Oscar Nominees Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo in OSS 117: CAIRO, NEST OF SPIES (Courtesy of Music Box Films)

For audiences that may have missed these earlier works by the Oscar-nominated alliance when they were first issued by Music Box Films Home Entertainment, NOW is the time to get in on the action!

Directed by Hazanavicius, both OSS 117 films stars Jean Dujardin, whose “arched-eyebrow perfection” (LA Weekly) caught critics’ attention and praise as the cool, cunning and completely clueless Pride of the French Secret Service. Berenice Bejo also joins the all-star Oscar-nominated cast in OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies. Together the actor/director pair showed off early signs of magic as New York Magazine’s ‘Critic’s Pick’, OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies, topped the box office in France, and received 5 Cesar Award nominations including ‘Best Actor.’

Speaking candidly of Dujardin during production, “[Dujardin] and I both felt immediately that we were going to really enjoy ourselves,” says director Hazanavicius of his OSS 117 star, “I became quickly aware of his acting capacity. He has an acting palette few actors possess.” 

“We worked in complete mutual confidence,” he added, praising his collaboration with Dujardin.

Both OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies and OSS 117: Lost in Rio are embellished with Sixties-era flourishes, a Bossa Nova-flavored retro score, split-screen cinematography, overwrought gunfights, and an “inspired piece of silliness” (Vogue Magazine). Otherwise known as OSS 117, the womanizing, ethnically insensitive and wholly imbecilic French secret agent, Hubert Bonisseur de la Bath, presents a combination of James Bond, Inspector Clouseau, and Matt Helm all rolled into one.

“We are honored to have seen these two incredible talents during their first collaboration together,” says Ed Arentz, Managing Director of Music Box Films. “They are a force to be reckoned with and we hope that audiences will get around to adding their masterful early works to their quo.”

Dujardin has been nominated for ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ at this year’s Oscar, after taking ‘Best Actor’ award at the Golden Globes, for The Artist, not to mention his first win at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival. Director Michel Hazanavicius is Oscar-nominated for Director, while Berenice Bejo picks up a nomination for her Supporting Role in The Artist. Additionally, it has been recently confirmed that French producer, Thomas Langmann, has inked DuJardin in his next film project alongside another French leading man, Vincent Cassel, who previously worked with Langmann in another Music Box Film release, Mesrine: Killer Instinct and Mesrine: Public Enemy #1.

Both films are currently available on DVD and VOD by Music Box Films Home Entertainment.

LONDON SQUARED PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

THE COMIC GRAPHIC WORLD OF THE DRESDENS PREMIERS WITH BROOKLYN LAUNCH EVENT FEATURING BOOK SIGNINGS, READINGS AND SHORT FILM SCREENING

EAGER TO PLEASE

By Danny Dresden

THURSDAY, JULY 21^ST IN DUMBO (BK)

6:30-9:00PM

Have you ever spooned with your parrot, or had an adult sibling who only talks like Mr. T, or have a mother who irons dollar bills?  For Danny Dresden, the answers are yes, yes and unfortunately, yes.  London Squared Productions is proud to introduce you to the peculiar world of the Dresden Family with the launch of their newest comic graphic novel, and interactive graphic web novel, Eager To Please.

London Square Productions will officially launch the new book in Brooklyn with a book signing, reading, short film presentation, and meet and greet with the author this summer.  Books, posters, and graphic print signings will be available at event.

Based on the outlandish world of the Dresdens, Eager To Please is presented in a 200 page 8’x10’ graphic novel with eight chapters including: My Sister’s Loser Boyfriends, Our Crappy Town, Hail Cesar, and more.  Residing in a small town within Long Island, NY, the Dresden Family takes readers on an bizarre journey growing up within their dysfunctional family.  The kind of journey most families can relate with.

In conjunction with the comic graphic novel, London Squared Productions has also launched an online interactive graphic novel, featuring additional audio and visual enhancements, giving readers an extra quirky experience of the Dresden life.

The interactive graphic novel can be viewed online at: Eager-to-please.com, or http://eager-to-please.com/comicpage_v13.html

Eager To Please, the comic graphic novel is available now at: www.eager-to-please.com

WHEN:  Thursday, July 21, 2011

6:30pm – 9:00pm

WHERE:  46 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The 2011 Animation Block Party is coming up and as one of my favorite annual Brooklyn events, I can’t wait to see the new animation shorts.  Each year, ABP shows off some of the best animation shorts from around the world, including professional and student work.  It’s 3 days long and chock-full of good stuff.  This year, ABP will also include a filmmaker brunch and gallery exhibition — which MSophia PR will be in attendance!

