12 Years a Slave | Geekscape

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Selma

by MCDaveJanuary 6, 2015

Timing is everything. The current state of racial turmoil in the United States is abundantly clear and, much like the central figure in Ava DuVernay’s freight-train of an Oscar contender, Selma, I’m a believer in universal peace and unconditional love. But with relatively recent outcomes in the deaths of unarmed African American individuals such as Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Michael Brown, where much controversy has been boiling up for some time, DuVernay’s timely picture leaves us pondering how far we’ve really come since the violence-plagued Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

David Oyelowo stars as the charismatic preacher, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during his fearless crusade to the hotbed of racial animosity in Selma, Alabama. After local authorities continue to reject voter registration applications from African Americans trying to exercise their rights, Dr. King shifts the focus of the Civil Rights Movement to the heart of the south where he’s greeted by hate-fueled law enforcement and state politicians. Desperately seeking the support of a reluctant President Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), Dr. King decides to lead a peaceful 54-mile march from Selma to the state capitol in Montgomery in hopes of achieving legislation granting African American’s the uninhibited right to vote.

Analyzing the latest emotional Civil Rights drama, Selma, purely on its qualities as a film, there are many aspects that are worthy of fair criticism. Many strong performances aside (I will touch on each of them later), DuVernay’s breakthrough feature is hampered by a noticeably weak first-time screenwriter, Paul Webb, and some serious issues with pacing. While Webb’s screenplay has been lauded by many in the early going of the year-end awards run, the writing is actually bogged down with mild cliches and very little depth. What you see is what you get and, outside of a few justly included facts surrounding Dr. King’s known infidelity, most of the film’s characters and situations are quite superficial and without complexity. As for the movie’s long-winded and repetitive feel, I understand that the entire production team stays true to the historical timeline and the three marching attempts needed to achieve their goal, but the manner in which the story unravels is punishingly slow. These mitigating factors place Ava DeVernay’s Selma much closer to Lee Daniels’ The Butler than last year’s gut-wrenching Best Picture winner, 12 Years a Slave.

Despite over-extending itself and merely scratching the surface with a majority of its characters, Selma offers many exceptional performances. While David Oyelowo’s courageous turn as Dr. King will almost assuredly land him an Oscar Nomination in the Best Actor category, I was most impressed by supporting stars Carmen Ejogo, Tim Roth and Tom Wilkinson. Ejogo is given the most multi-dimensional character as Coretta Scott King and she handles the role mightily well. Roth is convincingly despicable as segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace and Wilkinson walks on egg shells adequately as President Lyndon Johnson. Furthermore, DuVernay gives a superb directorial effort in her own right. The auteur’s whole-hearted devotion is evident as she truly captures the essence of these iconic moments in U.S. history. Some naysayers will declare DuVernay’s assumed Oscar Nomination for Best Director as nothing more than a flashy headline, as she’d be the first female of color to ever be nominated. Yet, truth be told, she does a remarkable job and would be worthy of any such recognition.

I will close by stating that I typically try to avoid political discussion because of the insensitivity it generally promotes, but Selma makes it difficult to ignore. And while I certainly understand the authenticity dedicated to showing physical brutality and visceral images that undoubtedly occurred during this real-life struggle for freedom, however, putting such a large focus of the film on the unforgivable rage that transpired in Selma is the wrong message to send to audiences. Although I will not speak on DuVernay’s behalf and claim this as her intention, I can guarantee that there will be factions of viewers who leave the movie theater feeling bitter and enraged by the story. For example, at last night’s screening in the city of Philadelphia, a select few clapped and cheered during the final moments when screen text revealed that racist politician George Wallace was left paralyzed by an assassination attempt in 1972. This is by no means the message of peace that the great Dr. King lived and died for, and that’s the message our country needs right now.

