Will Forte is one of the most reliable names in comedy. Whether it's leading the absurd action of "MacGruber," lending his voice to animated comedy in the likes of "Rick and Morty" and "The Simpsons," or bringing to life various incarnations of Abraham Lincoln in "Clone High," "The Lego Movie," and "America: The Motion Picture," you can always count on Forte to inspire plenty of hilarity. But there's also a gentle charm to his presence when he's not driving the comedy bus. That's what makes him the perfect choice to play a father in the Sundance-selected family comedy "Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out."
Directed by Jake Van Wagoner, the film follows teen girl Itsy Levan, who finds herself suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere after her home-flipping parents move their family out of the big city. At her new school, Itsy meets the quirky but intelligent Calvin Kipler,...
Directed by Jake Van Wagoner, the film follows teen girl Itsy Levan, who finds herself suddenly stuck in the middle of nowhere after her home-flipping parents move their family out of the big city. At her new school, Itsy meets the quirky but intelligent Calvin Kipler,...
- 1/27/2023
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Today is March 1st, which means we have a whole new set of titles to tell you about that just dropped on Netflix. The streaming service has 54 new movies/TV shows from nearly every major studio, including Warner Bros., Paramount and Sony, and while that number is still ten less than what we got last March, there’s far more original content on the service than there was a year ago. So, trust me when I say you’ve got plenty of options.
So many options, in fact, that I often find myself browsing for so long that I can’t decide on what to watch until it gets too late and I go to bed instead. First world problems, right?
In any case, below you’ll find the full list as well as a few descriptions of some personal favorites. Or some that I just felt like commenting on.
So many options, in fact, that I often find myself browsing for so long that I can’t decide on what to watch until it gets too late and I go to bed instead. First world problems, right?
In any case, below you’ll find the full list as well as a few descriptions of some personal favorites. Or some that I just felt like commenting on.
- 3/2/2020
- by Ryan Beltram
- We Got This Covered
Every week, IndieWire asks a select handful of film critics two questions and publishes the results on Monday. (The answer to the second, “What is the best film in theaters right now?”, can be found at the end of this post.)
This week’s question: Inspired by a tweet from Matt Zoller Seitz, what widely despised (and/or financially disastrous) movie from the last few years will eventually be considered a classic?
Carlos Aguilar (@Carlos_Film), Freelance for MovieMaker Magazine/Remezcla
The curios case of “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” evidences how critical consensus can shift in strange ways from festival premiere to theatrical release, and how easy it is for people to jump on the backlash train. Clearly, not everyone has to love Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s adaptation of Jesse Andrews’ novel as much as I do, but it was shocking to see how a film that was so instantly beloved at Sundance,...
This week’s question: Inspired by a tweet from Matt Zoller Seitz, what widely despised (and/or financially disastrous) movie from the last few years will eventually be considered a classic?
Carlos Aguilar (@Carlos_Film), Freelance for MovieMaker Magazine/Remezcla
The curios case of “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” evidences how critical consensus can shift in strange ways from festival premiere to theatrical release, and how easy it is for people to jump on the backlash train. Clearly, not everyone has to love Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s adaptation of Jesse Andrews’ novel as much as I do, but it was shocking to see how a film that was so instantly beloved at Sundance,...
- 3/12/2018
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Hey, there’s another movie out this weekend that’s “based on a true story”, but as the Monty Pythons would say, “And now for something completely different”. It’s not a gripping disaster like Deepwater Horizon (although its release problems were a disaster), but a “caper farce”. This flick concerns a real life heist like The Brink’S Job, but committed by The Gang That Couldn’T Shoot Straight. This crew gets by on sheer, bumbling stupidity because nobody would ever seriously refer to them as Masterminds.
The first mastermind we meet is Loomis Fargo money transport armored truck driver David Ghatt (Zach Galifiankis) circa 1997. Via voiceover he explains that he leads a dull life, that he’d even welcome a hold-up, despite the fact that he’ll soon tie the knot with his off-kilter fiance’ Jandice (Kate McKinnon). His world is soon rocked by the hiring of his new work partner,...
The first mastermind we meet is Loomis Fargo money transport armored truck driver David Ghatt (Zach Galifiankis) circa 1997. Via voiceover he explains that he leads a dull life, that he’d even welcome a hold-up, despite the fact that he’ll soon tie the knot with his off-kilter fiance’ Jandice (Kate McKinnon). His world is soon rocked by the hiring of his new work partner,...
- 9/30/2016
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Masterminds is the summation of the strangest cinematic formula imaginable. You know director Jared Hess from such quirkiness as Napoleon Dynamite and Don Verdean, which he wrote alongside his wife Jerusha. You’ve witnessed how far off the beaten path his vision wanders, and you’ve probably sat there dumbfounded by the likes of Napoleon’s family and Nacho Libre. So what does Relativity Media do with such an individualistic filmmaker, who seems more comfortable writing his own material? Give him a ready-made script penned by three fairly fresh writers, cast A-list names and attempt to restrain Hess’ awkwardness for mainstream success. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, much like the actual bank heist Hess’ film is based on, everything.
Zach Galifianakis stars as Loomis Fargo security guard David Ghantt, who’s described as the lovechild of “Kenny Rodgers and Kenny Loggins.” His dreams of an exciting professional career that...
Well, much like the actual bank heist Hess’ film is based on, everything.
Zach Galifianakis stars as Loomis Fargo security guard David Ghantt, who’s described as the lovechild of “Kenny Rodgers and Kenny Loggins.” His dreams of an exciting professional career that...
- 9/29/2016
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
There’s a pretty good heist story buried underneath the muddled, sloppy mess that is “Masterminds.” After all, the film is based on the true story of the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery, in which an employee of the armored truck company attempted to make off with nearly $20 million in a daring (and daringly stupid) act of criminal inspiration. Jared Hess’ film, his followup to the critically maligned “Don Verdean,” is so deeply unfunny that it’s probably wise to imagine what could have been. Despite a stacked cast of typically reliable talent, including Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Owen Wilson, Hess’ feature is practically anti-comedy, a punishing 94-minute endurance test with nearly zero return.
