With a heavy heart, I have to announce that this will be my last Film Tip Sheet. After 14 months of excitedly talking about new releases coming out in theatres I am handing the reigns over to the very capable hands of Andreas Babiolakis, Live in Limbo’s Film Editor. I know for a fact he is excited to take over this monthly preview and I imagine while the basic format will be similar, he will undoubtedly put his own stamp on the format. That said, I am not going anywhere, as you may notice I just put out my first Concert Tip Sheet as my new role as Music Editor for this publication. All that said, man is January a drag of a month. There are a few films that I am excited for, so it isn’t all terrible!
New Theatrical Releases
Anomalisa
Release Date: January 8th
Directed By: Duke Johnson (feature directorial debut) Charlie Kaufman (Synecdoche, New York)
Starring: David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Tom Noonan (these are literally the only three actors in this film)
IMDb Summary: A man crippled by the mundanity of his life experiences something out of the ordinary.
Why I Am So Excited: This little stop motion film, featuring very adult content (intellectually, emotionally and yes at time graphically) just keeps getting more and more recognition and publicity. Many people, including our own Andreas Babiolakis, had it top their best of the year lists. It is one of those films that if you love Charlie Kauffman scripts, you will love this one.
Kung Fu Panda 3
Release Date: January 29th
Directed By: Alessandro Carloni (feature directorial debut) Jennifer Yuh (Kung Fu Panda 2)
Starring: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson, J.K. Simmons
IMDb Summary: Continuing his “legendary adventures of awesomeness”, Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home.
Why I Am So Excited: At first glance, I brushed this film over until I remembered how enjoyable and downright funny the previous two installments have been. Sure they seem to stuff too much kiddie humour into them, but as a whole the fantastic animation and deep storylines more than make up for it. Look for this film to be one of the nominees for Best Animated Feature at the Oscar’s this year!
Jane Got a Gun
Release Date: January 29th
Directed By: Gavin O’Connor (Miracle, Warrior, Pride and Glory)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Joel Edgerton, Ewan McGregor, Rodrigo Santoro, Noah Emmerich
IMDb Summary: A woman asks her ex-lover for help in order to save her outlaw husband from a gang out to kill him.
Why I Am So Excited: There have been an increased number of great westerns the last few years, with The Hateful Eight being the most recent fantastic one, so hopefully this trend continues. Gavin O’Connor is a bit of a hit or miss director, but having Star Wars alums Portman and McGregor and the underrated Edgerton makes for a great combo.
New On Blu-Ray
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Release Date: January 12th
Directed By: Kyle Patrick Alvarez (C.O.G., Easier with Practice)
Starring: Ezra Miller, Tye Sheridan, Billy Crudup, Michael Angarano, Johnny Simmons, Nelsan Ellis, James Wolk
IMdB Summary: Twenty-four male students out of seventy-five were selected to take on randomly assigned roles of prisoners and guards in a mock prison situated in the basement of the Stanford psychology building.
Why I Am So Excited: If you know even a little bit about this psychological experiment performed in the 1970’s, you already know the outcome. This looks to be an intense and depraved him that showcases the worst of humanity. This film also features a who’s who of up and coming young male actors. I imagine in 5-10 years from now looking back at all the actor’s cast in the film you will wonder how more people didn’t hear about it sooner. This movie won’t be for the faint of heart, but it necessary to watch to understand the things mankind is capable of.
ATTENTION FILM ENTHUSIASTS:
Want to write for Live in Limbo? Do you live in the Toronto area? We’re looking to strengthen the film section of this site! If you would like to have writing featured on this very publication, contact Andreas Babiolakis our Film Editor at the following email: andreas@liveinlimbo.com. We are making 2016 the year the film section of this site explodes. Sign up now, and have your love of film seen by millions!