GRADE: 3/5

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In Case You Missed It – March 2014

by MCDaveMarch 11, 2014

As we find ourselves gloriously trapped in the pinnacle of the DVD calendar year, much like February, March offers a multitude of powerhouse selections. One tactful marketing strategy has always been riding the wave of success generated from the annual Academy Awards ceremony, and 2014 is no different. Once again, the top three picks of the month all landed in my 10 Best of 2013, which means you have plenty of excellent titles to choose between.

#1. American Hustle

Nominated for a whopping 10 Academy Awards, David O. Russell’s caper comedy, American Hustle, makes its way to DVD this month. Although the film found itself shutout at the awards ceremony, there’s still plenty to love about the movie. Christian Bale headlines a lengthy list of knockout performances as Irving Rosenfeld, a deadbeat con-man who gets arrested by an FBI agent and is forced to assist the authorities in an elaborate plot to take down powerful politicians and members of the mafia. It has its flaws, but American Hustle is one of 2013’s most thrilling and entertaining joy rides and one definitely worth seeing. (March 18th)

#2. 12 Years a Slave

Unlike American Hustle, Steve McQueen’s adapted true story, 12 Years a Slave, had quite the successful showing at this past Sunday’s Oscar awards ceremony. Taking home three Academy Awards for its heartbreaking screenplay, a magnificent debut performance from Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o and the highly coveted Best Picture statue, 12 Years a Slave is a prototypical Oscar delight. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Solomon Northup, a free black man living in New York prior to the Civil War who is drugged and forced into a harsh life of slavery where he must struggle to survive. Uneasy and authentic, 12 Years a Slave isn’t the type of film you look forward to experiencing, but its one that’s saddled with great importance. (March 4th)

#3. The Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese’s epic satire, The Wolf of Wall Street, also found itself shutout on Oscar night, but this blockbuster has blown away audiences since its Christmas Day release. Irreverent and ambitious, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the true story of stockbroker Jordan Belfort’s (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) towering rise to success and his ultimate demise. The debauchery is endless and the jokes are outrageous, in fact, there’s nothing low key and normal about Scorsese’s latest work. While some label this controversial tale as a perverse glorification of illegal activity, I view it as a comical journey into the modern day American-Dream mindset. (March 25th)

Honorable Mention: With a top three as strong as the films listed above, March is full of worthwhile secondary selections. First, there’s the crop of movies I still haven’t seen but I can’t wait to get my hands on, the list includes The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (3/7), indie sensation Kill Your Darlings (3/18) and the Academy Award Winning animated film Frozen (3/18). Three other flawed but enjoyable films finding their way to DVD this month are Out of the Furnace (3/11), one of the Coen brothers’ weakest but a still worthy feature Inside Llewyn Davis (3/11), and finally Disney’s movie about making a movie Saving Mr. Banks (3/18).

Oscar Update: Predicted Nominees!

by MCDaveJanuary 15, 2014

We’re less than 24 hours from one of the most exciting days on any movie prognosticator’s calendar, Oscar Nomination Day! This year, thanks to a wide spectrum of strong filmmaking, many of the races are overcrowded with talent dying to hear their name called tomorrow morning. Here’s how I envision the 6 major categories playing out, when the Nominations are announced tomorrow:

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

This race seems fairly locked down, but teetering on the edge of in/out is ironically one of the most powerful women in the world, Oprah Winfrey. While I was on the anti-Oprah side of the argument, her star-power alone makes her a difficult omission by the Academy. Although the Golden Globes passes her over with ease, I don’t see the Oscars doing the same. As a result, Blue Jasmine‘s Sally Hawkins looks to be the odd-woman odd in this dogfight.

Nominees: Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), Julia Roberts (August: Osage County), June Squibb (Nebraska) and Oprah Winfrey (Lee Daniels’ The Butler)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

No one quite knows where the biggest wildcard this year, The Wolf of Wall Street, stacks up in any of the major battles. Will the Academy embrace the excellent work from a legendary director, or will they turn their back to it amidst controversy that the film glorifies its subject matter? If the Oscars go all-in with Scorsese’s work, then Jonah Hill has a legitimate shot of hearing his name called tomorrow. However, with an always over-stuffed Supporting Actor race, I find Hill to be on the outside looking in, unfortunately. The Academy will find other ways of recognizing The Wolf of Wall Street, while Jonah Hill will sadly miss the cut like other Oscar-hopefuls such as the late James Gandolfini, the “never really had a shot” James Franco and Tom Hanks for Saving Mr. Banks.

