Exclusive: Jim Brown, who traded his status as football’s greatest running back to become a movie star and eventually an activist to steer kids away from a gang lifestyle, is ready for his feature film close-up. Brown has pledged his life rights to producer Hal Lieberman for a feature film that will be written by Bob Eisele (The Great Debaters) and directed by Jonathan Hock, helmer of such documentaries as The Lost Son Of Havana and Michael Jordan To The Max. Lieberman is about to shop the package. Lieberman said he first met Brown on the set of New Jersey Turnpikes, a basketball comedy he produced and Brown starred in. Though that film never got released, they kept talking and remained friendly until finally Brown was ready. “I’ve been a fan and follower of his career over my lifetime, and there is 50 years of history under his belt,...
- 2/16/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Tribeca: Welcome back to Tribeca! You were here in 2009 with your film Lost Son of Havana, and also in 2005 with Through the Fire, which was your first feature documentary. Jonathan Hock: It's always great to be a part of Tff! Tribeca: So you are certainly not a first-timer when it comes to sports documentaries: Streetball, This is the NFL, The Streak, and Michael Jordan to the Max. What drew you to this genre of documentary filmmaking? Jonathan Hock: My two great loves were always sports and movies, and I went to NFL Films after college because I felt that was the best place to combine them. They were making real films there and not just putting highlights of action together. They were telling stories, which is really what I like to do. So when I went out on my own, the part of the world I was very...
- 4/5/2011
- TribecaFilm.com
Chicago – With all the depth and nuance of a Nike commercial, “Michael Jordan to the Max” probes into the mind of its titular subject, a man as infamous for his astonishing achievements in basketball as he is for his spectacular success as a corporate spokesperson. This 46-minute feature is not about Jordan the person, but Jordan the marketable icon: family man, mentor, role model, eternal optimist.
For someone who grew up in Chicagoland during the six unforgettable championship triumphs of the Chicago Bulls, any footage of Jordan from the 1990s is guaranteed to evoke nostalgic memories. Yet this once popular, decade-old IMAX picture appears to have been made primarily for elementary school field trips. There’s very little substance to be gleaned from Jordan’s inspirational soundbites, and writer/editor Jonathan Hock’s workmanlike assemblage of game highlights.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.0/5.0
Viewed today, “Max” instantly dates itself with a trendy swirling pan around an airborne Jordan,...
For someone who grew up in Chicagoland during the six unforgettable championship triumphs of the Chicago Bulls, any footage of Jordan from the 1990s is guaranteed to evoke nostalgic memories. Yet this once popular, decade-old IMAX picture appears to have been made primarily for elementary school field trips. There’s very little substance to be gleaned from Jordan’s inspirational soundbites, and writer/editor Jonathan Hock’s workmanlike assemblage of game highlights.
Blu-Ray Rating: 3.0/5.0
Viewed today, “Max” instantly dates itself with a trendy swirling pan around an airborne Jordan,...
- 3/14/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
DVD Playhouse—March 2011
By
Allen Gardner
127 Hours (20th Century Fox) Harrowing true story of Aron Ralston (James Franco, in another fine turn), an extreme outdoorsman who finds himself trapped in a remote Utah canyon, his arm pinned between two boulders, with no help nearby, no communication to the outside world, and dim prospects for survival, to say the least. Director Danny Boyle manages to prove again that he’s one of the finest filmmakers working today by making a subject that is seemingly uncinematic a true example of pure cinema. Inventive, breathtaking, funny, and horrifying, often all at once. Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara make a memorable, brief appearance as hikers who connect with Ralston during his journey. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Boyle, producer Christian Colson, co-writer Simon Beaufoy; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Amarcord (Criterion) Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning, autobiographical classic might...
By
Allen Gardner
127 Hours (20th Century Fox) Harrowing true story of Aron Ralston (James Franco, in another fine turn), an extreme outdoorsman who finds himself trapped in a remote Utah canyon, his arm pinned between two boulders, with no help nearby, no communication to the outside world, and dim prospects for survival, to say the least. Director Danny Boyle manages to prove again that he’s one of the finest filmmakers working today by making a subject that is seemingly uncinematic a true example of pure cinema. Inventive, breathtaking, funny, and horrifying, often all at once. Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara make a memorable, brief appearance as hikers who connect with Ralston during his journey. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Commentary by Boyle, producer Christian Colson, co-writer Simon Beaufoy; Deleted scenes; Featurettes. Widescreen. Dolby and DTS-hd 5.1 surround.
Amarcord (Criterion) Federico Fellini’s Oscar-winning, autobiographical classic might...
