that I’m very interested in and concerned about, and so yes, that is a theme that continually shows up in my writing. Right now I’m working on another script, actually two other scripts that are specifically connected to environmental themes.

As for personal responsibility, I don’t know that I can speak to that. It may well be something that’s specific to my work, but if so it’s likely operating on a subconscious level.

Me: In both Last New Year and A Stone’s Throw there was a character by the name of Lia. Although in Last New Year it’s spelled Leah (played by Margaret Evans) and A Stone’s Throw the love interest of Jack’s her name is spelled Lia (As played by Lisa Ray) in the credits, but they sound the same. I was curious if this was a coincidence or perhaps homage to someone?

GLM: I’ve known some great Lia/Leah’s in my life, but I think it’s coincidence. I hadn’t even noticed that until now.

Me: In Last New Year the character of Mo is never interviewed by the detective. She’s also the only one of the “Fools and Bastards” that doesn’t go to the party who was expected to be there. Was that intentional?

GLM: It was always intentional that she wouldn’t appear in the film. I imagine the detective did interview her in the course of his investigation, however, because she didn’t appear in the movie it didn’t seem right in include her in the opening scene.

Me: Do you think Last New Year will ever be available on DVD and is there anything fans could do to help make that happen?

GLM: I don’t know. That’s a good question. I would love to see it on DVD or even on iTunes, etc… There was a push to do that just last year, but things fell apart with issues around music rights, etc. If enough people were to contact the production company, http://www.thenightingalecompany.com then they might put in the effort to release it. Just don’t tell them I sent you ;-)

Me: What was it like working with Kris Holden-Ried?

GLM: Kris is a great actor and a good friend. I love working with him because he invests himself into the project and is an active contributor to the work. He’s not interested in just showing up and reading the lines, he wants to do whatever he can to make it as good as it can be. That’s exciting and challenging in the best possible way. I’d love to work with him again and hope to do so at some point.

Me: What are you working on now, or have coming up?

GLM: There are a couple things in the works, but sadly nothing I can talk about today. Ask me again in a month!

The Spanish version of the trailer for The Returned. No idea...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:30:22 -0400

The Spanish version of the trailer for The Returned. No idea when the movie is going to be released. Hope it’s soon.

Sex After Kids trailer.

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:43:30 -0400

Sex After Kids trailer.

I A.M L.I.S.E: WHO is in the Spotlight: Kris Holden-Ried

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 15:53:09 -0400

I A.M L.I.S.E: WHO is in the Spotlight: Kris Holden-Ried:

whoislise:

Kris Holden-Ried (@KrisHolden_Ried)

Actor/ Lycan/LightFae/Fighter/Friend/Support

THIS post, is a WHO is in the Spotlight well needed to be done, especially because this particular individual was able to put the category of a person who you dont see physically, but can DEFINITELY be a…

Captain Canuck Indiegogo Campaign

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 21:32:37 -0400

Captain Canuck Indiegogo Campaign:

khronline:

The indiegogo campaign to bring the beloved Canadian comic to “life” in a web series voiced by actor Kris Holden-Ried is now love. Paul Roger Amos will voice the villian Mr. Gold.

A conversation with Kris Holden-Ried (Captain Canuck!) and Paul...

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:21:23 -0400

A conversation with Kris Holden-Ried (Captain Canuck!) and Paul Roger Amos (Mr. Gold) at the Toronto Comic Con about the upcoming web series.

It was announced last week that Kris Holden-Ried will be the...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:07:15 -0400

It was announced last week that Kris Holden-Ried will be the voice of Captain Canuck. He and actor Paul Roger Amos (who will voice Mr. Gold) were at Toronto Comic-Con this weekend meeting with fans and signing posters. The show is set to air online July 1st. And according to the official twitter account @ctncanuck the series will not be geo locked. Look out world!

Visit www.captaincanuck.com for more information.

Best, April. A short "about unrequited love in a connected world."

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:08:00 -0500

Getting cabin fever? Want to see something fun? May I suggest, if you are in the area, the Canadian Film Festival on March 20th-23rd. Especially the movie short Best, April a Diamonds to Bullets production. The movie stars Priya Rao, Kristopher Turner, Kris Holden-Ried (listed on their site as Kristopher Holden-Ried) and Shannon Barnett. Directed By Scott McCord, screenplay By Juli Strader & Priya Rao, produced By Priya Rao, Juli Strader, Christine Tyson, Best, April will be screened at the Royal Theater (the very same theater that Sex After Kids screened at in January).