Nominees: Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Daniel Bruhl (Rush), Bradley Cooper (American Hustle), Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) and Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)

BEST ACTRESS

Plenty has been made about Meryl Streep‘s surprising defeat this weekend at the hands of American Hustle‘s Amy Adams during the Golden Globes. But it’s important to remember that the Globes do their own thing, and it isn’t necessarily a sign of things to come. Streep has a proven track record with the Academy, and I’d put my money on those odds any day. Also, while attempting to ride the Amy-Adams-wave, I searched near and far for a proper exclusion on her behalf. Sure,American Hustle is backed by some much-needed momentum, but outside of Emma Thompson from the quickly fading Saving Mr. Banks, I just don’t see the room for Adams. Sorry, can’t sit here!

Nominees: Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Judi Dench (Philomena), Meryl Streep (August: Osage County) and Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks)

BEST ACTOR

Leonardo Dicaprio in The Wolf Of Wall Street

Once again, we’re tasked with deciphering The Wolf of Wall Street‘s effect on the voting body. And while Jonah Hill is going to find himself couch surfing in early March, I anticipate that there’s enough love to catapult Leonardo DiCaprio into the final five. It’s a bold move considering the long documented history of Leo-snubs, even as recent as last year’s Django Unchained. Christian Bale always felt like an outsider and Inside Llewyn Davis‘ Oscar Issac never built a head of steam, but the biggest casualty at Leo’s expense is the wonderful Robert Redford. The All Is Lost star refused to play “the game” and it looks like he could very well miss out on a nomination because of of it.

Nominees: Bruce Dern (Nebraska), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips) and Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club)

BEST DIRECTOR

When it comes to the directing race, the Golden Globes seemed to reinforce what we already knew … How can you not reward Alfonso Cuaron‘s groundbreaking work in Gravity? While there’s three secure picks along with Steve McQueen and David O. Russell, any of the other five major players find themselves scratching and clawing for the final two spots. It’s really a coin flip as to how this could unfold, but I feel like Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips), Spike Jonze (Her) and the Coen brothers (Inside Llewyn Davis) will be left of the list.

Nominees: Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity), Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Alexander Payne (Nebraska), David O. Russell (American Hustle) and Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street)

BEST PICTURE

Finally, it’s the wacky and wild circus surrounding the Best Picture race. Ever since the rule changes have allowed anywhere from five to ten nominees depending on number of first-place votes, these predictions have become a refined art that many of us still can’t seem to master. For me, I expect nine titles to make the cut. Unfortunately, that means omissions to Blue Jasmine, Philomena, Lee Daniels’ The Butler and Saving Mr. Banks.

Nominees: 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle, Captain Phillips, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her, Inside Llewyn Davis, Nebraska and The Wolf of Wall Street

Geekscape 318: Wrapping Up 2013 At The Movies With Jon Schnepp!

by JonathanDecember 31, 2013

On the final day of 2013, Jon Schnepp joins me to talk about our favorite movies of 2013… and some of our not so favourites! Will ’12 Years a Slave’ be a shoe in at the Oscars or ‘American Hustle’? Will people forget movies like ‘Gravity’ or ‘Prisoners’? What about ‘Her’ and ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’? As great as ‘Pacific Rim’ was… is it as much geek fun as ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘Thor 2’? Really, this is a super long episode because there’s just so much to talk about! As great as movies were in 2013, we help you navigate your thoughts, our thoughts and everybody’s thoughts!

