As Thanksgiving approaches, families are busy preparing feasts, but may also find time to catch a movie. Teenagers will continue to fill up theaters for The Twilight Saga: New Moon [TWIL2]. The middle-age set can enjoy Old Dogs [OLDOG] starring John Travolta [JTRAV], Robin Williams [RWILL] and Kelly Preston [KPRES]. Ninja Assassin [NINJA] will provide excitement for the male crowd.
For those people looking for something out of the ordinary, there is one little film called Me and Orson Welles [MOWEL]. Self-taught Director Richard Linklater [RLINK] has carved a unique niche for himself. Unassuming and original Linklater is the mind behind cult films like Slackers, Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise and A Scanner Darkly. No two films are alike. Linklater’s touch means you’ll find something radically different each time. This weekend, Linklater will rewrite a page in the life of director Orson Welles.
Zac Efron [ZEFRO] might have started out in the tween set, but this young performer is fast proving that he is more than a pretty face. A singing, dancing and bona-fide acting talent, Efron has a knack for stealing the show from much more experienced performers. In Me and Orson Welles, Efron plays Richard Samuels, a stage actor starring in Welles’ production of ‘Julius Caesar.’ Fresh-faced and wide-eyed, Samuels is learning the business on the court and has a series of life-changing events culminate at the same time. He falls for the lead actress, played by Claire Danes [CDANE], who is having an affair with Welles.
But alas, Welles is not to be messed with and he is bent on putting the young upstart back in his place. Lo and behold, Samuels fights for his love, and comes of age with an experience that catapults him into manhood.
For those looking for a little something different than the big budget offerings, Me and Orson Welles’ 1930s period look and engaging love story demand attention. Although little known, Christian McKay brings a passionate and intense edge to his portrayal of the legendary director. One worries for the young chap who messes with this industry heavy-weight. Eddie Marsan [EMARD], Ben Chaplin [BCHAP] and Zoe Kazan [ZKAZA] round out the talented cast of the film.
After chewing on turkey and leftovers, head on over to check out what the 1930s might have been like. With Linklater at the helm, chances are you won’t regret it.
Tag(s): OLDOG, JTRAV, RWILL, KPRES, NINJA, MOWEL, RLINK, ZEFRO, CDANE, BCHAP, ZKAZA