Explore all the links to experience, Assistant Editor David Limacher’s wild trip to Wizard World Comic-Con 2010, in Chicago!

David Limacher was at the 2010 Wizard World Comic Convention in Chicago this past weekend, and screened the EXCLUSIVE five minute clip of the upcoming suspense-thriller “Devil” in theaters September 17. The clip also included a brief Q & A with Director Drew Dowdle and his borther and Producer of the film, Drew Dowdle. The teaser clip was careful not to divulge anything important, and David had the chance to personally interview the Dowdle Brothers and got answers to some questions about their backgrounds and answers to questions that will make you want to see their new film even more.

David Limacher: I just wanted to thank you both for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions for the readers of iRATEfilms.com today.

John Dowdle: You’re welcome.

Drew Dowdle: Pleasure is all ours to talk to you.

DL: So we’re going to talk about the movie you recently completed “Devil” here, but first I wanted some background information on you both. I heard in the session that you’re from the same home town as the Coen Brothers, are they mentors of yours to become filmmakers?

JD: Actually, the Coen Brothers are from Minneapolis and we’re from St. Paul, but it’s the Twin Cities and we just kept the answer short.

DD: I like that you asked this question, because I feel that we’re going to get a lot of this coming our way. The truth is we do enjoy the work of the Coen Brothers, but when we were growing up we had different interests. It just so happens that after college and such we both found we could help each other more working together, rather than separately. We didn’t exactly plan on our lives taking this direction, but I believe I can say for both of us, we are glad it did!

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***Need more pix of these badasses? Click here***

Limacher Low Down:  The Expendables is just a throw back to the Action Genre of the 80′s and 90′s where violence was utilized just for the sake of violence. The movie has a cast of THOUSANDS, well not really, but action stars galore light up the screen. The viewer definitely gets their bang for the buck in this one, and you won’t leave saying “I thought there would be more explosions and violence and shit!”

The Expendables is a group of guys who are hired to do mercenary work for those who can afford to pay for their services. The movie opens showcasing what the group, led by Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), does best, “Peace Negotiations”.  The audience quickly learns there is a friendly rivalry of who can do the most damage between Ross and Lee Christmas (Jason Statham). Everything is fun and games, literally, as the team members try to out-kill and out-destroy each other.  But one guy, a “rogue” Expendable doesn’t always follow Ross’ orders, enter Gunner Jensen (Dolph Lundgren) who by taking action into his own hands gets into a spat with Ying Yang (Jet Li). Ross puts an end to the situation and alerts everyone that this behavior is not tolerated in the group.

Turns out Ross gets his mission intel from his tattoo artist, Tool (Mickey Rourke) who was once an Expendable himself.  Tool lets Ross know about a dangerous mission, and Ross and Christmas do some recon work.  They soon discover there is a former CIA Agent, James Munroe (Eric Roberts), who has bought his way into the small island for his own personal use – manipulating a local general to brutally control the local populace. General Garza (David Zayas) loves only two  things, money and his family, the rest are, well, expendable!

The recon work leads Ross and Christmas to initally shy away from the mission, hard to spend money when you are dead!  But, their contact, Sandra (Giselle Itie) gets into Ross’ head.
This part is the real drama of the movie – Ross decides to go it alone because it was time to live or die.  The others decide it is all in their best interest to join the mission as well, and not miss out on the fun. This is where the movie takes off and the audience knows that the shit is FINALLY going to hit the fan!

The mission itself is worth the price of admission. The explosions, the gunfire, the blood just take over the screen and the fun has truly begun. The action more than makes up for the acting, which is good cause the acting wasn’t that great. The cameos are given away in the previews, but the lines that are shot between the 3 are hilarious. There is some comedy in the movie, although some of it wasn’t supposed to be funny. I say if you miss action movies that just explode the screen with high body counts and explosions then RUN to see the Expendables!

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Get Low is the AMAZING story of a man who has become a hermit in his old age and is misunderstood by everyone in the small town.  He lives just outside the town, in a time period that wasn’t clearly defined, but my guess is late 20’s early 30’s. Felix Bush (Robert Duvall) has lived alone for 40 years and doesn’t like to be disturbed, in fact he posts a sign that reads “No DAMN Trespassing! Beware of Mule”, because recently kids came and threw rocks through his window. Felix goes into town to attempt to set up a funeral for himself and is politely turned away by the local reverend – despite his large wad of cash in hand. But, just outside the reverend’s door, a young resident, Buddy (Lucas Black) was listening to the strange request.

Buddy works for the local funeral parlor, run by Frank Quinn (Bill Murray), who is a quick talking man willing to do anything to save his struggling funeral parlor. Buddy and Frank go to Felix’s house to see if they can accommodate Felix’s wishes. Felix explains he wants to have a “Living Funeral” where everyone in town comes and tells a story about him. Quinn is eager to oblige . . . he needs the cash. On the way out, Felix runs into Mattie Darrow (Sissy Spacek), an old friend from his past.

