jay-newton Reviews

The Dukes (2007)

Highly recommended by this movie maven!

[10/10 · 12 November 2008]

Robert Davi remains unfettered by the unpleasant vagaries of the present-day movie scene by co-writing and directing a thoroughly entertaining first-feature, THE DUKES.

As one of the most interesting character actors working today, you'll quickly recognize him from his role as the uber-villain in James Bond's LICENSE TO KILL, and a deranged crook in GOONIES, and in literally dozens of roles in film and television. A native son of Astoria, Queens, Mr. Davi studies with the great Stella Adler. Some time ago, he met singer Jay (JAY & THE Americans) Black, a group that had a steady stream of hits in the early 1960's, but as time passed and he was no longer Number One, Black was finding difficulty in earning a living. These discussions between actor and singer resulted provided the kernel for THE DUKES.

With a jaunty intro by radio legend, Cousin Brucie, we enter the world of a fictitious past-their-prime singing group. The years have not been particularly kind to these teenagers who've grown to mature men still possessing all the passion of youth and aching for artistic fulfillment. Mr. Davi, who possesses an amazing singing voice, acts opposite a first-class cast consisting of Chazz Palminteri, Peter Bogdanovich, Miriam Margolyes and Elya Baskin. If you plan on being entertained, see this film!

Cherry Valley (2007)

More info about CHERRY VALLEY doc

[9 January 2008]

CHERRY VALLEY was based on a story by Jeremiah Newton, one of the writers of the 1996 indie I SHOT ANDY WARHOL and producer of the upcoming doc BEAUTIFUL DARLING (the life and times of Andy Warhol superstar Candy Darling.

Mr. Newton met three young men who were undergraduate students at New York University, and told them about his home in upstate Cherry Valley, NY, and how he believed that it was haunted. We all know about haunted houses but haunted towns? Cherry Valley was the scene of a horrific massacre by the Native Americans and the English during the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Newton is also the co-producer of CHERRY VALLEY.

Penny Dreadful (2005)

An amazing short film that plays like a big one!

[10/10 · 4 January 2007]

Using a "haunted brownstone" in NYC sets the stage for one of the most delightful films you can see. If you like good ol' scary films with sustained horror, get this one. It has everything - a scary old house, ghosts and some fun special bloody effects. It also has veteran actor Betsy Palmer. who, incidentally, chews up the scenery. The rest of the casting is first-rate, so who can ask for more? Not only is this film thoroughly entertaining, it is made by a young director who Hollywood should be charting. Bryan Norton is extremely talented, and PENNY DREADFUL is a film that is a roller-coaster ride into the Twilight Zone complete with screams and chills. This is a director who does what he does best - DIRECT! You will be on the edge of your seat throughput. See it!!! J. Newton

Laurel Canyon (2002)

Superb ensemble performances by some of the most interesting actors working today.

[10 December 2002]

LAUREL CANYON written and directed by Lisa Cholodenko is a film I highly recommend. From it's sexy comedic opening scene with a jarring telephone, to the closing, again featuring Chrisian Bale floating in a rather interesting swimming pool, this film features superb performaces by some of the most interesting actors working today such as Mr. Bale, Frances McDormand, Kate Beckinsale, Natascha McElhone and Alessandro Nivola. Ms. Cholodenko should be credited by writing and directing a film that will take you comfortably along for an interesting ride that stretches from Cambridge, Massachusetts through the by-roads of the hills of Los Angeles. This is a very human film, and the actors are allowed to do what they do best, namely perform in this well written, expertly crafted movie. Film aficionados should flock to this one. Enjoy!

Jeremiah Newton