From the official movie facebook page:

“When thirty-something April falls for Matt, a charming British author, she believes she’s found ‘the one’ and envisions a future together. Instantly smitten, she begins a flirtatious yet awkward communication via text message. When Matt first replies, April assumes the adoration is mutual. Except it’s not. Her schoolgirl crush is blinding and April is clueless to the fact that he has no romantic interest in her at all and is merely being polite. In a world where texts are meant to be charming and flirtatious, it’s a hard reality for April when hers are interpreted as uninvited and a little stalker-like. “

“The Canadian Film Fest is a non-profit organization devoted to the celebration, promotion and advancement of Canadian filmmaking talent. By exclusively featuring Canadian films, our goal is to provide filmmakers with valuable showcasing and networking opportunities and to offer the public homegrown productions to view and enjoy.”

Thanks for the heads up @SuzanneMetaxas! :)

EDIT: I have been informed that Kris Holden-Ried provides his voice only in the short film. But what a voice it is.

The B Plot: LOST GIRL FANS: A PLAN FOR THE US VIEWERS

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:25:00 -0500

The B Plot: LOST GIRL FANS: A PLAN FOR THE US VIEWERS:

hgpontv:

I have a plan! And it’s not a lame one like the Cylons had. Lost Girl is Canadian so I’m not sure how much ratings in the US really effect whether or not the show gets a fourth season but ratings are important if we want to be able to see it on our TVs here in the States. However, ratings are figured by Nielsen and how many people are Nielsen viewers? How many people here matter? And if one thing Lost Girl has taught me is everyone matters. Wait. No. That’s Doctor Who. Whatever. Everyone does matter! Unless your name is Martha… So the only way to make yourself heard if you are not a Nielsen household is to make some noise, on something other than tumblr and twitter. The joyous kind. In letter form. Preferably the snail mail hand written kind. (And if the post office near you sells stamps that raise money for charity then it doubles the awesome, in my opinion.) So what am I proposing? I think it’d be great to do Team Badass a solid and when watching Lost Girl legally on the SyFy (I still hate the new name!) channel, take note of the advertisers and then pick one and write them a nice note telling them you saw their ad during Lost Girl and appreciate their support for the show and tell them how you’ll be using their product. You could include demographic information if you chose, such as age, sex, & median household income if you want. But this is something I think should be done weekly. Especially from everyone out there that has been watching the episodes before they air. You know who you are, you know what I mean. Don’t make me send Bo over there.

Sex After Kids. Tagline: By Any Means Necessary.

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:48:00 -0500

A film by Jeremy Lalonde.

A film stolen by Jeremy Lalonde’s baby girl.

I was lucky enough to attend a screening of the film Sex After Kids at the Royal House Theater on January 11th along with the film’s director, producer, many of the cast and crew, contributors, and fans. To be fair it was a film friendly audience, but also in the crowd were a few who went in with no investment in the movie at all and from them I found they had the same reaction as did the fans: it was hilarious.

The movie would be categorized as a comedy. But what does that really mean? According to Wikipedia, (the source of all knowledge, right?), a comedy is, “to amuse and elicit laughter from the audience.” Check, check, and check. Then it goes on to list a series of types and Sex After Kids doesn’t exactly fit any of them. It’s a bit of a romantic comedy, but also fits some of the criteria to be considered a “black comedy” except, quite frankly, it’s too sweet and earnest for the way it tackles the ‘taboo’ subjects to fit into that category completely.

It’s a similar to ensemble comedies such as Home for the Holidays, Beautiful Girls, and Something’s Gotta Give but the cast is loosely affiliated yet connected like in such movies as Love, Actually or New Year’s Eve. So I’d like to propose a new category. Since it’s an assembled ensemble comedy I suggest: Assenembled comedy. New phrase! You heard it here first.

Sex After Kids gathers a fantastic cast of six-degree-separated parents as they deal with relations after having kids. In some cases the issues raised are 20 years after the birth of their kids. It’s like a coming of age story for adults about a time in life no one ever seems to talk about. There are so many (too many?) movies about twenty-something brats transitioning from college life into being an actual adult. But what about everyone who has done that, since life doesn’t stop once you give up keggers, settle down, and have a family.