- 3/1/2011
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
DVD Links: DVD News | Release Dates | New Dvds | Reviews | RSS Feed
127 Hours This week's obvious best option is Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, a film I saw twice in theaters and also discussed with Boyle last year (click here for that interview). I can't wait to watch this again in high definition and the better the sound system and larger the TV you have in your home the greater this one will play. Bambi (Diamond Edition) I just gave this one a positive review even though this isn't a Disney classic that's very high on my list (click here for that). And on top of the review, I also have a $10 off coupon for you if you are already planning on buying it. Faster I was not a fan of this film (you can read my review here), but I imagine anyone that has not yet seen it and is interested...
127 Hours This week's obvious best option is Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, a film I saw twice in theaters and also discussed with Boyle last year (click here for that interview). I can't wait to watch this again in high definition and the better the sound system and larger the TV you have in your home the greater this one will play. Bambi (Diamond Edition) I just gave this one a positive review even though this isn't a Disney classic that's very high on my list (click here for that). And on top of the review, I also have a $10 off coupon for you if you are already planning on buying it. Faster I was not a fan of this film (you can read my review here), but I imagine anyone that has not yet seen it and is interested...
- 3/1/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Chicago – In our first IMAX edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: IMAX, we have 50 admit-one passes up for grabs to the Chicago IMAX screening of “Michael Jordan to the Max”. This will be the first film shown on the newly replaced 60-by-80-foot Chicago IMAX screen!
The documentary “Michael Jordan to the Max” features Michael Jordan, Laurence Fishburne as the narrator, Bill Murray, Ken Griffey Jr., Spike Lee, Willie Mays, Stan Musial and Bob Costas.
To win your free pass to the “Michael Jordan to the Max” screening in Chicago courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our trivia question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. and then again at 6 p.m. in Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Michael Jordan to the Max...
The documentary “Michael Jordan to the Max” features Michael Jordan, Laurence Fishburne as the narrator, Bill Murray, Ken Griffey Jr., Spike Lee, Willie Mays, Stan Musial and Bob Costas.
To win your free pass to the “Michael Jordan to the Max” screening in Chicago courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, all you need to do is answer our trivia question below. That’s it! This screening will be held on Sept. 15, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. and then again at 6 p.m. in Chicago. Directions to enter this Hookup and immediately win can be found beneath the graphic below.
The movie poster for “Michael Jordan to the Max...
- 9/11/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Monday, Sept. 14 and Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, Chicago’s Navy Pier IMAX Theatre will replace its 60-by-80-foot foot IMAX screen. The previous screen, which opened in 1999, has hosted more than 4 million moviegoers since its inception.
Boasting the largest IMAX screen in Chicago, Navy Pier IMAX Theatre screen is larger than an NBA basketball court, weighs more than 600 lbs. and towers 6 stories over the 440-seat auditorium.
The new screen will be delivered in a large roll and will be hand-carried into the theatre by 14 people through an entry in the wall created specifically for this project. This screen has been painted with a proprietary IMAX-designed silver coating to meet the IMAX standard for light reflection technology.
Once the new screen is inside the theatre, the old screen will be cut down and disposed of while the frame will be cleaned and prepped for the new screen to be raised. On Tuesday,...
Boasting the largest IMAX screen in Chicago, Navy Pier IMAX Theatre screen is larger than an NBA basketball court, weighs more than 600 lbs. and towers 6 stories over the 440-seat auditorium.
The new screen will be delivered in a large roll and will be hand-carried into the theatre by 14 people through an entry in the wall created specifically for this project. This screen has been painted with a proprietary IMAX-designed silver coating to meet the IMAX standard for light reflection technology.
Once the new screen is inside the theatre, the old screen will be cut down and disposed of while the frame will be cleaned and prepped for the new screen to be raised. On Tuesday,...
- 9/9/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival
You don't have to be a hoops fan to know that Yao Ming is a 7'5 inch basketball sensation from China. He's already become a big star in North America, and carries the hopes and dreams of the entire Chinese population, as the dominating center of the Houston Rockets.
The Year Of The Yao tries to gives us a look at the man behind the gentle giant during his first season as a pro, with close access to him at home, on the road, in the locker room and trying out North American delicacies like Taco Bell. What emerges is that Yao is a fascinating individual with great humor and modesty, as well as the potential to be one of the greats.
Unfortunately, that's all we really find out about the guy. Sports fans might be satisfied with this kind of standard superficial athlete profile, but the film is not likely to have much range outside of the ESPN subscriber base. Given that the project was produced with NBA Entertainment, it's no surprise. The Year Of The Yao is essentially a fluff job, designed to build a myth around their new icon, while leaving more sensitive issues like race, politics and money sitting on the bench.
In fact, filmmakers James Stern (Michael Jordan To The Max) and Adam Del Deo leaves a lot of deeper territories unexplored and untouched. Packaged with inspirational music and some over-the-top narration, the doc includes snippet insights from people like Yahoo's Jerry Yang, Bill Clinton, the Chinese Ambassador to and teammates all of whom gush about Yao's importance to Asians, international sports and (gulp!) world peace. The film's introduction about the mystery and history of China and its glorious sports culture is also quite gagging.