Felix, Buddy, and Frank are going to town to get posters ready and clean Felix up for his “Living Funeral”, when they ask how Felix knows Mattie in which Duvall delivers a sure to be CLASSIC line.  (The facial reactions from Bill Murray and Lucas Black here are priceless and just added more to the scene). Mattie happens upon Felix’s place and they end up going for a walk and spending some time together, but she gets offended and leaves after seeing a picture on the wall, with no real explanation why for the audience.

Felix goes to a local radio station w/ Frank and Buddy to hype the “Living Funeral” when Felix drops the bombshell that they’re going to offer raffle tickets for $5 and the winner will win Felix’s property after he passes. Felix next tells Buddy that they’re going for a drive, and for Buddy to not stop till he tells him. Here we learn more about Felix and some unfinished business.

Felix decides that he’s going to tell his own story at his funeral and get the burden that’s been with him for 40 years off of his chest. Everything is set up for the “Living Funeral”, which was like Woodstock of its time. Felix reveals all the final pieces to the puzzle of his life – in a wonderful moment of clarity, all the questions that had been brought up beforehand are answered.

This movie was just a WONDERFUL story that was very well told, and very well acted. The interaction between Robert Duvall and Bill Murray was magical, and the acting from everyone was very well done. This movie had comedy, drama, and a story that pulled the viewer in to enjoy it. I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who likes movies that are funny, yet have a heart without being Romantic check this movie out. I can honestly say this is my FAVORITE movie I’ve seen this year, and it’s a film that gives me a greater understanding of why I LOVE movies.

David Limacher recently sat down with Aaron Schneider whose Feature Film Directorial Debut is coming out this week, “Get Low” starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek among others. David sat down in Chicago and talked about an array of things such as Aaron’s hometown, how he got into making movies, winning a Academy Award, and his first Feature Film.

DL: Aaron, I just wanted to start off by saying that Get Low was my favorite movie I have seen this year, and it really was a warm welcome change from the CGI films we have become accustomed to.

AS: Thank you very much. This movie was such a pleasure to work on, and the people involved made the experience of directing my first feature film that much easier. I agree that this film offers a change from the CGI that is in most movies now, and I hope people enjoy the film for what it is.

DL: I read that you grew up in my hometown area of Peoria, Illinois. Is there anything you miss from the small town life?

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Three reviews to choose from!

For an up and coming critic from the Windy City – just click Limacher or on Jacob’s pic.

Or a no-nonsense mom about town –  just click Starshine or Bella’s pic. 

Finally, for an uber cynic - just click H-Man or on Edward’s

Who got it right?  Let the battle commence!

***click the image above for more pictures from the film***

Mother and Child is an unique journey portraying the ripples of the choices we make and how they affect us and others in our life-paths. The film comes full circle, but takes a long time to get to the point – but the point is ultimately made with effective emotion.

Karen (Annette Benning) is a social gargoyle, holding everyone at bay with her dour attitude and glumness.  Decades ago, she allowed her mother, Nora, to intervene and forced her to give up a daughter to adoption.  In an act of redemption, Karen works at a rehabilitative center, so she can claim – at least on paper – that she is a good person, a remorseful soul.  But her contempt for happy families, especially children is always at the forefront of her personality.

As her mid-life approaches, Karen encounters new people that remind her it is never too late to heal wounds of the heart in love-interest Paco (Jimmy Smits).  With a new appreciation, she becomes desperate to find her daughter.  The agency explains the only way for this to be possible is for both parties to agree.  In a cruel Hollywood twist-of-fate, she may never find out her daughter wants the same.

Karen’s daughter, Elizabeth (Naomi Watts) is similar to her mother, but she uses sex and seduction to play games and keep people right where she wants them, under her ultimate control. A tough-as-nails attorney in a cut-throat law firm, helmed by Paul (Samuel Jackson), Elizabeth relishes in her ability to get results, regardless of who she steps on – she is ice cold.  Still, the unanswered question, “Who is my mother” haunts her professional and personal life.

As the pieces of this adoption jigsaw are laid out on the screen, we meet a couple hopeful to adopt a child.  There are countless hurdles they must jump over to make this dream a reality.  Their lives intertwine with Karen and Elizabeth as the film explores levels of commitment and love, tugging at your heart throughout the conclusion.

I thought the movie was over at several different spots.  The acting was excellent, and if you’re into heavy drama with some lighter, funny spots from Annette Benning and Jimmy Smits I say go see it. 

Release Location Update

Miami/Fort Lauderdale locations – June 4th at the Regal South Beach, Sunrise 11 and Regal Shadowood.

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Robin Hood is the latest version of a story that is well known and told a different way every time they make a movie about it.  The latest version is the story of how the legend first began; and as far as I know is the most historically accurate telling thus far. Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe team up once again attempting to capture the magic they shared with Gladiator.  Robin Hood, unfortunately fizzled and the bottle was shattered – the magic was gone.

Following the ill-fated Crusades led by King Richard of England, Robin Longstride, a mere archer in the King’s army is wrapped up in espionage and intrigue that catapult his life into legend.  All the standard Robin Hood characters make an appearance in this film: Little John (Kevin Durand); Prince John (Oscar Isaac); Will Scarlet (Scott ‘Critters’ Grimes); Marion (Cate Blanchett); and even Fryar Tuck (Mark Addy).  Each character plays a role in the grand chess board that makes up England – post Crusade.

