Ava DuVernay (Courtesy: Kevork Djansezian/Reuters)
By: Carson Blackwelder
Managing Editor
Let’s talk about race in this year’s Oscar race, shall we? Three of the top films up for best documentary feature this year — 13th (Netflix), I Am Not Your Negro (Magnolia), and O.J.: Made in America (Espn) — all deal with the black experience in the United States through various lenses. These movies, all favorites to make the official list of five nominees that will battle it out for the big win, drive home the fact that this is still a very important and is one of the Academy’s favorite topics to highlight — but has that always been the case?
First, let’s take a more in-depth look at what these three leading docs deal center around. Ava DuVernay’s 13th provides an in-depth look at the prison system and how the nation’s history of racial...
By: Carson Blackwelder
Managing Editor
Let’s talk about race in this year’s Oscar race, shall we? Three of the top films up for best documentary feature this year — 13th (Netflix), I Am Not Your Negro (Magnolia), and O.J.: Made in America (Espn) — all deal with the black experience in the United States through various lenses. These movies, all favorites to make the official list of five nominees that will battle it out for the big win, drive home the fact that this is still a very important and is one of the Academy’s favorite topics to highlight — but has that always been the case?
First, let’s take a more in-depth look at what these three leading docs deal center around. Ava DuVernay’s 13th provides an in-depth look at the prison system and how the nation’s history of racial...
- 11/16/2016
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
Sexual Heights
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1981)
“Unparallelled peaks of passion…”
Got a little fact for you all before we start. Did you know that there are more divorced men living in San Fransisco than anywhere else in the world? No? Well neither did I until watching this film. A few minutes in and we’re learning something already! Anyway, we meet our main characters, a group of divorced buddies who live together. We have Joe the architect, played by Herschel Savage (Jail Bait, Fleshdance), Ron the doctor, played by Jamie Gillis (Waterpower, Dracula Sucks), Jim the Lawyer, played by Jesse Adams (Mob Job, Ultraflesh) and Art the engineer, played by Michael Morrison (Purely Physical). After watching some porn, Joe tells them the story of how he came to be divorced. It’s all down to his pesky dick teasing babysitter Laurie, played by Tawny Pearl (Lusty Ladies). After talking about he nearly raped the poor thing,...
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1981)
“Unparallelled peaks of passion…”
Got a little fact for you all before we start. Did you know that there are more divorced men living in San Fransisco than anywhere else in the world? No? Well neither did I until watching this film. A few minutes in and we’re learning something already! Anyway, we meet our main characters, a group of divorced buddies who live together. We have Joe the architect, played by Herschel Savage (Jail Bait, Fleshdance), Ron the doctor, played by Jamie Gillis (Waterpower, Dracula Sucks), Jim the Lawyer, played by Jesse Adams (Mob Job, Ultraflesh) and Art the engineer, played by Michael Morrison (Purely Physical). After watching some porn, Joe tells them the story of how he came to be divorced. It’s all down to his pesky dick teasing babysitter Laurie, played by Tawny Pearl (Lusty Ladies). After talking about he nearly raped the poor thing,...
- 2/14/2015
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
Three Ripening Cherries
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)
“Ripe for Action ready to be plucked…’”
Don’t you just love sisters? Well, thankfully Uncle Tobalina has a film just for you! What we have here are the three sisters. Sally, Lucy and Ann played by Dorothy Lemay (Taboo, Chopstix), Misty Regan (Champagne Orgy, Baby Cakes) and my favourite, Brooke West (Fantasy, The Blonde). After a hard day at school, the girls go home and ask their mum Rose, played by Kitty Shayne (Sexual Heights, Undulations) all about sex. She tells them about her experiences when she was their age. We find out her virginity was robbed by a family friend leading her to seek out compassion whenever and wherever she could. Her journey to find the Perfect orgasm comes to an end when she meets the man who would become her husband. How very aromatic indeed! Inspired by her stories, the girls...
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1979)
“Ripe for Action ready to be plucked…’”
Don’t you just love sisters? Well, thankfully Uncle Tobalina has a film just for you! What we have here are the three sisters. Sally, Lucy and Ann played by Dorothy Lemay (Taboo, Chopstix), Misty Regan (Champagne Orgy, Baby Cakes) and my favourite, Brooke West (Fantasy, The Blonde). After a hard day at school, the girls go home and ask their mum Rose, played by Kitty Shayne (Sexual Heights, Undulations) all about sex. She tells them about her experiences when she was their age. We find out her virginity was robbed by a family friend leading her to seek out compassion whenever and wherever she could. Her journey to find the Perfect orgasm comes to an end when she meets the man who would become her husband. How very aromatic indeed! Inspired by her stories, the girls...
- 2/12/2015
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
Fantastic Orgy
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1978)
“Her Sexual Drive Makes Her A Star…!”