Here’s the rundown:

Presenting over 100 short animation films in six individual programs of all themes and styles, Animation Block Party 2011 will run July 29 th to 31 st at Rooftop films and BAM Cinematek.   Programs held at BAM will screen twice followed by after-parties featuring free beer with purchase of movie ticket.

Friday, July 29th – will open with live music at Rooftop Films (Brooklyn) at 8pm followed by outdoor simulcast screenings of world premieres, international cartoons, exceptional student films and fan-friendly shorts.   Tickets are $10 dollars.

Saturday, July 30th – ABP will present their first animation trade show, animation art exhibition, and filmmaker/media brunch at Bam Cinematek (Brooklyn), plus a special program screening: The Animation for Kids.   The trade show and gallery exhibition will run from 12pm-8pm. Program One (2pm and 6:50pm) will feature experimental animation, fresh music videos, and subversive design works.   Program Two (4:30pm and 9:15pm) will showcase signature student films, professional content and narrative shorts. Tickets are $11 dollars and cheaper for matinees.

Sunday, July 31st – Program Three (2pm and 6:50pm) will feature award-winning independent shorts, studio animation and other standout works.   Program Four (4:30pm and 9:15pm) will mix global films with New York premieres and local animations.

and if that doesn’t get you – then this definitely will (one of my favorites):

“Spacious Thoughts” NASA feat. Kool Keith & Tom Waits from Fluorescent Hill on Vimeo.

Fast Five is officially my godfather pic of all action movies!   If you’re a fan of The Fast and The Furious films – or kickass movies in general – you must read on – otherwise don’t waste your time.

Director Justin Lin really upped the ante with bigger and badder muscles, gorgeous Brazilian chicks in tiny bikinis, and super hot sexy cars.  But that’s not all, the testosterone level jumps up a few levels when The Rock joins the rest of the cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Tego Calderone, Don Omar, Jordana Brewster, and Joaquim de Almeida, just to name a few.  With a heavy cast like that, you have to use them properly including top-notch car chasing, crazy explosions, heavy gun-blazing scenes, and big heavy muscle fights that make you want to punch the guy sitting next to you.  And for the cherry on top… it’s set on the sexiest samba-grinding place on earth, Rio baby.  Justin Lin didn’t just bring it – he brang it! 

The latest saga infuses elements from previous films and ties them together like a surprising little Christmas present.  Even if you haven’t seen the previous four films, this is the one that will make you want to watch the rest.

Fast Five is exceptionally loud and superbly obnoxious, and if it doesn’t make you want to immediately have crazy samba-shaking sex while racing a car – then you have no soul.  I advise every girl to shave their legs and take their man to see this film – in IMAX – for a guaranteed adrenaline-rushing climax!

P.S. – oh and don’t forget to stay through the credits – for some extra fun stuff!

The Wolf-pack is back!  Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, head to Thailand for Stu’s bachelor party…and when the wake up, all hell breaks loose.  Same story – yes.  But there is no doubt that this hilarious trio brings the crazy funny madness to a whole new level.  Check it out and see for yourselves!

Cassel plays the role of Jacques Mesrine, in the true story of the last French gangster with a 20-year criminal career in kidnapping, robberies, murders in multiple countries around the globe.  Igniting the screen with his spectacular performance, Cassel takes viewers on a very French, non-stop epic ride – one that should not be missed!

The first film, Mesrine: Killer Instinct, introduces the audience to how Mesrine came to become a bad-ass gangster, and the audience soon comes to fear, admire, and despise him, all at the same time.  While Cassel commands your attention, you’ll soon agree that he not only delivers one of the best performances you’ll ever see – but you’ll agree with Empire Magazine that this is, “An instant gangster classic. In a league with Coppola & Scorsese.”

The second film, Mesrine: Public Enemy #1, is as Harry Knowles of Aint It Cool puts it, “even better” and ” feels like vintage Coppola & Scorsese.” That’s pretty much the consensus from critics across the board (see below) – and that is why Mesrine: Public Enemy is the DVD pick of the week.  Check out the reviews below, watch the trailer, and then get parts 1 & 2, Mesrine Killer Instinct and Mesrine Public Enemy on DVD, Blu-ray, Netflix, iTunes.