I thought the movie was funny, honest, even if some of the situations were “exaggerated for comedic effect” (thanks Wikipedia!) and ultimately sweet. Amanda Brugel is my new hero. Zoie Palmer and Paul Roger Amos made me cry. And Kris Holden-Ried did that thing where at one point he says a line but turns that line into a whole story. Also, it looked beautiful, the locations felt authentic to each character and not overly staged. And although the movie didn’t get into much detail about each character I still felt that we got a full sense of who everyone was as people.

I wish I could sum up the movie easily, but it’s actually the type of movie that after you see it for days later you and your friends will be talking about various scenes and laughing again as you go through the funniest bits you can recall to the ones you suddenly remember again.

It’ll be playing this weekend at the Santa Barbara Film Fest. If you’re anywhere in the area I strongly suggest you take advantage and see it.

The Last New Year

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:29:22 -0500

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy from the film’s co-writer and director, Garfield Lindsay Miller, (who also wrote the film A Stone’s Throw), a few months back. I meant to review it then but wanted to wait after I got a few questions answered by Mr. Miller. That didn’t happen. Why? Well, here’s the thing… to my complete horror I found my email to him with all of the questions sitting in my drafts folder. Since August.

I never sent them.

I am a dolt.

I was so mortified that I spent two weeks trying to decide if I should (re)send them and hope he didn’t think I was a complete idiot. Fingers crossed!

Before I sent the questions (again) I decided to re-watch the movie and this time I cried at the end, which is strange because I hadn’t the first time I saw it. That wasn’t even close to my initial reaction, actually. Perhaps I was in a different frame of mind then, because when I watched it originally one of the first things I wrote down was, “I have a theory that the people you become friends with in High School you shouldn’t remain friends with because it’s a relationship based on mutual desire to get the hell out of High School alive and nothing more. And it’s nearly impossible to become the person you want to, or should be, if you surround yourself with people that refuse to let you forget who you were.”

That is vastly different than my reaction at the end after watching it the second time. This time I was more aware of the resolution and the forgiveness aspect of the film. It’s strange what time and events in ones life can do to ones perspective.

The Last New Year centers around a group of friends since High School that come together for an annual New Year’s Ever party dubbed “Fools and Bastards” by their now absent friend Richard. He disappeared months ago and questions of his fate permeate the evening as well as guilt, blame, bubbling resentments and a secret or two. Penny, Richard’s former girlfriend, nearly decides not to attend while another of the group, Mo, does decline to be at the party but sends her little brother Sebastian in her stead. I assume it’s in order to save her place as a member of the Fool’s and Bastards party since one of the rules is if you don’t make it to the party by midnight you are banned forever.

With tensions high and two new comers in the form of Sebastian and a late appearance by Eric, Penny’s fiancé (played by Kris Holden-Ried), the party goes on well into the early AM as secrets are eventually revealed, hopes for answers dashed, resentments hashed out, forgiveness not sought is given, and decisions finally made.

In all, the movie is an intimate look (both in tone and in the setting) at friendships, some that I still maintain might have gone on too long, with the group dynamic explored, torn apart, then put back together over the course of just one night. Events that might have just simmered right below the surface are exacerbated by the inclusion of the outsiders: one wanted, the other only partially welcome. Basically, the very presence of Sebastion and Eric force some in the group to confront their perceptions. And I was most impressed by the fact that a lot of what the actors had to convey was in what they don’t get to say. They all did it brilliantly.

The movie isn’t available yet on DVD but I sincerely hope it becomes so soon. But without everyone else having a chance to see it (yet) I can only review and describe and hope you trust my judgement in such things. I like to think of it as The Breakfast Club ten years later if the kids in that movie had had the guts to remain friends after their one day of detention. I also hope everyone will be able to decide if my description is apt by seeing the movie themselves. Perhaps, if I get answers to the questions I (finally) sent, Mr. Miller will tell us how we can help that hope become a reality. (Are your fingers still crossed? Mine are.)

The Titled Review for The Untitled Work of Paul Shepard.