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OSCAR UPDATE 12/27: Sizing up the 6 Major Races!

by MCDaveDecember 27, 2013

There’s a bit of significance in today’s date. Oscar voting officially begins and for the second straight year they’re going with an electronic voting system. Members of the Academy will be eligible to make their selections in every race until Weds, January 8th. At that point, the votes will be collected and organized over the course of the next week, just in time to make the first official Oscar Nominations announcement on Thursday, January 16th. So now that we understand the process and some key dates along the way, let’s examine the 6 major races.

BEST PICTURE

Stone Cold Locks: It feels safe to say that 12 Years a Slave, American Hustle and Gravity are all destined to reach the final field of Best Picture combatants. This 3-headed monster could end up battling it out until the very end.

Safe Bets: At this point the next tiered group of films that you can expect to see in the Best Picture pool are comprised of some Oscar regulars from Alexander Payne’s Nebraska and the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis. Another feature that won’t seem to fade away is Captain Phillips, which feels like a strong second rate contender that will definitely find its way into the field.

In the Mix: With at most 10 nominees allowed in the race, the remaining spots expect to be made up of newcomer wild cards Her and The Wolf of Wall Street, or other conventional possibilities such as Dallas Buyers Club and Saving Mr. Banks.

Long-Shots: Blue Jasmine, Philomena, late-year release Lone Survivor and Lee Daniels’ The Butler all have an outside chance of sneaking into the the big dance.

BEST DIRECTOR

Stone Cold Locks: There’s really only two directors you can count on making it into the final race, they are Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity). The rest are, as they say in politics, “too close to call”.

In the Mix: The Best Director field is awfully crowded this year and it wouldn’t feel like a shock to see any of Alexander Payne (Nebraska), David O. Russell (American Hustle), Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips), Spike Jonze (Her), Martin Scorsese (The Wolf of Wall Street) and Joel and Ethan Coen (Inside Llewyn Davis) rounding out the top 5.

Long-Shots: Although they seem to be against all odds, there’s the slimmest of chances that any of Woody Allen (Blue Jasmine), John Lee Hancock (Saving Mr. Banks), Lee Daniels (Lee Daniels’ The Butler) and J.C. Chandor (All Is Lost) could weasel their way into the race.

BEST ACTOR

Stone Cold Locks: There appears to be a trio of lead acting performances that you can bet the farm on making it to the final five. Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club) and Bruce Dern (Nebraska) all solidify a stranglehold atop the Best Actor competition.

In the Mix: The next tier of actors are made up of strong performances that have been acknowledged by all different types of precursors, and we still can’t get a handle on who has the inside track to sneak into the final five. Chances are it will be any of Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips), Robert Redford (All Is Lost) and Forest Whitaker (Lee Daniels’ The Butler)

Long-Shots: Joaquin Phoenix (Her), Leonardo DiCaprio (The Wolf of Wall Street), Christian Bale (American Hustle) and Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis) feel a little less like long-shots and more so right on the heels of the Hanks, Redford and Whitaker class.

BEST ACTRESS

Stone Cold Locks: While there’s quite a bit of intrigue surrounding most of the Oscar races, Best Actress certainly isn’t one of them. The pool of 5 is seemingly set with Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks), Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine), Sandra Bullock (Gravity), Meryl Streep (August: Osage County) and Judi Dench (Philomena).

Long-Shots: The only possible threats of dethroning the top 5 are a personal favorite of mine in Brie Larson (Short Term 12), Amy Adams (American Hustle), Adele Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Color) and Julie Delpy (Before Midnight).

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Stone Cold Locks: The Best Supporting Actor contest is shaping up as a slug-fest between Michael Fassbender (12 Years a Slave) and Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club).

In the Mix: With only 3 remaining spots, it’s still too early to count out supporting roles from Daniel Bruhl (Rush), Barkhad Abdi (Captain Phillips), Jonah Hill (The Wolf of Wall Street), Bradley Cooper (American Hustle) and an always difficult to overcome posthumous performance from James Gandolfini (Enough Said).

Long-Shots: As the darkest of horses with the tiniest outside chance of having their names called, I’ll still mention Tom Hanks (Saving Mr. Banks) and Will Forte (Nebraska).

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Stone Cold Locks: While I feel a little less secure calling them “locks” in the Best Supporting Actress race, the pool of 5 appears to be set. It’s fair to say that anything less than a competition between Jennifer Lawrence (American Hustle), Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave), June Squibb (Nebraska), Julia Roberts (August: Osage County) and an overrated turn from Oprah Winfrey (Lee Daniels’ The Butler) would be a surprise.

Long-Shots: The only possibilities of taking down one of the top 5 seem to come from Sally Hawkins (Blue Jasmine) and an even darker horse in Scarlett Johansson (Her).

*** Remember to keep checking back for regular Oscar updates and have a safe and Happy New Year!

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Geekscape Movie Reviews: 12 Years a Slave

by MCDaveOctober 23, 2013

It always begins around this time of year. Prognosticators and hardcore fans of cinema make their initial claims for the upcoming awards season. And in 2013, many are pitting Alfonso Cuarón’s epic sci-fi adventure, Gravity, verse Steve McQueen’s candid period piece, 12 Years a Slave. When broken down, it’s a tantalizing match-up that could very well survive the annual December barrage of Oscar-bait films. Although it’s only October and there’s still a long road ahead, one fact remains assured. Be prepared to hear all of the clamoring and outpouring of love for 12 Years a Slave and its entire collection of cast members.

Solomon Northup (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a free black man living with his wife and children in Saratoga, New York prior to the Civil War. As an accomplished violinist and fan of the arts, two men arrive in Saratoga and offer Solomon a chance to earn a lofty amount of supplemental income playing music with their traveling circus for the next two weeks. Unable to refuse such a gracious offer, Solomon kindly accepts and begins his travels with the pair of gentleman. When they finally reach Washington D.C., Solomon is drugged by his associates and sold into slavery under the false name of Mr. Platt.

It’s impossible to turn a blind eye to the cruel and inhumane history of slavery in the United States. Director Steve McQueen refuses to do so and addresses the harsh realities of that time period in his gripping new drama, 12 Years a Slave. The true life story of Solomon Northup is both horrific and astonishing, much like McQueen’s film. Similar to the southern servants and field workers prior to the Civil War, 12 Years a Slave gives you no choice in the matter … you’re hooked. With a deep emotional attachment to Solomon’s character, thanks in large part to an almost guaranteed Oscar-style performance from leading star Chiwetel Ejiofor, the feature embarks on a difficult, but necessary, journey. For as mesmerizing as Ejiofor is in his leading role, Michael Fassbender, a McQueen-regular, occasionally overshadows him with a devilish supporting turn. It rings eerily similar to Mo’Nique’s Academy Award Winning effort in Lee Daniel’s Precious. And while this is a proper platform to rave on and on about the onscreen brilliance from McQueen’s entire cast, failing to mention the phenomenal debut work of supporting actress Lupita Nyong’o would be a huge injustice. In addition to the director’s admirable ability to evoke these towering performances from his stars, Steve McQueen’s vision is grandiose and executed favorably.

Despite the overwhelming number of successful aspects surrounding 12 Years a Slave, there are a few obvious detractors. For starters, the film suffers from what I like to call “Schindler’s List Disorder”. Now, I’d have to be outside of my mind to discredit Steven Spielberg’s timeless classic, and almost the same thought applies to this contemporary reflection. However, filmmakers ultimately desensitize the audience when they continually depict scenes of brutality. The first time it’s shocking. The second time it’s still appalling. The 13th time it’s just flat-out excessive. But to combat my own criticism, I will laud McQueen for shying away from being overly graphic with the savage nature of slavery until the third act when it becomes completely necessary. Any run-of-the-mill director could rely on a simplistic approach of showing torturous moment after torturous moment, and McQueen recognizes this. Instead, he brushes past many of the barbaric realities of slavery using them only as a complement to Solomon’s unforgettable tale.

There are all different kinds of films. Some are intended to make you laugh, others to strictly entertain. Then, there are the movies meant to arouse deep-rooted emotion. This film is a prime example. While 12 Years a Slave is a worthwhile and spellbinding endeavor, it isn’t a film intended for everyone. Yet, any fan of colossal performances, distinguished direction and compelling dramatics will find plenty to love.

GRADE: 4.5/5

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2013 Philadelphia Film Festival Preview

by MCDaveOctober 17, 2013

There’s plenty of reasons why I always argue that October is my favorite month of the year. First, there’s the weather. The beautiful sunny days followed by chilly nights, I spend the Summer months just craving Fall’s immaculate forecast. Next, October boasts my favorite holiday, Halloween. With all the horror movies and delicious candy floating around to keep us occupied, there’s plenty to love about the tenth month of the year. But none of these irrefutable arguments can compare to my biggest reason why October is the best. It’s the host month of the annual Philadelphia Film Festival. In its 22nd year, I decided to examine this year’s 5 most anticipated film festival screenings. For east coast dwellers like myself who haven’t had a chance to get to Sundance, Cannes or Toronto, the Philadelphia Film Festival, which runs from October 17th to 27th, is the best way to get an early look at many of the biggest Oscar-contenders. But before I begin the countdown, here’s a look at some intriguing films that didn’t make the cut.

Honorable Mention: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner Blue is the Warmest Color, Judi Dench and Steve Coogan in Philomena, then there’s Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix and Jeremy Renner who star in The Immigrant, Le Week-End featuring Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan and finally the thriller Grand Piano starring Elijah Wood and John Cusack.

#5. Labor Day

Director Jason Reitman has developed quite the fan base among voting members of the Academy with earlier works Juno and Up in the Air. While his previous release,Young Adult, failed to garner a nomination, the jury is still out on Reitman’s latest effort, Labor Day. Kate Winslet stars as a depressed single mother who won’t even venture outside of the house. But when she gathers up the courage to take a routine trip to the grocery store, she and her son end up helping out a fugitive on the run (Josh Brolin).

#4. August: Osage County

Whenever you mention Meryl Streep’s name, you have to assume that the Academy is listening. This year Streep stars as a recently widowed matriarch who takes center stage after a crisis brings her entire dysfunctional family back together. Co-starring Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and many more, August: Osage County undeniably has dreams of awards season glory.

#3. All Is Lost

Opening Night of the Philadelphia Film Festival marks the triumphant and talked about return of Robert Redford in the survival tale All Is Lost. In the twilight of his career, Redford is in the early Best Actor conversation with his turn as a sailor who faces mortality after his boat collides into a shipping container floating aimlessly in the sea.

#2. Nebraska

Believe it, anything director Alexander Payne touches turn to gold. He’s a modern-day “King Midas”. Payne returns in 2013 with his black & white comedy-drama Nebraska. Bruce Dern gives a highly buzzed-about performance as a befuddled old man who journeys with his estranged son (Will Forte) to Nebraska in order to claim his million-dollar sweepstakes prize. And not only does the Philadelphia Film Festival always offer a first look at Oscar-caliber features, they provide excellent insight with Hollywood insiders. Alexander Payne and Will Forte will be doing a brief Question & Answer session following the Monday screening of their film.

#1. 12 Years a Slave

Despite being a late addition (not even mentioned in the festival’s program), the film to be most-excited about is Steve McQueen’s festival darling that’s swept every competition it’s been nominated for, 12 Years a Slave. The reviews have been astounding and the cast is star-studded. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup a free black man living in New York prior to the Civil War. However, Solomon is captured and transported to the south and sold into slavery where he suffers to stay alive and regain his freedom over the course of the next 12 years. Co-starring Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti and Paul Dano, 12 Years a Slave could be this year’s Best Picture Winner!

*** REMEMBER TO STAY TUNED FOR FREQUENT UPDATES FROM THIS YEAR’S PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL