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Cults. Is there ever a good cult? What is it they do? How does one get trapped? And most importantly. How does one get out? And will the individual ever really be free from the thinking? This film takes a haunting look into a life of a cult member.

Martha or Marcy May or perhaps Marlene lewis (Elizabeth Olsen) is member of an upstate New York cult. When she escapes and runs through the woods to a local diner. She calls upon her sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) to come get her. After two years away Lucy is wondering where Martha was. When Lucy questions Martha. She receives little info. Lucy and her husband allow Martha to stay with them in their lake house. As Martha tries to break free of the hold the cult had on her. She struggles with life outside the cult and the power her leader Patrick (John Hawkes) had on her.

This is a powerful performance by Elizabeth Olsen. And a amazing film by young director Sean Durkin. It will get under your skin and open your eyes. This has been one of my favorites at this years Sundance festival. I give this a

The devil existed and he needed a double because he was a coward. With a mind of a child and placed in a role of power, Uday Hussein lived his life as a diluted, sexual predator.

This film is based upon a true story.  Uday Hussein (Dominic Cooper) son of Saddam Hussein, forced his childhood friend Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) to be his body double.  What Latif becomes witness to will force him to stand up to the Devil.

The direction by Lee Tamahori is stunning. Bringing to life a true to life scarface. And Dominic Cooper’s dual role is something to marvel at. I loved this film. And has me intrigued to read more about this crazy situation. I give this film a solid

Raccoons are so annoying. Life is full of ups and downs. And crazy neighbors are plain f-ing crazy. This dark comedy will leave you in a stitches.

Dr. Jeff Lang (Tobey Maguire) is your typical suburban father. Looking to expand their home for a future child. When the county rejected the plans for the remodel. Jeff and his wife Nealy (Elizabeth Banks) decide to landscape the backyard. After laying the sod. Raccoons tear it apart. This puts Jeff over the edge. Living in a sexless marriage and having his friend Lincoln (Dennis Haysbert) dying. Jeff makes some bad decisions and finds him in a whirlwind of trouble.

This film will allow to laugh at others misfortunes. Entertaing from the start this film deserves a

Benavides Born Clip

Powerlifting. Love it! This film may touch upon the subject. But, it gives you a taste of the sport. But, the film displays a great struggle to get out of the hole. No. Not the hole of a back squat. But, the hole of a dead end town.

Luz (Corina Calderon) is a high school powerlifter in a south Texas town. Where drugs and border crossing is the way of life. No jobs and little resources. Luz’s dream of getting into University of Texas will be tested. Choosing both good and bad. Luz struggles to make her dreams come true.

Amy Wendel’s portrayal of a small border town in Texas is worthwhile. Corina’s acting is spot on. The only downfall of the film. Is content. There is way too much underlying subject matter that is brushed off. But, none the less. The film hits its mark. I will give this a

While we all question relationships. We never know what the future holds. It may be over tomorrow or last for our lives. And how we perceive things is not really what it is. This film explores a relationship in a unique and humorous way.

Sophie (Miranda July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater) are a thirty something couple. The recent discovery of a injured cat. Leads them down the road of adoption and a self reflective look at their lives.

Director and actor Miranda July’s vision is brought to life in a beautiful, witty film. Narrated by a cat. This film leaves you laughing and puzzled. Although this film may be lost on some. It is a fresh take on relationships. I say

Many films touch on such content. Most that do make the issue humorous. But, not this film. The emotions and imagery are real. The struggle for transformation is captured in a cruel and beautiful light.

When Enrique (Esai Morales) is released from prison. He returns home to a life he does not know. His son Michael (Harmony Santana) is going through a transformation. From man to woman. Enrique’s wife Angela (Judy Reyes) was having an affair. While Enrique was away. As the family struggles to keep it together. And each other deal with the transformations in their lives. They slowly find who they are and what is most important.

This is a powerful subject. And brilliantly brought to life. Director Rashaad Ernesto Green’s talent was fully explored in this film. The actor’s emotion was fully realized on screen. And new comer Harmony Santana will captivate you with her transformation. This is a film that can cross color and sexual lines. And bring out the emotion we all have for family. I give this a

I MELT WITH YOU TRAILER

Holy shit. I think I am hungover. The Hunter S Thompson “Gonzo” style of drugs and alcohol consumed in this film. Is beyond human consumption. But, one hell of a good time.

When four childhood friends reunite for a week in Big Sur. And avoid all things real in their lives. Fueled with cocaine, a plethora of prescription drugs. And not to mention enough booze to rival any Frat house. As the week progresses and the partying takes hold. Life as they know it changes. One wrong thing after another and a 25 year old pact changes the dynamic and lives of everyone.

The film is a loud and harsh look at life. The soundtrack and images leave you in a haze. It is beautifully acted and well directed. And having been shot in only 18 days. This film is a testament of actors and director hunger for a powerful film. I give it a drug induced

I am not quite sure what to say. I usually have some sort of emotion after watching a film. But, not in this case. The acting was good. And the scenery was amazing. But, the rest was lost somewhere. And it certainly wasn’t here.

Will Shepard (Ben Foster) an American map maker. Is on assignment in Armenia. In a local diner Will strikes up a conversation with a young woman. Gadarine (Lubna Azabal) is local woman with a talent at photography. After parting ways that morning. They meet again at a social gathering. When Will is sent to another part of the country. Garadine tags along. And so the love story begins.

I understand where director Braden King was going with this film. But, it moved to slow. It also didn’t develop the characters enough. And it relied to heavily on visual rather than dialogue and content. I would have to give this film a

Margin Call Teaser

Everyone was affected by the “Mortgage Crisis”. In some way or another that crisis shaped who we are and our country is today. Whether you lost your home or struggle to make ends meet. Their was a day in 2008 that shaped that moment.

In a 24 hour period an investment bank shapes the market for years to come. When a young risk management member finds a major problem in their investments. This discovery snowballs a reaction that brings in the all the heavy hitters. Their decision to liquidate. Changes the entire market.

This film by a first time director JC Chandor. Is the film Oliver Stone wish he made. The cast is star studded. But, no one steps on one another’s toes. Brilliantly acted and directed. And very enlightening in regards to our current economic woes. Go see this film it is a total

We all have a family member. Who is a little left of center. But, may have the greatest approach to life. Or maybe he/she is just a totally stoner with a cosmic connection to the world. Either way we all have dysfunction in our families.

Ned (Paul Rudd) is a local organic farmer. When he sells pot to a uniformed officer. He is arrested. Yes, I said uniformed. Upon release from jail. Ned heads home to his family to get back on his feet. After a short stint living with his mom. Ned can’t take it and moves in with his sister’s family. Ned’s belief in trust and honesty is a blessing and a curse. And as Ned’s honesty and good nature ruins his stay at his sister’s home. He moves on to another sister. As this pattern is repeated. Ned makes a minor slip in his parole. And is jailed again. The reality of losing Ned again. His family finally realizes the positive Ned brings to their lives.

I have to say this film was hilarious and provides us with a good template to live our lives. Do yourselves a favor and see this film when it is released. I give this film a