02 September
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        An interview with John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle by Paul McGuire Grimes The original version of this was first published in City Pages on September 1, 2015 It was a welcome return home to Minnesota for John Erick Dowdle and his brother Drew as they made an appearance at the advanced screening of their new film, No Escape, starring Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, and Pierce Brosnan. They hail from the Highland Park area of St. Paul, and it was very evident they were excited to be back among family and friends who came out to support their new film. TheyRead More →

28 January
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In Interviews, My Criterion Collection

DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993) Writer/Director: Richard Linklater Starring: Jason London, Shawn Andrews, Rory Cochrane, Joey Lauren Adams, Parker Posey, Anthony Rapp, Adam Goldberg, Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Jenson, Matthew McConaughey, Wiley Wiggins, Marissa Ribisi Truth be told I watched Dazed and Confused for the first time just a few weeks ago. The film has received a cult classic status, yet somehow I let it slip through the cracks. One of the first questions I had was that if I watch a movie in 2015 that was made in 1993 that was set in 1976, does it at all feel dated? Absolutely not! There isRead More →

05 December
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER 2014 OSCARS ROUNDTABLE: THE ACTORS               The Hollywood Reporter offers insightful roundtable discussions with some of the best talent working in the business. I love their Oscar Roundtable series every year, and I try to post each one of them. Here are six actors that are getting some buzz for their work. They discuss playing real life characters, the stereotypes behind British actors versus American actors, and Timothy Spall informs the group of a phantom pooper that may be lurking around the National Theater. Enjoy! The Actors Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game Ethan Hawke, Boyhood MichaelRead More →

28 November
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER 2014 OSCARS ROUNDTABLE: THE ACTRESSES               Every year I like to feature the Oscar Roundtables done by “The Hollywood Reporter”. They highlight the actors, actresses, directors, writers, and producers that are receiving acclaim for their work this year. Here are the seven incredible actresses chosen this year. They discuss a variety of topics including: portraying characters based off real life inspirations, being fearless, horrible auditions, privacy, and the nude photo hack. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! The Actresses Amy Adams, Big Eyes Patricia Arquette, Boyhood Laura Dern, Wild Felicity Jones, TheRead More →

25 November
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A ROUNDTABLE INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR BENNETT MILLER           On November 5, 2014, I had the opportunity to take part in a roundtable interview with Academy Award nominated director, Bennett Miller. His previous films, Capote and Moneyball both received critical acclaim, and I would not be surprised if his latest film, Foxcatcher, follows in their footsteps by garnering multiple Oscar nominations. The film is based on the bizarre true story of millionaire philanthropist John du Pont (Steve Carell) who invites gold medal wrestlers Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) and his brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo) to his lavish estate to train for the 1988Read More →

26 November
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER–The 2013 Full Uncensored Actresses and Producers Roundtable The Hollywood Reporter continues their roundtable discussions with two more that have been released in the series. This time we have many of the actresses and producers that are making a splash this awards season. You may notice some of the same movies being discussed, but it is always interesting hearing about the process from different perspectives involved in the production. I have included links to all of my reviews thus far. The Actresses Roundtable Amy Adams, American Hustle Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave Julia Roberts, August: Osage County Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale Station EmmaRead More →

14 November
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER–The 2013 Full Uncensored Directors and Writers Roundtable Earlier this month, I posted “The Actors Roundtable” from The Hollywood Reporter and now two more have been released in this series, “The Directors Roundtable” and “The Writers Roundtable”. I love watching them discuss various aspects of their careers and how they got to where they are at in the industry. It is interesting hearing what motivates them and scares them. Don’t forget to check back in as I will continue to post these roundtables as they are released.  I have also provided link to my reviews of the films I have seen so far.Read More →

04 November
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THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER–The 2013 Full Uncensored Actors Roundtable       It’s award season which means another set of roundtable discussions from The Hollywood Reporter with the actors, actresses, directors, producers, and writers garnering praise for their films. As an actor myself, I love watching them discuss the ups and downs of their careers, what inspires them, what excites them in a project, and what scares them. Up first is The Actors segment featuring: Josh Brolin, Labor Day Jake Gyllenhall, Prisoners Michael B. Jordan, Fruitvale Station Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels’ The Butler Don’t forget toRead More →