Mesrine Public Enemy (courtesy of Music Box Films)

“A French Goodfellas.” – Boston Herald

“5 out of 5 Stars! Irresistable entertainment!” – Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

“Taken as a whole – the two parts comprise as one of the best gangster movies in recent memory.” – James Plath, DVD Town

“…entertainment shot-em-up gangster story” – Scott Ross, NBC PopcornBiz

“Public Enemy No. 1 is a virtually nonstop thrill ride, one of the most exciting gangster films in recent cinema history, and it offers a knockout performance by Vincent Cassel.” -  Jeffrey Kauffman, Blu-ray.com

Now, nearly 30 years after his death, the true story of Jacques Mesrine can be told in Mesrine: Killer Instinct, the first film in an acclaimed two-part crime saga that’s received recognition around the globe. Music Box Films Home Entertainment will release Mesrine: Killer Instinct on Blu-ray disc and DVD for the first time on February 22nd.

Co-starring alongside Cassel in Mesrine: Killer Instinct is an ensemble of Europe’s greatest screen talents, including Roy Dupuis (Sticky Fingers), Gilles Lellouche (Little White Lies) and, as the mentor who introduces Mesrine to the criminal career that would forever define him, legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu (La Vie en Rose, The Man in the Iron Mask). Portraying the women in Mesrine’s life are three of the European cinema’s most popular leading ladies: Cécile De France (Hereafter), Ludivine Sagnier (Swimming Pool) and Elena Anaya (Cairo Time).

You can see more clips on iTunes and official website, and you can pre-order your copy on Amazon here.

Now without further ado, we share with you, the kick-ass trailer of the week:

So this winter has been quite interesting so far, with Blizzards in the North East, radical weather in the south and the mid-west has some birds falling down.  Here in Brooklyn, I was stuck under almost 3 feet of snow, unplowed streets, without any transportation, and only access to the bodega next door and liquor store on the corner.  Well I’m not complaining about the liquor store – BUT being stuck inside for 3 days without much to do, all I could do was cook and watch every movie on my shelf, twice.  Two movies made my top picks to watch during cabin fever blizzard weather:  Restrepo and The Sicilian Girl.

Restrepo is an intimate portrait of the soldiers deployed in “the most dangerous” part of the world.  Now, this film received 96% on RottenTomatoes, and has made the Oscar shortlist, in fact the Oscar-buzz on this film is incredible.  I haven’t read one bad review of this film.  If that doesn’t sell you, than you should know this: Restrepo does not provide anyone’s point of view on war, it is strictly an up close look at the lives of the soldiers living what would be our nightmare.  No matter what you think about war, this film will affect you, and what you take away from it, is absolutely priceless.

The DVD and Blu-ray are available now by Virgil Films & Entertainment, containing amazing bonus features.

You can also check out other amazing reviews here:

AOL MovieFone | Cinematical

http://blog.moviefone.com/2010/12/08/videodrome-blu-ray/

Entertainment Weekly
The Must List: What’s Hot for the Week Ending Dec. 12, 2010
http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20310286_20446870_5,00.html

The New York Times
Arts & Leisure | Film
DVDS  | DAVE KEHR
[A version of this article appeared in print on December 5, 2010, on page AR18 of the New York edition.]
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/movies/homevideo/05kehr.html?_r=1&ref=movies

The Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-new-20101205,0,7691813.story

The Los Angeles Times
The Smart List: Pop Culture Talking Points
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-smart-list-1205-pictures,0,494750.photogallery

• The Plain Dealer
• http://www.cleveland.com/movies/index.ssf/2010/12/head_to_the_front_lines_of_the.html
• Slant Magazine
• http://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/review/restrepo/1894
• Blu-ray.com
• http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Restrepo-Blu-ray/16147/#Review