But as far as real insight, The Year Of The Yao presents little more than anecdotal scenes of Yao acclimatizing to American culture and the demands of a American sports career, one pampered with luxuries beyond his meager beginning in Shanghai. The only real interesting character development is his relationship with Colin Pine, Yao's young fulltime translator who is just as much of a rookie in terms of adapting to the NBA. There's not much interaction with his parents, teammates or opponents. The film is like having an all-access pass and not exploiting it for even a backstage free soda.
The film is pretty much a glossied diary following draft day 2003 through to the end of Yao's first season. A typical sports narration carries most of the drama, while insignificant drama is built up for exaggerated effect. A flippant comment by loudmouth former player turned broadcaster Charles Barkley is played for all its empty controversy. Games against Los Angeles Lakers are promoted as personal showdowns between Shaq and Yao.
More interesting might be some insight from Yao on the bling-bling culture of the league? What does he think of the Western stereotypes about Chinese people? Has he read any coverage of way his home government is presented in American news? And what about the boatload of money he's now making? Forget it, The Year of The Yao is instead more interested in being there when Yao tries his first Taco Bell Grande. Take it for what it is, this is all about selling the NBA and marketing Yao Ming.
THE YEAR OF THE YAO
An Endgame Entertainment/NBA Entertainment production
Credits:
Directors: James D. Stern, Adam del Deo
Prodcuers: Christopher Chen, Paul Hirschheimer, James D. Stern, Adam del Deo
Editors: Jeff Werner, Michael Tolajian
Creative Director: Jun Diaz
Music: James L. Venable
No MPAA rating
Running --- 88 minutes...
You don't have to be a hoops fan to know that Yao Ming is a 7'5 inch basketball sensation from China. He's already become a big star in North America, and carries the hopes and dreams of the entire Chinese population, as the dominating center of the Houston Rockets.
The Year Of The Yao tries to gives us a look at the man behind the gentle giant during his first season as a pro, with close access to him at home, on the road, in the locker room and trying out North American delicacies like Taco Bell. What emerges is that Yao is a fascinating individual with great humor and modesty, as well as the potential to be one of the greats.
Unfortunately, that's all we really find out about the guy. Sports fans might be satisfied with this kind of standard superficial athlete profile, but the film is not likely to have much range outside of the ESPN subscriber base. Given that the project was produced with NBA Entertainment, it's no surprise. The Year Of The Yao is essentially a fluff job, designed to build a myth around their new icon, while leaving more sensitive issues like race, politics and money sitting on the bench.
In fact, filmmakers James Stern (Michael Jordan To The Max) and Adam Del Deo leaves a lot of deeper territories unexplored and untouched. Packaged with inspirational music and some over-the-top narration, the doc includes snippet insights from people like Yahoo's Jerry Yang, Bill Clinton, the Chinese Ambassador to and teammates all of whom gush about Yao's importance to Asians, international sports and (gulp!) world peace. The film's introduction about the mystery and history of China and its glorious sports culture is also quite gagging.
But as far as real insight, The Year Of The Yao presents little more than anecdotal scenes of Yao acclimatizing to American culture and the demands of a American sports career, one pampered with luxuries beyond his meager beginning in Shanghai. The only real interesting character development is his relationship with Colin Pine, Yao's young fulltime translator who is just as much of a rookie in terms of adapting to the NBA. There's not much interaction with his parents, teammates or opponents. The film is like having an all-access pass and not exploiting it for even a backstage free soda.
The film is pretty much a glossied diary following draft day 2003 through to the end of Yao's first season. A typical sports narration carries most of the drama, while insignificant drama is built up for exaggerated effect. A flippant comment by loudmouth former player turned broadcaster Charles Barkley is played for all its empty controversy. Games against Los Angeles Lakers are promoted as personal showdowns between Shaq and Yao.
More interesting might be some insight from Yao on the bling-bling culture of the league? What does he think of the Western stereotypes about Chinese people? Has he read any coverage of way his home government is presented in American news? And what about the boatload of money he's now making? Forget it, The Year of The Yao is instead more interested in being there when Yao tries his first Taco Bell Grande. Take it for what it is, this is all about selling the NBA and marketing Yao Ming.
THE YEAR OF THE YAO
An Endgame Entertainment/NBA Entertainment production
Credits:
Directors: James D. Stern, Adam del Deo
Prodcuers: Christopher Chen, Paul Hirschheimer, James D. Stern, Adam del Deo
Editors: Jeff Werner, Michael Tolajian
Creative Director: Jun Diaz
Music: James L. Venable
No MPAA rating
Running --- 88 minutes...
- 9/15/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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