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 17:57:00 -0400

Paul Sheppard is an asshole. I’m not being mean. He says so himself in the movie; and he’s not completely wrong. But he’s so sweetly deluded that you root for him anyhow as he goes on a self documented journey through his own love life. Paul, played by Kris Holden-Ried, enlists the help of his nephew, Phil (David Tompa), to be his cameraman. Ray (Alex Poch-Goldin), his producer, is tasked with being the sound tech since no one seems interested in financing the venture. Ray himself seems skeptical and keeps trying to get Paul to make a documentary about Pandas. Paul declines. Seems he has the same respect for pandas as I do. (See my ‘review’ for Girl’s Best Friend.)

There have been other films that revolve around one character tracking down former loves in an attempt to figure out their own life, but this movie is unique in that it keeps breaking the fourth wall as everyone in the movie seems to forget that they aren’t supposed to talk to Phil as he operates the camera. This, I guess you could call it “mockumentary” style, keeps the movie light, intimate, and interesting.

Inspired by his ex-girlfriend Sadie’s (Christine Horne) new poetry book, Paul sets out to make a movie about the modern relationship. His slant is that love and commitment are a matter of choice and unnecessary for fulfillment. Unfortunately for him no one else seems to be agreeing with his theory.

Per his plan Paul intends to interview three ex-girlfriends: Sadie, Haley Jones (Zoie Palmer), and Samantha (Mary Krohnert). Thanks to Ray’s meddling he also ends up interviewing his first ex-girlfriend, Lisa (Tricia Braun).

I don’t have a rating system, so I’ll just say I very much recommend this one if you can see it. During his pitch to Ray, he tells him that the film will be for “anyone who has ever dared to love.” Almost, Paul. You’re close. In actuality the movie is for anyone who has ever had their heart broken. And been an asshole about love. Who hasn’t?

The movie has aired on TV in Canada but in the United States you can’t see it anywhere… yet. The director and his minions are working on getting it available to us down here. If you don’t want to wait, I think if you contribute to the IndieGoGo campaign for Sex After Kids at the 100.00 level you can qualify for a digital copy right now. You can email sakmovie@gmail.com for more information.

Some random observations (that might be slightly spoilerish):

Paul’s hat was almost a character in itself.

Ray’s obsession with pandas was a hilarious. (If, in my opinion, misplaced.)

Loved the music.

Two mysteries weren’t solved. A) Did Paul’s father ever actually give Paul the pivotal advice that allowed him to go for his dreams of becoming a film maker? B) What DID Haley mean when she said Paul made her a whore?

After watching the movie I had to wonder, does one need their life condensed into a trailer to realize how fucked up they are? (If so, I’m totally screwed.)

Uncle Navy and Other Inherited Disorders

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:39:01 -0400

This is a 17 minute short that as far as I can tell was only shown at two film festivals, VIFF and TIFF. To be honest I don’t understand the short film market. I’ve never seen a short that was released in theaters. Nor do I see many on TV. So I’m at a bit of a loss as to why they are made.

But I’m grateful that they are when they are this good.

Getting Uncle Navy was a goal. Yes I’m trying to watch everything, but this short was one I was focused on getting my hands on. I finally did just a few days before I went on vacation, (for my birthday), and when I pulled it out of my mail box I did an actual dance of joy in my foyer. Since then I think I’ve watched it at least 20 times. A few times was over the shoulder of whomever I was making watch it at work, home, and while on vacation… I think it’s safe to say I love this movie.

Uncle Navy (played by Kris Holden-Ried) is the second son in a series of second son losers. Every generation, for the past three at least, the second son is beset for his entire life with bad luck. Navy’s older brother Harry and his wife Patsy are about to have their second son, who is also guaranteed a life of misery and bad luck. The movie takes place in one day as Navy, with his nephew Hodgie in tow, tries to track down his lucky older brother on the golf course while Patsy is in the hospital about to give birth to the ill fated child.

After I watched it the first three times I began to think about bad days and everyone has had days where we all feel like we’re Uncle Navy. Nothing we do goes right, everything we try ends up pear shaped and it would be so easy just to give up. But like Navy, it’s important to just keep moving forward & to not give up hope.

Although it’s a short, everyone in it is just quality. The story is colorful, quirky, fun and heartfelt. There is a moment when Navy reveals just how desperate he is for a little relief from his constant bad luck and he becomes more than an object of a story length joke. I think that’s my favorite thing about the short. It could easily have been too ridiculous to really care what happens to Uncle Navy or anyone else. But it found that balance. However, I can’t find that balance in myself because completely randomly and devoid of anything in the short to indicate this I’ve decided that the therapist character is in fact the devil and he and Harry are playing a round of golf after a wager for either continued bad or some good luck for Navy. (And perhaps to avoid the curse carrying over onto Harry’s second son.) I have absolutely nothing to back this theory up. I just like thinking it.

If you want to make up your own mind about his evilness you can order a copy all for yourself! And I highly recommend that you do. Because you can’t find a copy of this short anywhere else. I know. I’ve tried.

To order a copy for 20.00 send an email to Deborah MacDonald at mrspaolo@gmail.com. She is the producer of the short and she only has a limited number of DVDs available so order soon so you don’t miss out.

Habitat and Going to Kansas City

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:37:00 -0400

I’m finding it hard to review Habitat because that requires me to think about the movie and I don’t really want to do that having seen it. It’s like they found a porn film’s script but took out the sex and replaced it with homage to Swamp Thing. But to give the movie some conflict, they added the story of the new boy in town falling in love with the one girl in town he shouldn’t and that girl’s father doing everything, up to and including attempted murder, to keep them apart.

The movie was sticky, gross, odd, entandre-full, and incomplete. They actually had a story but it was so muddled with the sex analogy and the lack of thinking through the environment the characters should exist in that I can’t recommend this movie even for kicks.

Although I didn’t like the movie at all, I will say that the actors involved certainly seemed to take their jobs seriously. And for those curious, all I will say about Kris Holden-Ried is that in this I think he was fearless. To save yourself the trouble of watching the movie, there is a YouTube video of all his scenes. But be warned, the movie’s badness permeates everything. As for the other actors, I never get the sense that anyone was walking through their part because they knew the movie was going to be bad. (I’m still looking at you, Sean Connery in Highlander II. You’re disdain for that movie was obvious as you slept walk through the ‘inspiring speech’ scene. Jesus. You couldn’t even try, could you?)

Ah… back to Habitat.

Usually I link to where you can purchase a movie, but I’m not going to here. Google is usually your friend. But in this case if you find the movie Google has betrayed you.

Going to Kansas City

Without hesitation I will recommend anyone watch this. I want to describe it as sweet, but there are definitely many not sweet moments. A few times I became infuriated and rolled my eyes, but it lasted only seconds and those moments were necessary for the story. The folks of Kansas don’t come out looking so good at times. (But it’s not like mob mentality or fear of the outsider is unique to small towns in the mid-west.)

A foreign exchange student arrives in the US thinking he is going to stay with a host family in Kansas City, but upon his arrival he is greeted by a housewife and her twin daughters from a town about 120 miles away. His host family had a fire and last minute arrangements had to be made. So off our hero goes with the kind family to their farm far away from his preferred destination. The eldest son, Charlie, is played by Kris Holden-Ried with such natural charm, is very glad to have another guy in the house his age.

Like Habitat, this story is about the new boy in town falling in love with exactly the wrong girl. But unlike Habitat, even the most outlandish of characters behaves in believable ways. And this movie has the added benefit in the form of Michael Ironsides as the wary sheriff of the small town. There are a few people that guarantee something will be better than it reads on paper, and he’s one of them. Despite his over protective nature towards his daughter and his apparent obliviousness to what an asshat the boy he wishes she would date is, you still feel sympathy for him and by the end are rooting for him as the hero.

The new boy, Mikko, is played by Mikko Nousiainen. Whenever an actor and character have the same name and have another talent that is showcased in a movie, for instance a great singing voice and guitar playing, which he does in one scene at an out of town bar, I can’t help but think that the entire movie was written for the sole purpose of showcasing the other talent than it was to tell a story. In this case, I don’t much care. He’s charming as a slightly put upon kid from Finland making the best of an unexpected situation and believably smitten with the exact girl he shouldn’t be.

The DVD I bought is PAL, Region 2 but it played on my laptop without a problem. It’s in English but does have subtitles. And the back cover is in (I think) Finnish.