King Richard (Danny Huston) and his valiant men return home from their 10 year tour spent fighting in the Holy Land, in which large amounts of money and lives were lost with not much of an outcome.  In fact, King Richard decides on his way back to England to ransack several of France’s castles to make up some of the debt lost from the wars. It is here that we first encounter Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) again a standard archer in Richard’s army.

Prince John is running things while the king is away, and as all the versions of Robin Hood portray him, he is a lech of a man, a traitor to his noble blood and a coward – nothing new there.  John takes a liking to running the show while Rick wages another adventure, this time on a former ally – France.  His mother, Elinor of Aquitaine (Eileen Atkins) is determined to see her son, not Richard, the rightful heir to England.  Together with her son and other nefarious types, they plot to kill Richard whilst he is pillaging France’s castles to pay for war debt incurred in the Crusades.

John’s closest consort, Godfrey (Mark Strong) betrays Richard to the King of France and political intrigue really starts to develop.  Following events that are inevitable, but I won’t divulge them here – Robin and his band of loyal troops flee John’s army to wage a war with the usurping king of England.

The movie continues to gradually build as the legend of the “real” Robin Hood is laid out for the viewer to judge, but the filmmakers seemed to preach more than present – as the history of Robin Hood is told for “how it truly was”.  I personally thought the movie dragged on at points and wasn’t as good as I hoped. The more “experienced” audience enjoyed the movie, while the younger audience actually became so bored a few of them left the theater. All in all the action scenes were good, but the movie was not great at all. I say if you’re like me, save your money and hour of your time and watch the Disney cartoon classic Robin Hood instead!

Gentlemen Broncos is the story of a young man, Benjamin (Michael Angarano) an aspiring science fiction writer.  To hone his skills, he attends a writer’s camp.  He has been working on a novel, humbly penned “Yeast Lords”.  The main character of his eccentric novel is Bronco (Sam Rockwell).   Benjamin’s mother Judith (Jennifer Coolidge) is his biggest fan and has also home schooled Benjamin his whole life.While venturing out to his author’s camp, he encounters two new creative thinkers Tabatha (Halley Feiffer) and Lonnie (Hector Jiminez). Tabatha writes French novels, and Lonnie is a producer/director of movies and trailers.

When they arrive at camp, Tabatha asks to read Benjamin’s story “Yeast Lords” and seemingly gets turned off by it immediately.  She has low expectations of Benjamin’s overall success.  But Benjamin is thrilled to discover his idol, Dr. Chevalier (Jemaine Clement) will be a guest speaker at the camp.  The doctor also announces he will be gathering samples of the student’s writing – the winner will have their story published and sold in book stores across the United States. Benjamin finds out rapidly that idols aren’t always what you expect in the flesh – he is underwhelmed and a little disgusted.  Still, Benjamin does turn in his work, “Yeast Lords”.

Chevalier is not only a self-important prick, he is a failure as a writer, and his publishers are putting pressure on him to produce something good . . . or he is off their gravy train. Fortune favors the fool; though, and Chevalier rips through the submissions and finds Benjamin’s Opus – “Yeast Lords” – and he can’t put it down.

Benjamin leaves camp to find his mother has assigned him a “Guardian Angel” from church, his name is Dusty (Mike White) and is a REAL piece of work. Dusty has his own blow dart gun and he dips the darts in a mixture of rat poison and his own feces! With all this excitement, even more good news is coming Ben’s way as his friends from camp let him know they want to shoot his novel into a film – a trailer is in the works.

Meanwhile Chevalier has reworded and changed “Yeast Lords” to be more suitable for his liking; changing Bronco’s name to Brutus, and also making Brutus a Transvestite. (Sam Rockwell was hysterical when playing Brutus) Benjamin learns while filming the trailer that Lonnie has come into some money and will pay $500 for the rights to “Yeast Lords”. Benjamin quickly agrees and they begin filming with Dusty playing Bronco.

What happens next is fairly obvious, Chevalier is eventually confronted when his new novel “The Chronicles of Brutus and Balzaak” is revealed and Benjamin recognizes it right away – as “Yeast Lords”.  The film picks up and just keeps going into a frenzied crescendo at this point.  All things come to a head, as Benjamin has to reclaim his idea – his idol has betrayed him.  What will he do?  What would you do?

This movie was very funny, and very well done. The fact that it was written and directed by the same guys who did Napoleon Dynamite might give it a little bit of an audience. I will warn you this has similarities to Napoleon Dynamite, but all in all is not really the same. The performances given by all were really well done, but the performance of Sam Rockwell was GENIUS!!!! He really made a decent movie that much better and that much funnier.

I suggest this movie for anyone who has ever read an Issac Asimov novel or just enjoys science fiction. This movie is not life changing or even remotely close, but the characters do grow on you, and it does a good job of making you feel for Benjamin. I say if you’re looking for a movie and a few good laughs, check this out, cause it is well worth the price that you’ll pay to see it!