THE BIG SICK (4/4) - Just amazing, MUST WATCH!

THE BIG SICK is a movie produced by the comic genius Judd Apatow (and Barry Mendel). His movies are usually about this nerdy guy, who falls for a hot girl and cuteness, romance and comedy ensues - a romantic comedy. With Kumail Najiani being that nerd, who also happens to be a comedian in real life, it seems like it may be the same formula. Only this time, the nerd happens to be brown and muslim. That already sounds daring and interesting enough. Right?

But there's a lot more to this film. This film has a soul and theme that's very relevant and important in these times. A film that (almost) normalizes being brown, and being muslim. A love story, that's honest, truthful, scary and deeply touching. In more than one ways. Topped with some brilliant humor (written by Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon) and some amazing performances (Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Adeel Akhtar and Anupam Kher in his 500th film), this film becomes a stand out film of the year. No wonder it's been buzzing since Sundance earlier this year. And now you have an opportunity to watch it at your nearest cinema, starting tomorrow.

The Big Sick is based on the real-life courtship between Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani) and grad student Emily Gordon (Zoe Kazan) who fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family's expectations, and his true feelings.

So let's break it down. What's good...

• The film is really funny, and emotional, and romantic. It's a true romantic dram-edy. And really FUNNY!
• Kumail Nanjiani rocks being a sweet, cute & funny nerd. Is he really like that? Maybe. But he plays the part of Kumail wonderfully. (Oh wait, he's playing himself. Hmmm...)
• The cast is phenomenal. Zoe Kazan is awesome. Anupam Kher and Zenobia Sheriff as parents are just perfect. Zenobia makes a daunting, strict mom. Adeel as the typical pakistani brother is cool!
• Ray Romano (I didn't recognize him for a minute, or more) and Holly Hunter are seen like never before. As the loving parents of Emily, who fall in love with her ex-boyfriend, as she lays in coma; they bring so much emotion & love along with great humor. It's amazing to watch them.
• It tackles the issue of race and cross-cultural tensions with quite an honest sensitivity. The cultural dilemma of the man (Kumail), his family and even the other parents is quite well portrayed.
• If you are brown or desi (south asian), you will feel that the subject is handled well from their standpoint as well. It kinda shows the pain and suffering they go through.
• A lot of diversity. Well, it is a story of brown muslim man. But that brings lots of wonderful brown actors on screen. Adeel Akhtar, Shenaz Treasurywala, Zenobia Shroff, and Anupam Kher in his 500th film. And lots of brown girls playing "candidates".
• Another film about comedian's trying to make it. All you comics, and comic lovers. Go for this!
• It's also a story of hope, dreams and following your dreams. An all-in-one buffet!

And what's not-so-good

• You may find some stereotypes, and may find them annoying or offensive. But I can tell you as a brown person, it's nothing bad.
• Anupam Kher doesn't get to do more. He's a brilliant actor. Hollywood needs to learn to use him better. PLEASE!
• Another film about comedian's trying to make it. Haven't we had enough?
• Although the point of view of south-asian family is shown, it could have been explored more. But I guess the film is not about that.
• I am not in it!!!.. I mean, seriously. How many brown people movies are there? how did I miss it? :(

So... If you don't like good comedy, with feelings/emotions and more, you may want to think about it. But if you like good movies, check it out NOW!

Watch the official The Big Sick trailer with a special introduction from Kumail Nanjiani and Ray Romano. The Big Sick is based on the real-life courtship between Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani (Kumail Nanjiani) and grad student Emily Gordon (Zoe Kazan) who fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash.

SYNOPSIS: Based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, THE BIG SICK tells the story of Pakistan-born aspiring comedian Kumail (Nanjiani), who connects with grad student Emily (Kazan) after one of his standup sets. However, what they thought would be just a one-night stand blossoms into the real thing, which complicates the life that is expected of Kumail by his traditional Muslim parents. When Emily is beset with a mystery illness, it forces Kumail to navigate the medical crisis with her parents, Beth and Terry (Hunter and Romano) who he's never met, while dealing with the emotional tug-of-war between his family and his heart. THE BIG SICK is directed by Michael Showalter (Hello My Name Is Doris), written by Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani, and produced by Judd Apatow (Trainwreck, This Is 40) and Barry Mendel (Trainwreck, The Royal Tenenbaums).

Directed by: Michael Showalter
Written by: Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani
Produced by: Judd Apatow and Barry Mendel
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Aidy Bryant and Anupam Kher

Official Site: www.TheBigSickmovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigsickmovie/
Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/thebigsickmovie/
Hashtag: #TheBigSick

Dominic Santana, a STAR in making, on his BIG BREAK as Suge Knight in "All Eyez On Me"

Dominic Santana is one of those actors that have the talent, the brains and the heart to be great. A hard working actor, who started his journey doing background work 10 years ago, and then moved on to TV roles and independent films. He gets his first real BIG BREAK in "All Eyez On Me", playing the real life character of Suge Knight, Tupac's parter, producer and friend, who was the co-founder & CEO of Death Row records. And he brings it ON. He's charming, he's fierce, he's loyal, he's a gangster, he's a businessman, he's lil crazy, and he's cool. I'm talking about Dominic's Suge Knight, in the movie. Dominic gives a strong and wonderful performance in the movie, that calls for his own spin off for a Suge Knight/Death Row Records Movie.

We had an opportunity to talk to Dominic recently, before release of "All Eyez ON Me" (Releasing June 16th, 2017). And here it is...

Art SHrian, from MyNewYorkEye interviews Actor Dominic Santana (playing Suge Knight) from Tupac Biopic "All Eyez On Me "

Casting for "ALL EYEZ ON ME" & working with director Benny Boom

In conversation with Dominic Santana, co-starring in "All Eyez On Me" as Suge Knight, co-founder & CEO of Death Row Records. #AllEyezOnMe #Tupac #TupacBiopic #TupacMovie

Tupac & Suge were true partners, they were like family

In conversation with Dominic Santana, co-starring in "All Eyez On Me" as Suge Knight, co-founder & CEO of Death Row Records. #AllEyezOnMe #Tupac #TupacBiopic #TupacMovie

Suge Kinght couldn't have been behind Tupac's murder

In conversation with Dominic Santana, co-starring in "All Eyez On Me" as Suge Knight, co-founder & CEO of Death Row Records. #AllEyezOnMe #Tupac #TupacBiopic #TupacMovie

About Dominic Santana:  Dominic Santana was born in Fayetteville, NC to an Army Officer Father and popular singer/writer Mother, Tracey Santana.  Upon moving to Wilmington, NC he began to seek out information on the local film scene and met Sam-Art Williams (Producer, "Martin"). Dominic began working as an extra on films such as "Black Knight" starring Martin Lawrence and hit shows like the WB's "Dawson's Creek" where he landed his first speaking role on a major television show.

A last minute script change called for a tall actor on the spot.  After, a Fincannon & Associates casting staffer suggested Dominic; he auditioned right on set and was given the role. Dominic was called by longtime friend Micah Noble to audition at Screen Gems Studio for then newly started Swirl Films and within twenty minutes he was cast in their first production "20 Funerals”.  Although, it was a small role Santana delivered such a strong performance he was cast as the lead in "Dead Heist" in 2006.  Then again, opposite Tom Sizemore and Ja Rule in "Furnace" in 2007.

After, booking a role on several episodes of the CW hit series "One Tree Hill" he was again brought in to co-star in what would be a cult hit and most played movie ever on BET, "Love For Sale" which premiered to over ten million viewers and quickly became a fan favorite! 

Santana has also appeared in shows and films such as "Whitaker Bay", "Palmetto Pointe", "Little Britain USA", BET's "The Game", Bolden!, "The Dempsey Sisters" and more.

Currently, Dominic is co-starring in the Tupac biopic "All Eyez On Me" as Suge Knight.  The Morgan Creek film will be released nationwide through Lionsgate June 16th.  Worldwide release to be announced.

The life and death of Tupac Shakur. ★Subscribe Here and NOW ► http://bit.ly/Movietrailers ★ Join us on Google+ ►http://plus.google.com/+FilmsActuTrailers ALL EYEZ ON ME Trailer # 2 (Tupac Movie - 2016) Directed by Benny Boom Cast : Demetrius Shipp Jr., Danai Gurira, Kat Graham Release Date : 11 November 2016 ALL EYEZ ON ME New Trailer (2Pac Film) © 2016 - Open Road Films Subscribe now 2 our youtube channel get the latest official movie trailer, film clip, scene and promo video !

Synopsis: "ALL EYEZ ON ME tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world’s most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur’s raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

The MUMMY - Rebooting the franchise, & starting the DARK UNIVERSE. But...

If THE MUMMY it's franchise-starter for UNIVERSAL's DARK UNIVERSE, it does a good job at that too. If it's a mindless summer entertainer, it does a decent job of that too. But if it's supposed to be a anything more, it doesn't do that well. And considering that it has a wonderful cast of Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Sofia Boutella and Annabelle Wallis amongst others, its almost a shame that it doesn't rise to more!

SPOILERS? Not sure...
It's a very cliche story of a lost artifact that turns our hero into a vessel for "pure evil" (of course you don't want that!). To defeat the pure evil, the hero has to sacrifice himself. In that process, there's a woman, who he really cares about (not sure why, how, and it's not convincing at all), so he has to save her as well. But eventually, he manages to destroy the "pure evil" and save the woman, without having to really sacrifice himself. 

GOOD:

• Russell Crowe - He plays the Dr Henry Jekyll (and Mr Hyde), and he's really good. When are we getting his own movie? I'm sure we are!
• Tom Cruise - The 54 year old, can play a convincing 30s soldier, who is intense like "Tom Cruise". It works for the movie.
• Sofia Boutella - She is rocking as princess Ahmanet. Another role with tattoos & markings on her body, and she's the tattooed girl of Hollywood. But regardless, she's good!
• CGI/VFX/Action - The usual HOLLYWOOD summer extravaganza, it's fun to watch.

Not-So-Good:

• There's no real story. Re-hash of everything we have seen, with almost nothing new to offer.
• Love story between Nick (Tom) and Jenny (Annabelle) doesn't play out. And it's a BIG bummer, since the climaxe kinda relies on it.
• Tom Cruise - He could bring so much more to the movie. The fiddling with dark-side. the romance. Ground breaking action (like Mission Impossible). But no, nothing!
• CGI/VFX/Action - It's nothing we haven't seen. Nothing!

So, you should go ahead and watch the film, if you like Tom Cruise, or THE MUMMY, or just want to have brainless fun. But if you are expecting anything more, it's on you!

On June 9, it takes a monster to defeat a monster. Watch the final trailer. #TheMummy. -- Follow: https://www.facebook.com/TheMummy/ https://twitter.com/themummy https://www.instagram.com/themummy/ -- Tom Cruise headlines a spectacular, all-new cinematic version of the legend that has fascinated cultures all over the world since the dawn of civilization: The Mummy.

Wonder Woman (4/4) | DC finally cracks the MARVEL code... or does it even better?

So far, it's almost been uncontested that MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) is far better than DCEU (DC Extended Universe). But finally comes a film, that not only questions that, but almost reverses the position. Wonder Woman releasing this Friday, is a marvel in many ways (pun intended!). A major studio superhero film, lead by a female superhero - Wonder Woman, and directed by a woman - Patty Jenkins. This makes Wonder Woman the first summer tent pole superhero film directed by a woman, and Jenkins is the first woman to direct a superhero film with a female protagonist. And so far, it's the highest rated superhero film on Rotten Tomatoes , at 94%, beating all previous DC and Marvel films. 

In the film, American pilot Steve Trevor crashes on the island of Themyscira and tells Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) about World War I, Diana leaves her home to try to stop the war and becomes Wonder Woman. Sounds simple, for a superhero origin story? It is. But it's also truer to its origin material, aka the DC comics. The setting from World War II, is changed to World War I. And it follows the new storyline to tell that Diana is daughter of Zeus and Hippolyta. There is a reference to her being made from clay, and given life by Zeus, to honor the original storyline, and it also serves as a plot device. Her life-mission is to stop and destroy Ares, the god of war. So she spends the film searching for him, eventually finding him and fighting him, and maybe destroying him.

What makes this film stand out is the tone of the film first. Thankfully it doesn't follow on the footsteps of Zack Snyder's Man of Steel or Batman v Superman. Patty Jenkins proves that DC films can be cool, funny, spirited, and not-superdark but still full of kickass action & fun. She sets up a new tone and new standard for DC films. This film is reminiscent of the first Captain America film or even Avengers, in that sense. The storytelling is crisp, with lot of humor, emotion and amazing action. There is frequent commentary on several social issues from gender bias (the amazing scene with Diana trying several dresses in UK, or going into parliament, or springing to action in war), racial issues (being brown or indigenous) , war and peace etc etc. The film does not become preachy though, but just presents those issues as part of the narrative.

Witness the rise of a Warrior. Watch the NEW #WonderWoman trailer now! -- WONDER WOMAN is in theaters June 2, 2017. From Warner Bros. Pictures and DC Entertainment comes the epic action adventure starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen and Robin Wright, directed by Patty Jenkins.

In the center of all this is our lead, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince. This is undeniably a shining star under her belt (pun intended, again!). Whether its being a fierce warrior, or naive princess, or a fresh off the boat immigrant in London, she rocks in every scene. Her performance makes the film better than what it already is.  Chris Pine as Steve Trevor is a close second. He's charming, worldly, impressive and definitely above-average (in his own words, seriously!). Rest of the cast is pretty well cast, and does a great job as well. The 2 actors to definitely point out will be Elena Anaya as Doctor Maru / Doctor Poison and Lucy Davis as Etta Candy.

Good:

• Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman. Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. Practically, the entire cast!
• The humor. Thanks to good writing, and performances by Gal, Steve, Lucy and Said, to mention a few, the film is funny, really funny.
• The action. Not surprising for a DC film, but it is good.
• The social commentary. Not preachy, but important for film's spirit. Congrats Allan and Patty!

Not-so-good:

• The accents of Amzonians. I mean, were they all immigrants with different accents? I guess so. But the accent also keeps changing, as they talk. Hello Robin and Connie?
• The length of the film. At 141 minutes, it's not awful, but for some it maybe lil too long. I found it short though.
• It's too damn good? Just kidding!

Watch the film if you enjoy good action films, with humor and a heart. Don't watch, if you want to miss one of the best superhero films.