Gossip Shared is Gossip Squared

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:13:19 -0400

Gossip (1999)

I put the year in parenthesis because there is another movie that is also titled Gossip that I have reviewed below.

This movie stars James Marsden and Leena Hedley as college students that are in a journalism class together that start a false rumor as an experiment for their thesis. With their genius artist roommate, played by Norman Reedus, the three college students have to deal with the aftermath of their rumor when things take a deadly turn. Also starring is Kate Hudson and Joshua Jackson as the targets of the rumor.

I recall when this movie was released and I had seen the trailers that I felt that it would be the kind of movie that would tick me off, and I was right. I actually had to stop the movie about halfway through because I was so tense. Gossip and rumors are frustrating things. We think that truth is a tangible. Those events as they transpired are the ultimate proof of any situation, but without physical evidence to back up any memory, nothing is immune to motivation. And that drives me bonkers.

Eventually I turned the movie back and finished it up. The ending was a relief. And I don’t know what more to say. This movie is a drama, suspense thriller, and murder mystery rolled into one so anything I say would be a major spoiler. Once I allowed the story to play out I can admit that the movie was quite good. It raises valid points, told the story in a way that makes you question everything, and when it’s all done it made sense. What else can you really ask of a movie?

Available on DVD at Family Video, or on Amazon Instant, or Amazon DVD.

To those wondering, Kris Holden-Ried plays Bruce, and he’s mostly in the background. He’s there at some club where the rumor originates and he’s in a multi-person heated classroom debate, but that’s about it. So, if you want a good drama, thriller, murder mystery than I recommend this movie. If you’re looking for copious amounts of KHR, then seek the other movie also called Gossip that is reviewed next.

Gossip (2008)

This was another Lifetime movie that arrived in the same packaging as Girls Best Friend. I’m starting to suspect that Lifetime movies creates a DVD from scratch when one is ordered rather than have a bunch done waiting for someone to want one. So they burn a disc and slap it in a box with nothing more than the title and a description on back. I supposed as long as they have the original file the movie will always be available, so that’s cool. But really, they couldn’t spring for some cover art? So if anyone wants to create some alternate DVD covers for either movie, I’d be grateful. To buy the movie: Click Here for the DVD or watch it on Amazon Instant.

The movie stars Kelli Williams as a soon to be divorcee that returns to her adorable sea side home town with her tween-aged daughter in tow looking for a place to stay with her brother and his pain in the ass, but well-meaning wife until she can get her life in order. Thinking she has found a port in the storm that is her life instead she discovers that her brother’s neighbors include her college boyfriend, played by Kris Holden-Ried, a man whom she left during a tumultuous time in his life and has regretted it ever since. (Because, well duh.)The shock of seeing her holds his tongue but as the movie progresses it becomes harder for him to tell his wife that the girl that broke his heart in college she has befriended and lives next door.

Like the other movie, gossip is frustrating and alters lives just by existing, whether or not it’s based on fact. But rather than be a movie about how gossip can be destructive, this movie seems to focus more on living your life despite what others might say or think. But that sometimes even the most secure can doubt their loved ones if enough stories about them are told. Unlike in the above Gossip, no one in this movie intends to do anything wrong. There is no deception by design. Just reaction and ill-advised keeping of secrets that turns into gossip fodder for some seriously bored townsfolk. But it wasn’t the rumor spreaders that I had the most distaste for. The sister in law drove me up the wall. She meant well, but at one point in the film, she practically demands to know details of a situation that is none of her business, and not being satisfied that she is getting the truth, she pushes things to a breaking point. Then has the nerve to situate herself between mother and daughter. She was very stressful to watch whenever she was on screen so it was a relief when the main character finally put her foot down. Unsurprisingly eventually secrets are revealed and everyone has to deal with the aftermath, but being a Lifetime movie you know that everything gets settled by the end without too much carnage.

But after watching two movies with gossip as the central mechanism for events, I have to say that gossip just sucks. And don’t do it. But do watch the movies. I think they are both suited to watch when stuck indoors due to weather. I call those movies “autumn flicks”. Good for viewing just as the weather starts to turn although the light still lingers late into the evening, but it’s not nice enough to spend all day outside. So why not curl up on the couch, wrapped in a comfy sweater, and watch other people work through some angst while living in either a picturesque town on the coast of the ocean or a too cool for school college town?