• ETonline.com
• http://www.etonline.com/movies/103444_New_Movies_on_Blu_ray_DVD_December_7/index.html?photo=3
• In These Times
• http://inthesetimes.com/article/6736/get_angry_the_years_10_best_political_docs
• Home Theater Forum
• http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/307153/htf-blu-ray-review-restrepo-a-year-with-a-u-s-army-platoon
• HollywoodChicago.com
• http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/12840/dvd-review-restrepo-harrowingly-depicts-human-cost-of-war
• Two One Five Magazine
• http://twoonefivemagazine.com/reviews_detail.cfm/review/1737/page/1/rcat/4
• New Jersey Star Ledger
• http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2010/12/restrepo_the_bob_hope_collecti.html
• San Francisco Chronicle
• http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2FMV8T1GMM3Q.DTL
• Movie City News
• http://moviecitynews.com/2010/12/mw-on-dvds-restrepo-inception-the-grapes-of-wrath-shrek-forever-after-and-more/
• USA Today | Life | Movies
• http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/dvd/2010-12-10-dvd10_ST_N.htm
• NYMag.com
• http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/recommends/#movies
• FilmSchoolRejects.com
• http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/this-week-in-dvd-december-7th.php
• Boston Globe
• http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2010/12/05/dvd_report_this_weeks_new_releases_dec_5_2010/

“]

The Sicilian Girl [Music Box Films

Hailed by The Washington Post as “both a gripping courtroom drama and poignant coming-of-age story” and “Fascinating, Thrilling, Nail-biting!” by the Washington City Paper, The Sicilian Girl is an amazing must-see film!

My favorite review is from FilmThreat who raved about it, saying “Any fan of crime cinema, however, will need to suck it up and watch this. There are so few films of this caliber being made that it should be required viewing. It is also worth mentioning that Music Box Films, which distributes this here in America, has been bringing U.S. audiences some insanely good movies as of late. This is no exception. Don’t take my word for it, though. Experience it for yourself and then check out the rest of what Music Box has to offer. You won’t be sorry.”

The Siclian Girl is out on DVD now by Music Box Films

Here are some other great review:

• BOSTON WEEKLY DIGG
• http://digboston.com/watch/2010/11/the-sicilian-girl/
• BOSTON GLOBE
• http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2010/12/05/dvd_report_this_weeks_new_releases_dec_5_2010/?page=2
• DISC DISH
• http://www.discdish.com/index.php/2010/11/22/dvd-review-the-sicilian-girl/
• DVD SNAPSHOT
• http://dvdsnapshot.com/12Dec10/SicilianGirl.html
• DVD TALK
• http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/46230/sicilian-girl-the/
• DVD TOWN
• http://www.dvdtown.com/review/sicilian-girl-the/dvd/8649
• DVD VERDICT
• http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/siciliangirl.php
• FILM SCHOOL REJECTS
• http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/this-week-in-dvd-november-30th.php
• GREENCINE
• http://guru.greencine.com/archives/2010/12/the_sicilian_gi_1.html
• HOLLYWOOD JESUS
• http://live.hollywoodjesus.com/?p=6690
• IONCINEMA
• http://www.ioncinema.com/news/id/4266/dvd-review-the-sicilian-girl
• MOVIE CITY NEWS
• http://moviecitynews.com/2010/11/the-dvd-wrap-fantasiafantasia-2000-the-sorcerers-apprentice-knight-and-day-cairo-time-the-sicilian-girl-vampires-suck-and-more/
• POPMATTERS
• http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/134542-the-sicilian-girl/
• SLACKERWOOD
• http://www.slackerwood.com/node/2033
• THE PLAIN DEALER
• http://www.cleveland.com/movies/index.ssf/2010/11/the_sicilian_girl_tells_true_s.html

This week the Sundance Film Festival announced its lineup, Channing Tatum jumps back in time, Victoria’s Secret is really about angels, The Quaids let us in on the crazy and James Franco is everywhere!

• The 2011 Sundance Film Festival has announced the 57 films officially selected in four competitions.  See the full list here.

• Channing Tatum has been confirmed to join Jonah Hill in the upcoming film adaptation of “21 Jump Street”.  Yes, you read that correctly.

• In case you missed the ever so fabulous Victoria’s Secret Runway Show, The Sexy Beast has put together a gallery of the hottest models in their wings.

• James Franco is making his “Inside The Actor’s Studio” debut on December 7th, and Popcandy has a great preview clip of the sexy upcoming Oscar host.

• Vanity Fair talks crazy with the Quaids in their new issue.

• American Airlines promotes Mile-high Happy Hour clubs above the sky.

• Speaking of airports…Jay Z wants to liquor up frequent fliers even more with his launch of 40/40 sports bars in select airports across the nation.

• The upcoming issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK has photos of Beyonce and Lauren Hutton modeling in a secret Tom Ford runway show – check out their amazing photos online.

And below is my video clip of the week – Katey Perry singing at the Victoria’s Secret runway show and looking gorgeous: