BEYOND THE MARQUEE

“FOCUS” (Film Review & Trailer)

February 27th, 2015

John Delia

Moderately out of control and highly convoluted the film Focus takes its turn at the box-off. While the stars Will Smith and Margot Robbie are nice to look at their performances are weak and off the mark in this offbeat comedy crime drama that never delivers. Maybe it’s the predictability coupled with obvious misdirection that gives the feel of a tall tale without a good punchline. But whatever it is, it doesn’t work. Maybe it needed a little more energy on the part of the actors or had a lack of execution by the Directors.

MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER: A Sin to Err (television mini-series critique)

February 25th, 2015

Steven D'Arcangelo

In A Sin to Err, a Russian scientist is asked why his country’s Black Widow spy program is comprised solely of women. His reply:

“Women are often overlooked. Taken for granted.”

This statement not only explains how the Widows are so successful at espionage (No one pays attention to the so-called weaker sex.), it also sums up perfectly what the Agent Carter mini-series is all about — gender inequality. It may be gender inequality of a bygone era (1946 to be exact), but this hot button topic is still hot as evident by Patricia Arquette’s Oscar speech.

“DELI-MAN” (Documentary Review & Trailer)

February 24th, 2015

John Delia

Hazel, we’re having Deli tonight. After seeing the documentary Deli Man I felt like I could run out and get one of the most sought after sandwiches in America, the Jewish Pastrami on rye with mustard. Umm why ‘sought after?’ Because where there were once thousands of delicatessens in New York City alone, we are down to only 150 left in the United States. And, there’s not one real New York style deli within 50 miles of where I live.

“SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS” (Film Review & Trailer)

February 24th, 2015

John Delia

The poignant comedy Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks features a heartfelt acting performance by Gena Rowlands. The consummate actress, Rowlands’ performance here while a bit daring, comes off the screen with a measures of both bold and compassionate. It’s her kind of film and she plays it well. Even though the direction’s a little rushed and uneven, support actors save the depiction of this very good script.

5 Broadway Shows that Changed the Industry

February 24th, 2015

Beyond the Marquee

5 Broadway Shows that Changed the Industry

Broadway’s theater is wrapped in tradition. One of the most wonderful parts of the industry is the classic and timeless element that surrounds the shows and experiences. You can go see My Fair Lady, Oklahoma or The Sound of Music, and it is like being transported back to the golden age of musicals. On the other hand, Broadway has also been the gateway for groundbreaking shows in modern entertainment.

Click ahead for several noteworthy productions have set the tone and changed the way we view theater.

DARTH VADER Returns in the Season Finale of STAR WARS: REBELS!

February 24th, 2015

Beyond the Marquee

Here’s a *sneak preview* of the iconic Dark Lord of the Sith — Darth Vader — as he appears in the upcoming STAR WARS: REBELS season finale: “Fire Across the Galaxy”! The FIRST EVER broadcast will be on Disney XD March 2nd at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT!

Teaser with footage of the finale:

“BIRDMAN”, OSCAR’s CHOICE FOR BEST PICTURE?

February 21st, 2015

John Delia

It comes down to the last day before the reveal of who will take home the Oscars for best in motion pictures. I actually didn’t wait this long to make my choices of who should win the coveted statues as my mind was made up months ago when the list was first published. I believe in entertainment in movies. You know, it’s about who will like a movie and walk out of the theater knowing they invested in a good feeling, whether it be a romantic moment, a belly laugh, a blast from the past, a look at the future, a wild ride or a historical event, from what is depicted on the screen. It’s the films that are worth seeing and each one of us has our favorites. The following are my picks from the films the Academy of Arts and Sciences saw fit to choose for their 2015 “BESTS” that moved me, made me happy, created excitement, told a story I could remember, brought a tear to my eye, took me on a journey and in general, entertained.