Iris Medina (playing herself in more ways than one) is a filmmaker. She has previously been producing sex related films, especially for college. She decides to take that next creative step from arthouse student filmmaking, hardcore pornography! When she isn’t behind the camera, she’s having some fun on the couch thinking of her stars and fantasising. One of her all time fantasies is sleep with the legendary John Holmes (Prisoner of Paradise, Tapestry of Passion). After shooting some scenes involving the beautiful Annette Haven (Barbara Broadcast, Dracula Sucks) and Desiree West (All Night Long, Carnal Haven), Iris finally gets to play out her ultimate fantasy with Mr. Holmes. Yep, that’s all I can really say about the plot…
Yep, story isn’t really the focus of this effort. What we have is a story thumbed...
(dir: Carlos Tobalina, 1978)
“Her Sexual Drive Makes Her A Star…!”
Iris Medina (playing herself in more ways than one) is a filmmaker. She has previously been producing sex related films, especially for college. She decides to take that next creative step from arthouse student filmmaking, hardcore pornography! When she isn’t behind the camera, she’s having some fun on the couch thinking of her stars and fantasising. One of her all time fantasies is sleep with the legendary John Holmes (Prisoner of Paradise, Tapestry of Passion). After shooting some scenes involving the beautiful Annette Haven (Barbara Broadcast, Dracula Sucks) and Desiree West (All Night Long, Carnal Haven), Iris finally gets to play out her ultimate fantasy with Mr. Holmes. Yep, that’s all I can really say about the plot…
Yep, story isn’t really the focus of this effort. What we have is a story thumbed...
- 1/15/2015
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
Mai Lin vs. Serena
Carlos Tobalina (The Ultimate Pleasure, I Am Always Ready) has a little bit of a problem. He has a new film lined up and needs to find his leading lady. His options are the cute blonde Serena (Dracula Sucks, Pleasure Palace) and fiery Mai Lin (Oriental Madam, Peepholes). To help him solve his casting troubles, the pair decide to play a little game. They set off to compete against each other in the form of challenges. Starting by giving diners of a local restaurant something much tastier than the house special. Yes, this is one dining experience they will never forget! Once they have finished that, they move on to a local “kinda” gay bar and hit it off straight away with a cute lesbian couple. As a result of their public displays of competitive affection, the pair find themselves in jail (I’m guessing, because it just happens) but,...
Carlos Tobalina (The Ultimate Pleasure, I Am Always Ready) has a little bit of a problem. He has a new film lined up and needs to find his leading lady. His options are the cute blonde Serena (Dracula Sucks, Pleasure Palace) and fiery Mai Lin (Oriental Madam, Peepholes). To help him solve his casting troubles, the pair decide to play a little game. They set off to compete against each other in the form of challenges. Starting by giving diners of a local restaurant something much tastier than the house special. Yes, this is one dining experience they will never forget! Once they have finished that, they move on to a local “kinda” gay bar and hit it off straight away with a cute lesbian couple. As a result of their public displays of competitive affection, the pair find themselves in jail (I’m guessing, because it just happens) but,...
- 1/11/2015
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
“A shipwrecked World War II sailor comes to the rescue of two American nurses held in the clutches of a twisted Nazi officer and his three female assistants on a deserted South Pacific island.”
Once again, we find ourselves looking at a film that could be labeled as a piece of Nazisploitation, Prisoner of Paradise. This time around we have the likes of Seka, John Holmes and Bob Chinn, so I’m sure your interest is peaked just as much as mine. It’s John Holmes against the Nazis. How this DVD made it through German customs is beyond me. Let’s stop babbling and enjoy another episode of Mondo Squallido.
Once again, we find ourselves looking at a film that could be labeled as a piece of Nazisploitation, Prisoner of Paradise. This time around we have the likes of Seka, John Holmes and Bob Chinn, so I’m sure your interest is peaked just as much as mine. It’s John Holmes against the Nazis. How this DVD made it through German customs is beyond me. Let’s stop babbling and enjoy another episode of Mondo Squallido.
- 12/10/2014
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
Purely Physical
The first film on this Chris Warfield (Up Yours, Teenage Seductress) double feature is Purely Physical which follows the story of Kathy, played by Laura Lazare (Suzie Superstar, Love Letters). Kathy is studying journalism at college and applies for the job as a hotel receptionist so she can write about the human condition. Luckily for her, this is one seedy establishment with a whole host of deviants looking for a place to get down and dirty. It all starts off innocent enough with Jade Wong (Prisoner of Paradise, Oriental Madam) and Albert Bernard (in his only role) as a young couple wanting to make love for the first time. It gets a tad humorous when a travelling salesman with a passion for movie trivia played by Michael Morrison (Meatballs II, Taboo) takes a prostitute up to his room for some relaxing. As the scenes go on, it gets...
The first film on this Chris Warfield (Up Yours, Teenage Seductress) double feature is Purely Physical which follows the story of Kathy, played by Laura Lazare (Suzie Superstar, Love Letters). Kathy is studying journalism at college and applies for the job as a hotel receptionist so she can write about the human condition. Luckily for her, this is one seedy establishment with a whole host of deviants looking for a place to get down and dirty. It all starts off innocent enough with Jade Wong (Prisoner of Paradise, Oriental Madam) and Albert Bernard (in his only role) as a young couple wanting to make love for the first time. It gets a tad humorous when a travelling salesman with a passion for movie trivia played by Michael Morrison (Meatballs II, Taboo) takes a prostitute up to his room for some relaxing. As the scenes go on, it gets...
- 10/12/2014
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
The Academy has announced the new class of invited members for 2014 and, as is typical, many of which are among last year's nominees, which includes Barkhad Abdi, Michael Fassbender, Sally Hawkins, Mads Mikkelsen, Lupita Nyong'o and June Squibb in the Actors branch not to mention curious additions such as Josh Hutcherson, Rob Riggle and Jason Statham, but, okay. The Directors branch adds Jay and Mark Duplass along with Jean-Marc Vallee, Denis Villeneuve and Thomas Vinterberg. I didn't do an immediate tally of male to female additions or other demographics, but at first glance it seems to be a wide spread batch of new additions on all fronts. The Academy is also clearly attempting to aggressively bump up the demographics as this is the second year in a row where they have added a large number of new members, well over the average of 133 new members from 2004 to 2012. As far as...
- 6/26/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is extending invitations to join the organization to 271 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves by their contributions to theatrical motion pictures.
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
Those who accept the invitations will be the only additions to the Academy’s membership in 2014.
“This year’s class of invitees represents some of the most talented, creative and passionate filmmakers working in our industry today,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “Their contributions to film have entertained audiences around the world, and we are proud to welcome them to the Academy.”
The 2014 invitees are:
Actors
Barkhad Abdi – “Captain Phillips”
Clancy Brown – “The Hurricane,” “The Shawshank Redeption”
Paul Dano – “12 Years a Slave,” “Prisoners”
Michael Fassbender – “12 Years a Slave,” “Shame”
Ben Foster – “Lone Survivor,” “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”
Beth Grant – “The Artist,” “No Country for Old Men”
Clark Gregg – “Much Ado about Nothing,” “Marvel’s The Avengers”
Sally Hawkins – “Blue Jasmine,...
- 6/26/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong’o of 12 Years a Slave were two of the 271 artists and industry leaders invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which determines nominations and winners at the annual Oscars. The entire list of Academy membership—which numbers about 6,000—isn’t public information so the annual invitation list is often the best indication of the artists involved in the prestigious awards process. It’s worth noting that invitations need to be accepted in order for artists to become members; some artists, like two-time Best Actor winner Sean Penn, have declined membership over the years.
- 6/26/2014
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside Movies
Pop quiz: What do Chris Rock, Claire Denis, Eddie Vedder and Josh Hutcherson all have in common? Answer: They could all be Oscar voters very soon. The annual Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences invitation list always makes for interesting reading, shedding light on just how large and far-reaching the group's membership is -- or could be, depending on who accepts their invitations. This year, 271 individuals have been asked to join AMPAS, meaning every one of them could contribute to next year's Academy Awards balloting -- and it's as diverse a list as they've ever assembled. Think the Academy consists entirely of fusty retired white dudes? Not if recent Best Original Song nominee Pharrell Williams takes them up on their offer. Think it's all just a Hollywood insiders' game? Not if French arthouse titans Chantal Akerman and Olivier Assayas join the party. It's a list that subverts expectation at every turn.
- 6/26/2014
- by Guy Lodge
- Hitfix
Acclaimed composer Luc St-Pierre, whose impressive body of work spans a wide range of styles and genres (and includes the Academy Award-nominated documentary Prisoner of Paradise), took a more experimental path for his score to Thief: Directors Cut, the revival of the historical action-stealth game franchise from Eidos Montreal and Square Enix which hit stores late last month. Sumthing Else Music Works recently released St-Pierre's haunting, experimental music for Thief, and I was immediately blown away by the haunting, often frightening strains of this rich symphonic/electronic hybrid. Working with the Filmharmonic Orchestra Prague (whose mile-long credits include Nathan Barr's score for Hostel, and one of my all-time favorite metal albums, The Great Mass by Septicflesh), along with several session artists playing exotic world instruments and his own synth and electro-acoustic manipulations, St-Pierre has woven a moody dark ambient tapestry that not only compliments the adventures and multi-layered mysteries...
- 3/19/2014
- by Gregory Burkart
- FEARnet
Come Oscar season, all cinephiles are ready to campaign for their favorite film. Are you Team Gravity or Team 12 Years a Slave? Jennifer Lawrence or Lupita Nyong’o? While movie fans have likely seen all the big nominees by this point, there are smaller categories where even some film enthusiasts may not be as well-versed. Leading up to the Oscars, EW will tell you all about one often-overlooked category: Best Documentary Short. Come back each day this week for a look at one of the nominees, and impress your Oscar party with your knowledge when the category appears on Sunday’s broadcast.
- 2/28/2014
- by Erin Strecker
- EW - Inside Movies
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