Despite the zany nature of the story, much of the screenplay (from Emily Spivey, Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer) sticks to the facts of the wild tale of the criminally ill-fated...
Despite the zany nature of the story, much of the screenplay (from Emily Spivey, Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer) sticks to the facts of the wild tale of the criminally ill-fated...
- 9/29/2016
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Kristen Wiig and Zach Galifianakis cannot redeem this asinine heist caper that trades wit, style and excitement for wacky outfits and crazy hair
When I got up this morning I didn’t think I’d go to bed with a vision of Zach Galifianakis sharting in a swimming pool. There’s nothing in my medicine cabinet or on my liquor shelf that can help me right now.
In December 2015, I reviewed Jared Hess’s Don Verdean and, after suffering through it and his previous catastrophe, Gentlemen Broncos, I vowed I would never see one of Hess’s movies again. Had I known Hess was the director of Masterminds when my editor gave me this assignment, I would have fibbed and said I had an evening dental appointment. Frankly, a tooth extraction without painkillers would have been far more enjoyable.
Continue reading...
When I got up this morning I didn’t think I’d go to bed with a vision of Zach Galifianakis sharting in a swimming pool. There’s nothing in my medicine cabinet or on my liquor shelf that can help me right now.
In December 2015, I reviewed Jared Hess’s Don Verdean and, after suffering through it and his previous catastrophe, Gentlemen Broncos, I vowed I would never see one of Hess’s movies again. Had I known Hess was the director of Masterminds when my editor gave me this assignment, I would have fibbed and said I had an evening dental appointment. Frankly, a tooth extraction without painkillers would have been far more enjoyable.
Continue reading...
- 9/29/2016
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Guardian - Film News
After the uneven Don Verdean, Jared Hess is returning to adventure comedy with more of an action tinge in the new trailer for the long-delayed Masterminds. Sad-sack night guard for an armored car company David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) is getting married to Jandice (Kate McKinnon), who comes in a package with her mother. He aspires to be something more, believing he is destined for adventure. Enter Kelly (Kristen Wiig), a new employee with a plan to rob the bank with her cohorts (including Owen Wilson), all the while special agent Scanlon (Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones) is hot on their tail.
Throw in a crazed hitman played by the always-game Jason Sudeikis, Hess’ oddball stylings, and the guaranteed constant improv from the cast, and what you get is the makings of a goofy, potentially dark action-comedy to kick off the fall. Here’s hoping it doesn’t get too bogged down...
Throw in a crazed hitman played by the always-game Jason Sudeikis, Hess’ oddball stylings, and the guaranteed constant improv from the cast, and what you get is the makings of a goofy, potentially dark action-comedy to kick off the fall. Here’s hoping it doesn’t get too bogged down...
- 7/28/2016
- by Mike Mazzanti
- The Film Stage
If you’ve ever wondered where writer-director Jared Hess came up with idea for his debut feature film, 2004’s deadpan cult comedy “Napoleon Dynamite,” Hess’s 2002 short film “Peluca” holds the answer. Hess shot the nearly nine-minute short for an assignment at Brigham Young University and premiered it the following year at the Slamdance Film Festival.
Watch: New Trailer For the Jared Hess Comedy ‘Masterminds’
Shot on black and white 16mm film, the short stars Jon Heder as “Seth,” who is Napoleon Dynamite to a T, just with a different name. Hess shot the short in his hometown of Preston, Idaho over the course of just two days, shooting at many of the same locations seen in the feature film, like the local high school and thrift store. The title “Peluca,” the spanish word for wig, refers to a wig Seth and his friends Giel and Pedro purchase in the short.
Watch: New Trailer For the Jared Hess Comedy ‘Masterminds’
Shot on black and white 16mm film, the short stars Jon Heder as “Seth,” who is Napoleon Dynamite to a T, just with a different name. Hess shot the short in his hometown of Preston, Idaho over the course of just two days, shooting at many of the same locations seen in the feature film, like the local high school and thrift store. The title “Peluca,” the spanish word for wig, refers to a wig Seth and his friends Giel and Pedro purchase in the short.
- 7/25/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Divine Access doesn’t hold any almighty answers to questions of existence, mainly because it doesn’t have to. Filmmaker Steven Chester Prince isn’t here to expose religion, but to investigate a flock’s mentality through the vision of one enlightened soul. In a very Don Verdean kind of way, this is a redemptive story about false prophets, and the power that holy command holds over people. It’s concerned with questions of how we choose to find meaning in the most simple, straight-forward acts of living that couldn’t Possibly be misconstrued (or so you’d think). You’ll laugh, cringe, and hopefully think a little bit, mostly about how living your life is a lot more important than worrying about what comes next. Praise be to – well – whoever!
Billy Burke stars as Jack Harriman, a southern slacker who spends his time wooing women through higher means of manipulation.
Billy Burke stars as Jack Harriman, a southern slacker who spends his time wooing women through higher means of manipulation.
- 5/18/2016
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
Depending on your age, the '90s programming at Nickelodeon was either a childhood staple or was part of late nights of your high school/college years. Either way, the run of shows was very strong, and in this era of maximizing IP value, it's a bit of a surprise the network hasn't done anything with them...until now... Variety reports that Nickelodeon is going to ambitiously put characters from all their '90s shows into a single movie, "NickToons," with "Napoleon Dynamite" director Jared Hess to helm the project. That's right, the worlds of "Doug," "Rugrats," "Ren & Stimpy" and "Ahh! Real Monsters" will collide (and, hopefully, "Hey Arnold!") for what's being described as a "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"-esque film. Hess is also writing the project with regular collaborator Jerusha Hess, and it's certainly an ambitious undertaking. Read More: Review: 'Don Verdean' Starring Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan,...
- 1/28/2016
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
It isn’t often we get an R-rated movie with such a high-profile cast (read: Deadpool) let alone an R-rated and hand-drawn animation featuring a host of funny and talented actors. The Adventures Of Drunky is about to fix the latter though, and it’s got a cracking cast to help Aaron Augenblick’s cheeky feature hit the ground running.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seven Psychopaths star Sam Rockwell, Steve Coogan and the award-winning Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) will lend their vocal chords to Augenblick’s riotous tale. Out of luck and out of love, it’s Rockwell’s titular barfly who finds himself caught up between God and Satan, and the two celestial beings strike a bet to push his character through heaven and hell – quite literally, in fact – to rescue the woman he holds nearest and dearest (Nina Arianda).
Like an angel one shoulder and a horned imp on the other,...
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Seven Psychopaths star Sam Rockwell, Steve Coogan and the award-winning Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) will lend their vocal chords to Augenblick’s riotous tale. Out of luck and out of love, it’s Rockwell’s titular barfly who finds himself caught up between God and Satan, and the two celestial beings strike a bet to push his character through heaven and hell – quite literally, in fact – to rescue the woman he holds nearest and dearest (Nina Arianda).
Like an angel one shoulder and a horned imp on the other,...
- 1/14/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Jared Hess is still having trouble getting out of his own shadow, but Don Verdean may just be the film that opens things up for him. After Napoleon Dynamite, many of the reviews of his films included the line, “Well, it’s no Napoleon Dynamite,” and it can be a struggle when many people fall so […]
The post New Don Verdean Clips Showcase Jared Hess Oddity appeared first on FilmReview.com.
The post New Don Verdean Clips Showcase Jared Hess Oddity appeared first on FilmReview.com.
- 12/13/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- FilmReview.com
On paper, Don Verdean seems like it might have had some satirical potential. It’s a comedy about a “Biblical archaeologist” and con-man (Sam Rockwell) who travels America’s churches marveling the faithful with his discoveries, his books, and his VHS-grade promo videos about all the cool God stuff he finds in The Holy Land. When he’s encouraged by a famous, wealthy Evangelical pastor (Danny McBride) to look for some major new artifacts, Don winds up going too far – first purporting to have found the pillar of salt that is Lot’s Wife, then the skull of Goliath – and starts doubling down on his lies. But Don’s heart, we suspect, is good. “Finding treasure in the earth is meaningless if it doesn’t help get to heaven someone that wouldn’t otherwise,” he tells his loyal assistant Carol (Amy Ryan, adorable but largely wasted), and we know he means it.
- 12/12/2015
- by Bilge Ebiri
- Vulture
How much thought do you put into your breakfast cereal? Do you pour it each morning automatically, by routine, giving little mind to what this meal may have to do with Satan? If so, Will Forte is here to help: In this exclusive clip from the new comedy Don Verdean, directed by Napoleon Dynamite helmer Jared Hess (and out today in theaters, on demand, and on iTunes), Forte plays a nutty pastor preaching to his flock about the dangers of deviant cereals like Grape Nuts. Eventually, this mendacious man of the cloth will become entangled with Sam Rockwell (playing the movie's titular biblical archaeologist), but for now, just press play and let Will Forte educate you. You'll be glad you did, and so will your morning routine.
- 12/11/2015
- by Kyle Buchanan
- Vulture
Okay film fanatics, when you hear the word archeologist, who do you immediately think of? That’s simple, you picture the rugged Harrison Ford as the dashing, whip-crackin’ Henry Jones, Junior better known as Indiana Jones, first introduced in 1981’s Raiders Of The Lost Ark (hmm, that itself may be an ancient artifact). First and foremost he’s a dashing action hero, but he’s also a man of ethics and morals, stated in his catchphrase “It belongs in a museum!”, along with his other sayings “Snakes. I hate ’em!” and “It’s not the years, it’s the mileage”. So are all seekers of the past, so noble? Well, the title character of the new film from the makers of Napoleon Dynamite certainly doesn’t follow in the well-worn boots of ole’ Indy. He’s got few qualms about fudging the facts and digging where he’s not permitted.
- 12/11/2015
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Sam Rockwell cuts a great figure as a con man. Based on performances in “Matchstick Men,” “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind,” and even “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” Rockwell appears able to slip into a particular zone of earnest dishonesty without any real effort at all. (Not drawing any conclusions about the man here; that’s talent.) Even when he’s working in a minor mode, as in “Don Verdean,” that talent is enough to command some attention. Rockwell plays this film’s title character, a “Biblical archeologist” whose work is more than a bit suspect. He’s made a living by unearthing Biblical artifacts, to the delight of the faithful. But is he for real? Around this figure, writer/director Jared Hess (“Napoleon Dynamite”) builds a comic diversion pitched somewhere between soft satire and madcap adventure. Don is on the decline, but he’s recruited by Tony Lazarus...
- 12/10/2015
- by Russ Fischer
- The Playlist
Going Clear: Hess’ Uncomfortable Religious Comedy Defuses Subversive Potential
Religion and comedy don’t make for comfortable bedfellows, at least not for films attempting to play it safe by simultaneously poking fun at blind belief while expecting us to empathize with an inability to question basic tenets of any particular religious belief system. This is exactly the tone director Jared Hess strikes with his new comedy Don Verdean, a film about a well-meaning religious charlatan preying on the superstitious beliefs of Christians devoted to finding archaeological relics supposedly proving various mythological instances from the Bible. Rather than castigate his characters, we’re meant to laugh at their desperate antics in a sort of moral fable whose agenda is made palatable by its notable cast members allowing for a work around from falling into a religious niche market.
A decade ago, biblical archaeologist Don Verdean (Sam Rockwell) discovered an artifact in...
Religion and comedy don’t make for comfortable bedfellows, at least not for films attempting to play it safe by simultaneously poking fun at blind belief while expecting us to empathize with an inability to question basic tenets of any particular religious belief system. This is exactly the tone director Jared Hess strikes with his new comedy Don Verdean, a film about a well-meaning religious charlatan preying on the superstitious beliefs of Christians devoted to finding archaeological relics supposedly proving various mythological instances from the Bible. Rather than castigate his characters, we’re meant to laugh at their desperate antics in a sort of moral fable whose agenda is made palatable by its notable cast members allowing for a work around from falling into a religious niche market.
A decade ago, biblical archaeologist Don Verdean (Sam Rockwell) discovered an artifact in...
- 12/10/2015
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
A mediocre comedy sketch is stretched over 90 minutes in this starry flop conclusively proving Napoleon Dynamite was a blip in the career of Jared Hess
A typical Saturday Night Live sketch lasts about five minutes. That’s just enough time to get in your premise, your broadly drawn characters, their funny hair and clothing, a few quality zings and – if we’re being honest – a moment or two of awkward miscalculations. Jared Hess, the director of the unexpected indie success Napoleon Dynamite and, more recently, the wretched Gentlemen Broncos, seems to think he has the goods to break this rule. Comedy is, of course, subjective, but atrocious storytelling is undeniable. This (alleged) satire of a Bible-belt huckster getting in-too-deep with a pair of rival churches is idiotic and unfocused, and sitting through its tedium is a sufferance more befitting of Job. I’d call it offensive to religious people, but...
A typical Saturday Night Live sketch lasts about five minutes. That’s just enough time to get in your premise, your broadly drawn characters, their funny hair and clothing, a few quality zings and – if we’re being honest – a moment or two of awkward miscalculations. Jared Hess, the director of the unexpected indie success Napoleon Dynamite and, more recently, the wretched Gentlemen Broncos, seems to think he has the goods to break this rule. Comedy is, of course, subjective, but atrocious storytelling is undeniable. This (alleged) satire of a Bible-belt huckster getting in-too-deep with a pair of rival churches is idiotic and unfocused, and sitting through its tedium is a sufferance more befitting of Job. I’d call it offensive to religious people, but...
- 12/10/2015
- by Jordan Hoffman
- The Guardian - Film News
Movie: Don Verdean Director: Jared Hess (‘Napoleon Dynamite,’ ‘Nacho Libre’) Starring: Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Will Forte and Danny McBride People tend to take extreme measures to cover their failures from the public they so desperately wish to be admired by, particularly their followers who were once so dedicated to their work and contributions to society. But sometimes those excessive actions they take wind up garnering even more attention than their original work, and can ultimately tarnish the acclaim they previously achieved. That motivation to reclaim your former glory in your professional career with a seemingly captivating new project, only to disappointingly fail because of your [ Read More ]
The post Don Verdean Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Don Verdean Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 12/9/2015
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Religious themes will always spark controversy, but it’s never Jared or Jerusha Hess’ intention to lace Don Verdean with stinging societal commentary. Satire certainly exists, but in a more goofy, overexposed kind of way that makes light of men who build congregations around insane epiphanies and phony beliefs. The Hess’ don’t seek controversy, as Don Verdean exists in their silly realm of quirky character pieces like Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Gentleman Broncos - but this is certainly their most grounded effort to-date. This isn’t a case of Team Hess jumping ship, just an attempt at more straight-laced comedy and almighty exploitation. No flying spaghetti monsters, I promise!
Sam Rockwell plays a biblical artifact hunter named Don Verdean, who spreads the Lord’s word by proving scripture passages with evidence. Aided by his research assistant Carol Jensen (Amy Ryan), Don spends his days trying to prevent already...
Sam Rockwell plays a biblical artifact hunter named Don Verdean, who spreads the Lord’s word by proving scripture passages with evidence. Aided by his research assistant Carol Jensen (Amy Ryan), Don spends his days trying to prevent already...
- 12/9/2015
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
This was originally reviewed as part of our Sundance 2015 coverage. Plot: Don Verdean (Sam Rockwell) is a self-described “biblical archaeologist” whose findings are often met with disbelief and derision. Now eking out a living on the church lecture tour, Don gets his big break when a pastor (Danny McBride) offers to finance his digs in the Holy Land, provided he bring something back that will bring... Read More...
- 12/9/2015
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
This week’s episode of our podcast We Are Movie Geeks The Show is up! Hear Wamg’s Michelle McCue, Jim Batts and Tom Stockman discuss the weekend box office. We’ll review The Heist, Don Verdean, The Danish Girl, Chi-raq, Krampus, and MacBeth. We’ll preview The Revenant, Concussion, In The Heart Of The Sea, and the new Chipmunks movie. We’ll talk about some older movies playing in St. Louis this week and talk about the film critics awards that are rolling in. We Are Movie Geeks The Show is a weekly podcast and can be heard streaming at ONStl.com Online Radio.
Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:
http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/Wamg-12-7-54.mp3
The post This Week’s Wamg Podcast – Chi-raq, Krampus, MacBeth and More! appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
Here’s this week’s show. Have a listen:
http://www.wearemoviegeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/Wamg-12-7-54.mp3
The post This Week’s Wamg Podcast – Chi-raq, Krampus, MacBeth and More! appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
- 12/7/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It's been six years since Jared Hess' last film "Gentlemen Broncos," but the offbeat director of "Nacho Libre" and "Napoleon Dynamite" is back with his predictably absurd and surprisingly star-studded "Don Verdean." Read More: Why Jemaine Clement, Unlikely Romantic Hero of 'People Places Things,' Wasn't Sure What Kind of Film They Were Making Starring Jemaine Clement, Will Forte, Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan and Danny McBride, "Don Verdean" follows the titular character (Rockwell), a biblical archaeologist in search of holy artifacts in a sacred land. When Verdean comes up short, he is forced to cover up his shortcomings with a plot that eventually leads to a comic conspiracy of epic proportions. To catch a peek at the film before it opens in theaters and On Demand December 11, check out the exclusive stills below. Read More: Danny McBride Returning to HBO in 'Vice Principals' From 'Eastbound and Down' Production.
- 11/19/2015
- by Aubrey Page
- Indiewire
Today we have the trailer for the upcoming "Don Verdean" comedy, starring Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, with Will Forte, and Danny McBride. Check it out below. Plot: Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy. The new movie is directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre) and is set to hit select theaters on December 11th. Trailer:...
- 10/30/2015
- WorstPreviews.com
Jared Hess is in a strange class as a director, and if something doesn’t shift soon, he’s never going to manage a poster that doesn’t say, “From the director of Napoleon Dynamite.” Don Verdean just might be that shift. Hess has had some serious gaps between films, and his post-Dynamite work only includes Nacho Libre, […]
The post Sam Rockwell Aims To Bamboozle Religious History In ‘Don Verdean’ Trailer appeared first on FilmReview.com.
The post Sam Rockwell Aims To Bamboozle Religious History In ‘Don Verdean’ Trailer appeared first on FilmReview.com.
- 10/29/2015
- by Marc Eastman
- FilmReview.com
If Indiana Jones were living today -- and living at all, to begin with -- would he be battling evangelical ministers in pursuit of religious artifacts? Or maybe he would be working for one, like Don Verdean, an archeologist specializing in the Bible in the new comedy from the husband/wife team of Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess (Napoleon Dynamite). Sam Rockwell stars as the title character in the movie, somewhat unrecognizable (supposedly people on the set didn't know it was him) underneath a dirty blonde wig and beard. Joining Rockwell is a terrific ensemble of comedic actors. There's Oscar-nominated actress Amy Ryan as Verdean's assistant, Jemaine Clement as his Israeli friend and guide, Danny McBride as the pastor he works for, Leslie Bibb as the pastor's...
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- 10/28/2015
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
Napoleon Dynamite helmer Jared Hess returns to screens December 11th with his latest slice of oddity. Sam Rockwell stars as as the titular Don Verdean, a Biblical archaeologist hired by a small town church to bring ancient artefacts from the Middle East back to the Us to restore the church to relevance. This goes every bit as strangely as you'd expect in a Jared Hess film.Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Stephen Park, Will Forte, and Danny McBride also star in this one and while mileage certainly varies for people where Hess is concerned I've always loved the guy and the freshly released trailer made me laugh out loud more than once. Check it out below....
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 10/28/2015
- Screen Anarchy
Among other things Sam Rockwell is looking for the Holy Grail of artifacts, the Holy Grail, in the trailer for the new comedy Don Verdean. Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels […]
Read Sam Rockwell is Looking for the Holy Grail in Don Verdean on Filmonic.
Read Sam Rockwell is Looking for the Holy Grail in Don Verdean on Filmonic.
- 10/28/2015
- by Alex
- Filmonic.com
Sam Rockwell and Danny McBride are on a mission from God in the riotous first trailer for Don Verdean, the all-new comedy coming by way of Napoleon Dynamite duo Jared and Jerusha Hess.
Toplining the flick as Biblical archaeologist Don, Rockwell is channeling a comedic energy not unlike his turn in Seven Psychopaths as the naive and dim-witted explorer, who is tasked with unearthing the fabled and forgotten skull of Goliath from the sun-kissed hills of Israel. All of this is in an effort to reap the benefits of stumbling upon such a discovery, but when Don fails to locate the asset, he finds himself spinning an old yarn in order to cover both himself and his bumbling number two Boaz (Jermaine Clement) from the wrath of McBride’s character.
As Rockwell’s character so gleefully puts: “untruths are necessary for the greater good,” and that ought to give you...
Toplining the flick as Biblical archaeologist Don, Rockwell is channeling a comedic energy not unlike his turn in Seven Psychopaths as the naive and dim-witted explorer, who is tasked with unearthing the fabled and forgotten skull of Goliath from the sun-kissed hills of Israel. All of this is in an effort to reap the benefits of stumbling upon such a discovery, but when Don fails to locate the asset, he finds himself spinning an old yarn in order to cover both himself and his bumbling number two Boaz (Jermaine Clement) from the wrath of McBride’s character.
As Rockwell’s character so gleefully puts: “untruths are necessary for the greater good,” and that ought to give you...
- 10/28/2015
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Despite making a big splash with his 2004 feature debut Napoleon Dynamite, filmmaker Jared Hess has not been seen on the big screen since 2009’s Gentlemen Broncos, with his only other work in the meantime being the animated Napoleon Dynamite animated series. Hess is set to return to theatres later this year, however, with a new film, his first in six years.
Titled Don Verdean, the film is directed by Hess and co-written by Jared and Jerusha Hess, both of whom have worked together on the screenplay for all the films Jared Hess has directed. Sam Rockwell leads the cast this time around, joined by Jermaine Clement, Will Forte, Danny McBride, and Amy Ryan. The film’s synopsis is as follows.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels...
Titled Don Verdean, the film is directed by Hess and co-written by Jared and Jerusha Hess, both of whom have worked together on the screenplay for all the films Jared Hess has directed. Sam Rockwell leads the cast this time around, joined by Jermaine Clement, Will Forte, Danny McBride, and Amy Ryan. The film’s synopsis is as follows.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels...
- 10/28/2015
- by Deepayan Sengupta
- SoundOnSight
With his Masterminds currently in release limbo due to the bankruptcy at Relativity, the next film we'll see from Napoleaon Dynamite director Jared Hess will be Don Verdean. Sam Rockwell, Danny McBride, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement and Will Forte star, and the first trailer has just arrived.As you'll have gathered from that, the film sees Rockwell's Biblical archaeologist Don and his sidekick Boaz (Clement) hired by McBride to find the skull of Goliath in Israel. But when Don comes up short, his failure fuels a farcical conspiracy. Sometimes "untruths are necessary for the greater good".Don Verdean premiered at Sundance at the start of this year, and gets a lmited Us theatrical release and an online rollout courtesy of Lionsgate on December 11. There's no UK release date so far.
- 10/28/2015
- EmpireOnline
Bear witness to a hoax of biblical proportions in the funny new trailer from Lionsgate Premiere’s Don Verdean.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy.
Join Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Will Forte and Danny McBride in this hilarious satire from the director of Napoleon Dynamite & Nacho Libre (Jared Hess), arriving in theaters and on demand December 11.
Check out the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonVerdean
Twitter: twitter.com/lgpremiere #DonVerdean
The post Sam Rockwell, Will Forte And Danny McBride Keep The Faith In New Don Verdean Trailer appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy.
Join Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Will Forte and Danny McBride in this hilarious satire from the director of Napoleon Dynamite & Nacho Libre (Jared Hess), arriving in theaters and on demand December 11.
Check out the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonVerdean
Twitter: twitter.com/lgpremiere #DonVerdean
The post Sam Rockwell, Will Forte And Danny McBride Keep The Faith In New Don Verdean Trailer appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
- 10/28/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
This just in: The Holy Grail of biblical archaeology is the Holy Grail. Now get ready for a hoax of biblical proportions. Here’s the first trailer for Don Verdean, the latest romp from the team behind Napoleon Dynamite. The title character (Sam Rockwell) is an archaeologist renowned for discovering artifacts tied to the Bible. He hooks up with small-town pastor Tony Lazarus (Danny McBride) who funds his trip to Israel in search of Good Book-related relics to bring home…...
- 10/27/2015
- Deadline
Jared Hess introduced the world to “Napoleon Dynamite” over a decade ago. Now he returns with “Don Verdean," his first film in six years. Sticking with Hess's tradition of absurd and offbeat comedy, this film features his most star-studded cast to date. Sam Rockwell stars as Don Verdean, a biblical archaeologist in search of hidden treasures in the Holy Land. Failing to find the artifacts an American pastor hired him to find, the two are forced to cover up a hoax that’s gaining more attention than they can handle. The film also stars Amy Ryan, Danny McBride and Will Forte. Lionsgate Premiere will release "Don Verdean" in theaters and on demand December 11. Watch the trailer above. Read More: The Indiewire 2015 Fall Preview: The 28 Films We're Most Excited to See (That We Haven't Seen Yet)...
- 10/27/2015
- by Jeremy Berkowitz
- Indiewire
Don Verdean is a film that comes to us from Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess, and it looks like it will deliver some hilarious comedy. We have a trailer and clip for the film for you to watch today. The story centers on Sam Rockwell, who plays a Biblical archaeologist. When he sets out on his latest adventure, he finds himself caught in a feud between two rival congregations led by Danny McBride and Will Forte.
The movie has a fun cast that also includes Jemaine Clement as Rockwell's Holy Land associate, Amy Ryan as his assistant Carol, and Leslie Bibb as McBride’s wife. The film screened at Sundance earlier this year, and you can read our review for it here. In that review, Eli says:
"Hess dials back the zaniness in Don Verdean without losing his signature touches and provides a better stage for Rockwell and Clement, who...
The movie has a fun cast that also includes Jemaine Clement as Rockwell's Holy Land associate, Amy Ryan as his assistant Carol, and Leslie Bibb as McBride’s wife. The film screened at Sundance earlier this year, and you can read our review for it here. In that review, Eli says:
"Hess dials back the zaniness in Don Verdean without losing his signature touches and provides a better stage for Rockwell and Clement, who...
- 10/27/2015
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
While we wait to see what Disney does with its never-gonna-get-recast icon Indiana Jones, Napoleon Dynamite duo Jared and Jerusha Hess have mounted their own search for the Holy Grail. Don Verdean stars Sam Rockwell as a Biblical archaeologist who gets caught in the rivalry between two congregations led by Danny McBride and Will Forte. Needless to say, this is a much sillier quest than the one […]
The post ‘Don Verdean’ Trailer: The ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Duo Sends Sam Rockwell in Search of Religious Artifacts appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Don Verdean’ Trailer: The ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Duo Sends Sam Rockwell in Search of Religious Artifacts appeared first on /Film.
- 10/27/2015
- by Angie Han
- Slash Film
"Congratulations, your ministry is almost relevant again." Lionsgate has unveiled the first official trailer for Jared Hess new comedy Don Verdean, which premiered at Sundance this year and is about a Biblical archaeologist who digs his way into fraudulent trouble. Sam Rockwell stars as the titular character Don Verdean, also featuring Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement as an Israeli named Boaz, Danny McBride, Will Forte and Leslie Bibb. This is a very kooky, wacky, funky, fun comedy that smears religion and how easy it is to fall for the dream of getting rich. The trailer provides a solid intro to the story and gives a good look at what goes down, so have at it. The film premiered at Sundance, where I gave it a lukewarm review. Enjoy! Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Jared Hess' Don Verdean, direct from Fandango's YouTube: Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to...
- 10/27/2015
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Even though his comedy Masterminds was delayed due to Relativity Media’s bankruptcy struggles, we’ll still see a new film from Napoleon Dynamite director Jared Hess this year. After premiering at Sundance, Don Verdean, which boasts the great cast of Sam Rockwell, Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Danny McBride, and Will Forte, will open in December and the first trailer has landed today.
We said in our review, “Halfway through the film the script begins to go through the motions. Once Verdean makes a surprising decision, the rest of it is followed by an expected narrative. A comedy should be surprising, which, after the first act, Don Verdean is not. While Hess hasn’t made a good films in years, he’s not without his talent. There are some nice visual gags in the movie, especially a locked-off shot of Boaz dancing. This is unquestionably superior to Gentleman Broncos, and...
We said in our review, “Halfway through the film the script begins to go through the motions. Once Verdean makes a surprising decision, the rest of it is followed by an expected narrative. A comedy should be surprising, which, after the first act, Don Verdean is not. While Hess hasn’t made a good films in years, he’s not without his talent. There are some nice visual gags in the movie, especially a locked-off shot of Boaz dancing. This is unquestionably superior to Gentleman Broncos, and...
- 10/27/2015
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
What's a little white lie when the salvation of thousands of souls are at stake? Well, that's exactly how self-proclaimed Biblical archeologist Don Verdean and Tony Lazarus, an ambitious small-town pastor looking to put his church on the map, rationalize things as they embark on an attempt to cover up a failed plan. Watch this Fandango Movieclips exclusive trailer for Don Verdean, a comedy of biblical proportions directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre)...
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- 10/27/2015
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
Join Sam Rockwell on his journey of holy discovery with the new poster from Lionsgate Premiere’s Don Verdean.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy from the filmmaking team (Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess) behind Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.
Rockwell along with Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Stephen Park, Will Forte and Danny McBride star in this hilarious satire of biblical proportions, arriving in theaters and on demand December 11.
Catch the official trailer debut next week on October 27 at 10am Pt // 1pm Et on Fandango.
Check out the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonVerdean
Twitter: twitter.com/lgpremiere #DonVerdean
The post New Poster From Sam Rockwell’s Don Verdean appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
Hired by an ambitious small-town pastor to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy from the filmmaking team (Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess) behind Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.
Rockwell along with Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Bibb, Stephen Park, Will Forte and Danny McBride star in this hilarious satire of biblical proportions, arriving in theaters and on demand December 11.
Catch the official trailer debut next week on October 27 at 10am Pt // 1pm Et on Fandango.
Check out the film on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonVerdean
Twitter: twitter.com/lgpremiere #DonVerdean
The post New Poster From Sam Rockwell’s Don Verdean appeared first on We Are Movie Geeks.
- 10/22/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
"How hard can it be - you load up a truck, and drive away." Relativity has debuted a second, full-length trailer for Masterminds, the crazy hilarious heist comedy coming out later this summer from filmmaker Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos, Don Verdean). Zach Galifianakis & Kristen Wiig star as a couple who plan a heist that goes right, and they end up with $17 million with their friends Owen Wilson, Ken Marino and Devin Ratray. But once they get the money, that's when things start to fall apart. Jason Sudeikis and Kate McKinnon also star. This does look very funny, I can't deny that. I just might have to go see it after all. Owen Wilson looks like he's having fun. Plus - explosions galore. Here's the second official trailer for Jared Hess' Masterminds, originally from Yahoo: Masterminds is directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Gentlemen Broncos, Nacho Libre...
- 6/23/2015
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Real talk (and apologies in advance): If you count “Napoleon Dynamite” as a good film (and man, that film has not aged well), then how many other good movies has Jared Hess made? For me, there's only one: the underrated “Nacho Libre,” which features a good half score by Beck (the remainder was rejected by Paramount). Hess gets points for oddball originality (“Gentlemen Broncos”), yet I was a bit puzzled when I heard Hess was up for the “Spider-Man” gig, especially after “Don Verdean” largely fell flat earlier this year at Sundance. Read More: 'Nacho Libre' Duo Jack Black And Jared Hess Reteam For 'Micronations' So Hess’ upcoming action comedy “Masterminds” boasts the biggest cast of his career —including Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis— but it looks about as comedically relevant as any of the recent Farrelly brothers films. Which is to say: not at all.
- 6/23/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
The next project from director Jared Hess, who previously gave us Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos and Don Verdean (at Sundance 2015), has been revealed. Hess is confirmed to direct Micronations. The Buffalo Film Company has announced details about the new film, which will star Jack Black as a loveable oddball who finds a place to belong among the bizarre and ridiculous world of "do-it-yourself countries" - made up of various eccentrics and visionaries who have declared their own backyards sovereign nations... or "micronations." After taking on religious antics with Don Verdean, this sounds like the perfect topic for Hess & Black to tackle next. And should fit right in with today's crazy political culture. "Once I learned that there were people within the United States who have created their very own countries, I knew I had to make a movie about them," says director Jared Hess. "Jack and I have...
- 5/18/2015
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
I'm gonna make a bold statement: not only is "Nacho Libre" absolutely hilarious and surprisingly moving, but it's better than "Napoleon Dynamite." Take me to task in the comments section if you want, but I'll stick to my guns. Consequently, I'm hopeful for a reunion between the film's star and director. Variety reports that Jack Black and Jared Hess will reteam for "Micronations." Robert Snow and Christian Magalhaes ("New Girl") have penned the script for a film which finds one man defending his Diy "country" Valoria (total population: 12) against Wayne County, Nevada. Apparently, this assortment of self-declared and super tiny nations within the United States is a real thing, and I have to say it's a pretty inspired setting for a comedy, and Paramount seems to think so, as the studio is backing the movie. Yet Hess has hit a slight skid recently. "Gentleman Broncos" flopped, "Don Verdean" didn't get.
- 5/18/2015
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Top brass have launched Lionsgate Premiere, a multi-platform channel of up to 15 Lionsgate and Summit films a year that kicks off in autumn with Chinese epic Dragon Blade followed by zom-com Cooties.
Lionsgate svp of marketing and research Jean McDowell will head marketing for the new label under the supervision of Lionsgate Cmo Tim Palen.
Adam Sorensen, currently manager of Western sales at Lionsgate, will oversee distribution operations.
A press release said Lionsgate Premiere would extend the reach of the parent company’s Motion Picture Group to new audiences and platforms.
Titles will go out theatrically as well as on a “broad spectrum of digital platforms.”
Dragon Blade has grossed more than $100m in China and stars Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and John Cusack.
Cooties stars Rainn Wilson and Elijah Wood and is based on a screenplay by Saw franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. Lionsgate acquired the zom-com following its world premiere at Sundance 2014.
Other Lionsgate Premiere titles...
Lionsgate svp of marketing and research Jean McDowell will head marketing for the new label under the supervision of Lionsgate Cmo Tim Palen.
Adam Sorensen, currently manager of Western sales at Lionsgate, will oversee distribution operations.
A press release said Lionsgate Premiere would extend the reach of the parent company’s Motion Picture Group to new audiences and platforms.
Titles will go out theatrically as well as on a “broad spectrum of digital platforms.”
Dragon Blade has grossed more than $100m in China and stars Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and John Cusack.
Cooties stars Rainn Wilson and Elijah Wood and is based on a screenplay by Saw franchise co-creator Leigh Whannell. Lionsgate acquired the zom-com following its world premiere at Sundance 2014.
Other Lionsgate Premiere titles...
- 4/1/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Even though Jared Hess hasn’t made a movie in six years since 2009’s Gentleman Broncos, there’s still a small group of Napoleon Dynamite acolytes who love the indie director’s deadpan screwball comedy. And I can’t think of another comic more suited for that brand of comedy than Zach Galifianakis.
In Hess’s latest film Masterminds, Galifianakis is an armored car driver who manages to drive off with $17 million in cash, only to lose it to a pair of reckless, double-crossing criminals on a wild spending spree, forcing him to go on the run as well. Here’s the full synopsis, via Collider:
In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and...
In Hess’s latest film Masterminds, Galifianakis is an armored car driver who manages to drive off with $17 million in cash, only to lose it to a pair of reckless, double-crossing criminals on a wild spending spree, forcing him to go on the run as well. Here’s the full synopsis, via Collider:
In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams. He is an uncomplicated man stuck in a monotonous life. Day in and...
- 3/31/2015
- by Brian Welk
- SoundOnSight
Do you want to see an action comedy about four dim-witted Southerners who pulled off one of the biggest heists in American history, robbing almost $20 million from a Loomis Fargo armored truck? “Napoleon Dynamite” director Jared Hess has the movie for you. It’s called “Masterminds” (formerly known as “Loomis Fargo” a few years ago) and stars a heavyweight comedy cast of Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig and Jason Sudeikis as the aforementioned knuckleheads who pull off a crazy theft. Could we see two films from Hess in 2015? Lionsgate acquired his most recent film, “Don Verdean,” at Sundance earlier this year, but they could hold it for an entire year as Lionsgate is wont to do these days. Here’s the official synopsis: In this action comedy based on true events, directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite; Nacho Libre), David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis) discovers the true meaning of adventure far beyond his wildest dreams.
- 3/31/2015
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
"When you're on the farm, you've got to have the Shaun The Sheep Theme – otherwise that would be like having James Bond without the James Bond theme." Photo: Studiocanal
Shaun The Sheep breaks out of his pen and into UK cinemas this week, after Aardman Animations' latest film had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. In Utah, I caught up with British composer Ilan Eshkeri – whose other recent projects include Jared Hess's Don Verdean, Submarine thriller Black Sea and Still Alice - to talk about what Shaun has in common with James Bond and his approach to scoring.
Music is particularly important in the Shaun The Sheep The Movie because there is no dialogue, with the humour stemming from visual gags and the score.
"Undoubtedly the music plays a much more vital role," says Eshkeri. "It was a massive learning experience because working on this kind of...
Shaun The Sheep breaks out of his pen and into UK cinemas this week, after Aardman Animations' latest film had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. In Utah, I caught up with British composer Ilan Eshkeri – whose other recent projects include Jared Hess's Don Verdean, Submarine thriller Black Sea and Still Alice - to talk about what Shaun has in common with James Bond and his approach to scoring.
Music is particularly important in the Shaun The Sheep The Movie because there is no dialogue, with the humour stemming from visual gags and the score.
"Undoubtedly the music plays a much more vital role," says Eshkeri. "It was a massive learning experience because working on this kind of...
- 2/5/2015
- by Amber Wilkinson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Sam Rockwell and Jermaine Clement in Don Verdean
Don Verdean
Directed by Jared Hess
Written by Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess
USA, 2015
The wife and husband duo behind Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Gentlemen Broncos gives us Don Verdean, a relatively tame exploration into the antics of biblical archaeology. The subject matter is rife with comedic possibilities but the film doesn’t go big enough with its shenanigans to see us through to being truly entertained. There are sporadic moments of inspiration, but they are too few and far in between to save it from itself. Not much is skewered about religion, instead broadly-drawn zealots populate the plot who desperately want to believe that discoveries abound which could validate biblical stories. The religious extremism doesn’t go far enough, as if it’s afraid of offending its audience. It seems satisfied to keep it mild and barely tongue-in-cheek. A rocking...
Don Verdean
Directed by Jared Hess
Written by Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess
USA, 2015
The wife and husband duo behind Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, and Gentlemen Broncos gives us Don Verdean, a relatively tame exploration into the antics of biblical archaeology. The subject matter is rife with comedic possibilities but the film doesn’t go big enough with its shenanigans to see us through to being truly entertained. There are sporadic moments of inspiration, but they are too few and far in between to save it from itself. Not much is skewered about religion, instead broadly-drawn zealots populate the plot who desperately want to believe that discoveries abound which could validate biblical stories. The religious extremism doesn’t go far enough, as if it’s afraid of offending its audience. It seems satisfied to keep it mild and barely tongue-in-cheek. A rocking...
- 2/5/2015
- by Lane Scarberry
- SoundOnSight
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