Midnight Special opens in select theatres on March 18 - and I have a pair of Movie Money vouchers to giveaway to one lucky reader!
That poster is pretty intriguing.....so, what's the movie about?
Synopsis: "A father goes on the run to protect his young son, Alton, and uncover the truth behind the boy’s special powers. What starts as a race from religious extremists and local law enforcement quickly escalates to a nationwide manhunt involving the highest levels of the Federal Government. Ultimately his father risks everything to protect Alton and help fulfill a destiny that could change the world forever."
If Midnight Special sounds like a movie you'd like to see, I have a set of two vouchers to giveaway – each voucher holds up to a $12 value and can be redeemed for a movie ticket at participating theaters. Valid until April 21/16. Enter using the rafflecopter form below. This one's short and sweet - ends March 19/16.
I love 'heist' movies and today's Film on Friday entry falls into that category, with a bit of a twist. Instead of robbery, its kidnapping. And as the title says - Kidnapping Mr. Heineken is indeed the taking of beer magnate Freddy Heineken. What made this a must watch for me is that it's true. All of it. In 1983, a group of friends trying to save their legitimate enterprises needed money desperately. And one of them has the idea to kidnap Freddy Heineken. They do - and they collect what was the largest ransom ever at that time. But did it solve their problems?
Based on crime journalist Peter R. de Vries’s 1987 book, Kidnapping Mr. Heineken takes us from the idea, to the planning, to the execution and - the aftermath.
"There are two ways a man can be rich in this world - he can have a lot of money or he can have a lot of friends - but he cannot have both."
These are the opening lines from Anothony Hopkins (Freddy Heineken). I love Hopkin's voice - it's so rich and sonorous, making you stop and listen with every nuance he injects into his lines. In this case it's quite prophetic. From a tight knit group in the beginning, the relationships and trust between the friends disintegrates. And Alfredson follows the dissolution with his camera.
I was fascinated with the story and ended up reading much more about it on the Internet. Truth is stranger than fiction. There's much more the story 'after' but Kidnapping Mr. Heineken does a good job of bringing this fascinating piece of crime history to the screen.
I thought the cast was good - Hopkins as always is a standout for me. His character does not act like a victim at all - there were shades of Hannibal in some of his innocent yet loaded comments. The rest of the cast was great but I did have trouble not seeing Ryan Kwanten as his True Blood character. The struggle between between brothers in law Cor (Sturgess) and Willem (Worthington) over direction and leadership was well played. Worthington also never disappoints me. The movie was actually shot in the Netherlands - the settings added much to the overall tone of the film.
Kidnapping Mr. Heineken stars Anthony Hopkins, Jim Sturgess, Sam Worthington, Ryan Kwanten, Mark Van Eewen, Thomas Cocquerel and Jemima West. Written by William Brookfield and directed by Daniel Alfredson. Interestingly, another film from the Netherlands was made in 2011 based on this same set of events. The Heineken Kidnapping.
Not a 'you must go see', but definitely entertaining. Sit down with a Heineken at home one night and enjoy. Rated R. Running time 95 minutes. In theaters and available on VOD March 6, 2015.
I've got an amazing giveaway for you today! The Good Lie, starring Reese Witherspoon, releases on DVD/Blu-ray on December 23/14. This is an absolutely perfect film for this time of the year - heartwarming and uplifting. And one lucky, randomly chosen reader will receive a copy of this amazing, inspiring, TRUE story, courtesy of Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.
"They were known simply as “The Lost Boys.”
Orphaned by the brutal civil war in Sudan, which began in 1983, these young victims traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot in search of safety. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3,600 lost boys, as well as girls, to America.
Mamere and Theo are sons of the Chief in their village in Southern Sudan. When an attack by the Northern militia destroys their home and kills their parents, eldest son Theo is forced to assume the role of Chief and lead a group of young survivors, including his sister Abital, away from harm. But the hostile, treacherous terrain has other dangers in store for them. As the tattered group makes the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah, who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become essential to their survival.
Thirteen years later, the now young adults are given the opportunity to leave the camp and resettle in America. Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Reese Witherspoon), an employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them jobs—no easy task, when things like light switches and telephones are brand new to them.
Although Carrie has successfully kept herself from any emotional entanglements, these refugees, who desperately require help navigating the 21st century and rebuilding their shattered lives, need just that. So Carrie embarks on her own uncharted territory, enlisting the help of her boss, Jack (Corey Stoll). " See what others are saying on the Good Lie Facebook page.
I can't wait to watch this movie - watch for my review! And if you too would like to own and watch The Good Lie, simply leave a comment. One lucky reader will be randomly chosen on Dec. 28/14. This is an international story - and so is the giveaway! One entry per person please.
There have so many great books made into movies lately! I missed seeing this one in the theater, but If I Stay has just released on Blu-ray November 18th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. And with all the great additional content, I'd rather own it and watch at home! You can too - I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. But that's not all! I have a paperback copy of the book by Gayle Forman as well.
"The Blu-ray™ + DVD + Digital HD™ Combo, includes an original music montage, free song download from the Soundtrack,
and a three-part immersive making-of experience featuring interviews with
the cast and author/executive producer Gayle Forman!"
"Chloë Grace Moretz and Jamie Blackley star in this romantic film based on the best-selling novel. Seventeen-year-old Mia Hall (Moretz) thought the hardest decision she would ever face would be whether to pursue her musical dreams at Juilliard or follow a different path to be with the love of her life, Adam (Blackley). But what should have been a carefree family drive changes everything in an instant, and now her own life hangs in the balance. Caught between life and death for one revealing day, Mia has only one decision left, which will not only decide her future but her ultimate fate. Also starring are Mireille Enos and Joshua Leonard as Mia’s parents, Kat and Denny, and Stacy Keach as Gramps. Rounding out the main cast are Jakob Davies as Mia’s little brother, Liana Liberato as her best friend, Gabrielle Rose as Grandma, and Aisha Hinds as Nurse Ramirez."
"Fans of the beloved book can see the story come to life like never before with compelling bonus features and deleted scenes. Celebrate the film’s music with an original “Never Coming Down” music video,
“I Never Wanted to Go” music montage, a free download of the song “Mind” from the soundtrack courtesy of WaterTower Music and music commentary by R.J. Cutler on songs from the movie. Then, dive deeper into the making-of the film with “Beyond the Page,” a three-part book, author and cast introspective."
If I Stay Blu-ray Exclusive Special Features:
⦁ “I Never Wanted To Go” Music Montage
⦁ Beyond The Page featuring interviews with the cast, crew and Author Gayle Forman
⦁ The Love of Music
⦁ Adapting IF I STAY
⦁ An Out of Body Experience
If I Stay Blu-ray and DVD Special Features
⦁ “Never Coming Down” Music Video
⦁ Free download from the If I Stay Soundtrack of the song “Mind” courtesy of WaterTower Music
⦁ Deleted Scenes Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan
⦁ Bookstore
⦁ Hospital Chapel
⦁ Audio Commentary by R.J. Cutler and Alison Greenspan
⦁ Music Commentary by R.J. Cutler
⦁
⦁ Image Gallery
⦁ Theatrical Trailer Subtitles: English / French / Spanish
U.S. Rating: PG-13
Total Run Time: 171 minutes
Closed Captioned: Yes
And if you want to watch If I Stay as much as I do, simply leave a comment (and a contact method) to be entered! One randomly chosen reader will win a copy of If I Stay on Blu-ray and a paperback copy of the book. Open to US and Canada, one entry per person, ends December 6/14.
"The Fault in Our Stars is newly released on DVD and Blu-ray!(Sept 16) Are you ready to bring on the feels? As a member of The Fault In Our Stars Ambassador Program, I helped in creating a list of the top moments from the film that I would love to relive!
Featuring brilliant performances from Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort that made the film a favorite of fans and critics alike, this inspirational modern day tale of star-crossed lovers will have you going from laughter to tears and back again."
Have you read the book or seen the movie?! What are your favorite moments that you would like to relive? Comment with your favorite book or movie moment and you will be entered to win a Little Infinities Extended Edition Blu-raycopy of TFIOS!! Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends Sept 28/14.
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