On Demand Weekly

                                                                                                                                                              Variety (9/14/10)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: HIGH LANE, premiering today and simultaneously at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX.
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What begins as a surprisingly intense physiological analysis of translating real fear on screen, divulges into little more than your typical cannibalistic forest dweller attacking innocent young hikers in HIGH LANE. This French thriller directed by Abel Ferry, centers around a group of extreme mountain climbers who find themselves trapped on a forlorn peak- where the only way off appears to be death.

For those readers fearful of heights, stay away from the first 30 minutes of the film as the high octane climbing scenes, filmed with extreme clarity (climaxing as the repel lines break), provoke even the most iron of stomachs into a fit of nausea. Complete with incoherent flashbacks of a deranged hospital stay that is never fully explained, the beginning of the movie succeeds by instilling real fear in viewers.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: PRIMAL, one of four films premiering today and simultaneously at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX.
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The Australian wilderness provides an expansive backdrop for this gory but simplistic horror film. In PRIMAL, a group of young men and women embark on a camping expedition in search of ancient Aborginal paintings. Although these cave etchings are rumored to possess supernatural powers, the group fearlessly approaches the site to take pictures.

When one of their crew suddenly falls ill, it is quickly apparent that she is not just suffering from any ordinary virus. As the attractive blonde morphs into a pointy-toothed cannibal with no cognizance of her formal self, she begins savagely attacking her friends. While the campers debate whether or not to kill their possessed friend, she goes on a tyrannical rampage, mauling every creature of the Outback in sight.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: I'M STILL HERE.
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Reality TV has been with us for a long time, and will likely be around for the duration. Audiences like it and it’s relatively cheap to make. So why not make a reality movie?

Apparently, Casey Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix are so impressed by the Kim Kardashians and Snookis of the world that they decided to squander their talent and make I’M STILL HERE. The film, we are supposed to believe, documents Mr. Phoenix’s retirement from acting and failed attempt at a hip hop career.

Casey Affleck (Magnolia)

When I invited my friend Dan to join me for the I’M STILL HERE screening he begged off by asking, “Why would I go see a movie about a movie actor who’s acting like he doesn’t want to act any more?” (This from a man who thinks JACKASS 2 is great classic cinema.) Well Dan, I can’t answer that question, even after seeing the movie and even after seeing Joaquin Phoenix on “Late Show with David Letterman” Wednesday  night.

On Demand Weekly's VOD Spotlight highlights stories in the On Demand industry. Adam Schartoff interviews actor Manish Dayal from the exciting new series"Rubicon" on AMC. Adam spoke to Manish about getting started, the impact of Video On Demand (VOD) on TV and "Rubicon." 
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On Demand Weekly: Is “Rubicon” your first series?
Manish Dayal: In a recurring role, yes.

ODW: How many episodes have you appeared in?
MD: I have been in 3.

ODW: Will you be in further episodes?
MD: Yes. I’m in Season 2. PI hope that we get picked up. I think we will. I think we have a good shot. The show’s been doing really well. I haven’t seen anything recently but the last few episodes have been real exciting. It’s the first time I’ve been in a tv show where I can’t wait until the next week.

ODW: It’s a fun show. The writing is really good. It’s taught. Does it follow or preceded "Mad Men"?
MD: It precedes "Mad Men."

ODW: So, they’re riding your coat tails, I guess you could say.
MD: That’s right. We’re their lead in.

Manish Dayal / Rubicon (AMC)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: Direct from the Sundance Film Festival - UNCLE KENT On Demand (Sundance Selects).

Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

UNCLE KENT (Sundance Selects)

Kent has become skeptical about getting married; he’s reconciled being single. Sex, for instance, is generally handled autonomously. As he says to his pal Kev (Kevin Bewersdorf), “I can sit on the couch until I’m hungry and then eat whatever I want.”  Despite his protests, its clear that he still yearns for emotional connection. Hence, inviting Kate for a weekend visit.  Kate, as played by newcomer Jennifer Prediger, is a woman Kent recently met on Chatroulette, an online video chat service. She flies in from New York City on the premise of business –she’s an environmental journalist -  but also ostensibly to figure out how she feels about Kent, not to mention the boyfriend she left at home.  

In order to keep himself emotionally in check, Kent hides behind his video camera through much of their weekend. Otherwise they tiptoe around each other barely recognizing the obvious attraction they share for each other. Instead they behave almost adolescently sharing explicit and intimate details of each other’s past and current sex lives. This titillating process eventually leads them to meeting up with a young woman named ---- whom they meet on Craiglist and whom they end up taking home for a threesome. 

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Joe Swanberg's UNCLE KENT is available now. Check out our review HERE and the trailer below.

UNCLE KENT is Available under Sundance Film Festival via Sundance Selects On Demand Until 2/28/11
Running Time 72 Minutes / TV MA

Direct from the Sundance Film Festival
Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

Other Reviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Michael Tully's SEPTIEN premieres Monday (1/24). Look for our review tomorrow. Check out the trailer in the meantime below.

SEPTIEN is Available under Sundance Film Festival via Sundance Selects On Demand Until 2/28/11
Running Time 79 Minutes / TV MA

Direct from the Sundance Film Festival
Learn about all five films available simultaneously from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and On Demand here.

Other Reviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

UNCLE KENT

There are five films premiering Direct from the Sundance Film Festival and On Demand simultaneously. Learn about all five Movies On Demand from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival here.

Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton’s THESE AMAZING SHADOWS is available now. Check out the trailer below.

Reviews and Interviews of Direct from the Sundance Film Festival films...

SEPTIEN

UNCLE KENT

VOD SPOTLIGHT On Independent Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Of UNCLE KENT

Who Isn't Tempted To Check Out This Cast Of PEEP WORLD: Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Ben Schwartz, Judy Greer, Kate Mara, Taraji Henson, Lesley Ann Warren and Ron Rifkin?

See the IFC Films trailer below...

IFC Films released the official poster to Rainn Wilson's upcoming film SUPER. Wilson is a a DIY superhero called Crimson Bolt, along with his sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page).  Also starring Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.

Look for the film on April 1, 2011. We're not kidding. Check out a clip...

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: THE MAN FROM NOWHERE (Gravitas On Demand).

THE MAN FROM NOWHERE - Now Here On Demand
By Chris Claro

THE MAN FROM NOWHERE (Gravitas)

When Hollywood is looking for its next beefcake to fill a super-hero role, Rainn Wilson ("The Office's" Dwight) probably doesn't come to mind. Until now!

Check out the Crimson Bolt, along with his sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page), in the new trailer for SUPER. Shut up crime!

Dwight would be so proud! 

Available On Demand April 13 (and in theaters April 1). Also starring Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: WRECKED (Phase 4 Films).

Adrian Brody / WRECKED (IFC Films)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: CHOOSE (IFC Midnight), below the interview.

Editor's Note: On Demand Weekly interviewed CHOOSE producer Allen Bain about the film and distriubting it on VOD.

ON DEMAND WEEKLY: You’ve been a part of many films [including MANITO, XX/XY, CAMP]. What prompted you to produce a horror film?

ALLEN BAIN: I've been a  horror fan since I first saw HALLOWEEN as a pre-teen. I believe that horror is a great medium to explore serious social issues while keeping the audience entertained (and scared). CHOOSE is really a movie that poses the question of  nature vs nurture if you think about it. 

 

CHOOSE (IFC Midnight)

 

ODW: How are you promoting CHOOSE to the at home, Video On Demand [VOD] audience?

AB: The fun thing about CHOOSE is that it's not over when the end credits roll.  The movie will keep you asking yourself what choice would I make when presented the impossible choice. It's a game we all play in our daily routine.  We are promoting the film and the concept together.

 

ODW: What is the advantage of watching films at home on VOD?

AB: I've been producing films for over a decade and when I started people had these giant, heavy TV's with small screens. Now most people have big, sleek, HD flat screens, and home stereo systems.

 

Hollywood is constantly trying to one-up itself in regards to spectacle so that it can get seats filled in the local theaters. Everyone seems upset that the DVD market is dying, let it die and let's move on. VOD is the ultimate form of instant gratification. The quality is close to what you get in a theater, the price is reasonable and the convenience is unbeatable.

It's Time To CHOOSE
By Lorisa Bates

CHOOSE (IFC Midnight)

On Demand Weekly presents SoundWatch, a new weekly column on the latest in music entertainment available on demand, one of the most popular VOD categories.

What's Hot Now On Music Choice On Demand - Top 10 Music Videos (week ending 3/6/11)

Source: Music Choice*

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS PREMIERING THIS WEEK...

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: THIS MOVIE IS BROKEN (FilmBuff).

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: THEY’RE OUT OF THE BUSINESS (IFC Films).

THEY’RE OUT OF THE BUSINESS Looks For Biz On Demand
By Chris Claro

Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, the early 90s, when the indie film sandbox was filled with boys named Quentin, Kevin, Spike, and of course, Eric. “Eric who?” you ask. Why, Eric Schaeffer, of course. The heir apparent to Woody Allen – in his own fevered imagination, anyway – Schaeffer’s niche was the New York-based comedy, in which the lovably neurotic, Upper West Side Jew, almost always portrayed by Schaeffer, contemplated life, love, and his own supposedly rakish charm.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: KABOOM (Sundance Selects).

KABOOM is a film that’s so absurd, so over the top; the storyline defies all imagination, plus Director Gregg Araki has cast nothing but gorgeous youngsters and a couple gorgeous not-so-young folk, too. KABOOM exists entirely for the moment, in the moment.

 

Greg Araki

 

It’s the Kuchar Brothers mixed with John Waters mixed with early Gregg Araki…which means, it’s not for everyone, but it’s thoroughly entertaining. Just don’t think or look too hard for meaning. In the end, you’ll get it if you let yourself go for the ride.

 

The story: a college freshman, Smith (Thomas Dekker), who is sexually “undecided” arrives at a UCLA–like university with his best high school buddy, Stella (Haley Bennett) who just happens to be a lesbian. His roommate, Thor (Chris Zylka) is a hunky surfer-dude, dumb as a doorpost, who lusts for waves and girls. Their resident advisor is a druggy, older student called The Messiah (James Duvall). Or so it all seems…

 

Non New York indie film fans, Tribeca Film is back with another slate of films available on demand. Beginning tomorrow (April 20), 6 Tribeca Films will bow on Movies On Demand. If you're in New York and can't make it to the film festival, you can watch a film for less than a cab ride.

Look for our reviews on Wednesday. More on the films in the Press Release below.

PRESS RELEASE

“We are excited to be able to present a spectrum of specialty films that will simultaneously premiere at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival and on demand in over 40 million homes, giving those not at the Festival in NY a chance to enjoy these quality films,” said Geoff Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer for Tribeca Enterprises.